Indigenous folk recall mine firm's permit

Kibungan, Benguet – The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in a rare and surprise decision stopped mining company Da Gamma Minerals by recalling its permits.

NCIP lawyer Alex Degyem said an order released June 29, directed Antonio Olarte, representative of the mining firm, to stop operations and maintain the status quo.

With Benguet police director Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor presiding over talks between stakeholders at the Kibungan town hall last week, to douse tension and the Philippine Army on the side, a supposed dialogue closed early when an order signed by NCIP Regional Director Amador Batay-an came ordering certifications issued last March to Da Gamma were recalled until the company and the NCIP office receive a written notice that the deed of assignment between Gambang village in Kibungan and Da Gamma has been approved by the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The decision was also sent to Director Samuel Paragas of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

The mining company was supposed to start exploring for minerals at the political boundaries of Kibungan and Bakun, Benguet but villagers stood against it.

The town is reportedly rich in mineral reserves, attracting investors from local and international firms.

Residents are pushing for the removal of all Da Gamma equipment in the area.