3 solons seek probe of mining activities

PALO, LEYTE, Philippines – Officials of Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Eastern Visayas have vowed to conduct an investigation on alleged illegal mining activities in three Samar provinces, and the bad effects these caused the environment.

This was after three congressmen from Samar island filed House Resolution 938 requesting the natural resources committee for a congressional inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the reported proliferation of illegal mining in the island.

The three, Rep. Raul Daza (Northern Samar), Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento (1st dist., Samar) and Rep. Ben Evardone (Eastern Samar), blamed the rampant illegal and irresponsible mining activities for the recent massive flooding in the island prompting them to sign the resolution to have these investigated.

The other solon, Rep. Mila Tan (2nd dist., Samar) did not sign the resolution.

The resolution also cited reports about some mining contractors who were granted permits even without complying with requirements such as the concurrence, via a barangay assembly, of the constituents of a barangay where the mining operation is conducted.

So far, MGB's Environment and Safety Division head Romulo Babatugan said that agency's records showed no large-scale mining operations in the province and only small-scale mining operators have permits issued by the governors.

Two other mining companies, NICUA and Strongbelt, operating in McArthur town of Leyte got their permits from the DENR central office, said Babatugan, although MGB-8 director Roger de Dios has reportedly issued a cease and desist order last January 6 against the mining operations of the two.

“Information revealed the NICUA mining company and the Strongbelt are now on their initial stage of magnetite mining operations. But we have not yet received any official communication on this matter from the DENR," said Babatugan.

Babatugan however recommended the reconstitution of a Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) to regulate these small-scale mining operations.

“With the increasing number of applications for mining exploration in Eastern Visayas, it would be timely for the provincial LGUs to reconstitute PMRB so that any small-scale mining will undergo all necessary and legal processing before they can go ahead with their mining activities,” he said.

Currently, the MGB reported that some 37 applications for mining exploration are now pending for proper documentation and processing, however some of them were already given their permits after complying with the requirements. – THE FREEMAN