Camarines Norte governor probed on illegal mining

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo has ordered Camarines Norte Gov. Edgardo Tallado investigated for his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in the iron ore and gold-rich towns of Paracale and Jose Panganiban.

Robredo issued the directive in the wake of several complaints from local non-governmental organizations and environmental groups about illegal mining operations in Camarines Norte, which allegedly have the “blessings” of Tallado.

“I have ordered the agents of the DILG Office for Internal Security and DILG Region 5 director Blandino Maceda to investigate the case against Gov. Tallado ASAP. The complaints lodged against him by his constituents are serious enough to warrant an immediate investigation,” Robredo said.

Robredo said similar reports have reached Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje and Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon.

For his part, Tallado said he welcomes the investigation, saying this would give him the opportunity to clear his name.

“I welcome the investigation and I believe I will be able to clear my name. I know this complaint against me could have been triggered by politics and meant to distract me in my political plans,” Tallado told The STAR in an interview.

Earlier, the DILG and the Philippine National Police had ordered the relief of Camarines Norte police director Senior Superintendent Joselito Esquivel Jr. and two of his subordinates, Superintendents Lito Andaya and Godofredo Tul-o, for their alleged involvement in illegal mining, particularly on the sale of explosives to miners in the province.

In a letter dated June 18, Rio Paliza, president of the Paracale chapter of the Junior Chamber International Philippines, complained about flagrant violations of environmental laws by three mining companies operating in Paracale which were issued temporary small-scale mining permits by Tallado’s office.

Peliza said the operations of the three mining companies in Paracale have caused so much damage to the local environment, particularly to the Paracale shoreline.