Bulacan cops told to arrest illegal miners

MALOLOS CITY — The campaign to protect the environment in Bulacan took another level as Gov. Josie de la Cruz issued a memorandum directing the police to apprehend illegal miners and haulers of illegally sourced minerals.

Under Memorandum Order GO-2005-139 issued to Senior Superintendent Benedict Michael Fokno, provincial police director, policemen were deputized to apprehend illegal mining and quarrying operators, and haulers of illegally sourced mineral and quarry materials

In issuing the memorandum dated June 20, the provincial government invoked Section 465 (2) of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.

Under the order, police can also confiscate the equipment used in illegal quarrying and the vehicles used in transporting illegally sourced mineral and quarry materials.

De la Cruz instructed the police to coordinate with the provincial environment and natural resources office regarding their specific tasks and to update her weekly about their operations.

De la Cruz justified the move by citing the decision of the provincial board declaring illegal the mineral production sharing agreement which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had awarded to Rosemoor Mining and Development Corp.

Provincial officials argued that Rosemoor failed the get the endorsements of the provincial government and its host municipality and barangay for its marble quarrying on Mt. Mabio.