Pangasinan gov faces graft charges for black sand mining

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the filing of graft charges yesterday against Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino and 13 other government officials and private individuals for engaging in illegal black sand mining in the Lingayen Gulf.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, in a joint resolution, approved the finding of probable cause against the governor and his fellow respondents based on the recommendations of Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon and Environmental Ombudsman Gerard Mosquera.

Facing two counts of graft are Espino; provincial administrator Rafael Baraan, and Cynthia Camara and Lolita Bolayog of Alexandra Mining and Oil Ventures, Inc.

Facing one count of graft are Pangasinan Housing and Urban Development coordinating officer Alvin Bigay; Alexandra Mining directors Cesar Detera, Edwin Alcazar, Denise Ann Sia Kho Po, Annlyn Detera, Glenn Subia and Emiliano Buenavista; and Michael Ramirez, Gina Alcazar and Avery Pujol of Xypher Builders, Inc.