Miners tap tribal folk to transport explosives

DAVAO CITY - Authorities here are looking into reports that miners are using tribal folk to illegally transport explosives to the gold-rush area at Mt. Diwalwal in Monkayo, Compostela Valley.

Senior Superintendent Gregorio Dolina, Southern Mindanao regional police director, said the use of explosives for blasting has been prohibited in the mining site, thus apparently prompting miners to tap natives "who are familiar with the terrain in the forests surrounding Mt. Diwalwal."

"They walk their way to the mining site and as much as possible avoid detection by the special police force assigned in the area," Dolina said.

The natives reportedly each carry about 10 to 20 kilos of chemicals used in making explosives, and take an entire day trekking the mountains before reaching Mt. Diwalwal.

Dolina said even workers of mining firms are occasionally tapped to transport the explosives but are accompanied by natives who know the forest trails.

"That is why I have ordered our men there to conduct more foot patrol and not just stay at checkpoints. They have to pursue these people who are carrying the explosives," Dolina said.

The use of tribal folk to transport explosives became frequent last month when President Estrada lifted the moratorium on mining activities at Mt. Diwalwal.

Miners still prefer to use explosives for blasting, which increases their extraction of gold ore. -