BUTUAN CITY – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is ramping up its efforts to combat illegal mining in Mindanao, introducing innovative strategies and fostering stronger collaboration among key stakeholders. From March 26-28, 2025, representatives from MGB Regional Offices IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, along with experts from the Central Office’s Mining Technology Division and Legal Service Division, convened at Amarah Hotel in Butuan City for a landmark Training Workshop on Strengthening Mining Law Enforcement in Mindanao.
This workshop was a hands-on initiative designed to address the persistent challenges posed by illegal mining activities in the region.
Legal experts provided critical insights into the enforcement process, including Atty. Pastor Oran III of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) – CARAGA, who outlined the legal framework for apprehension, search, and seizure in mining violations. Atty. Rambo F. Quico from the Department of Justice (DOJ) – National Prosecution Service – CARAGA delved into procedures for investigating environmental crimes, while Atty. Karen Cecil Panopio-Lafranco from the DENR Central Office emphasized the importance of a recently signed Memorandum of Agreement between DENR and DOJ to strengthen prosecution efforts against environmental offenses.
Workshop participants worked together to craft proposals aimed at reshaping enforcement policies and procedures. Among the key outputs was a recommendation to revise existing guidelines on seizing illegal minerals and equipment under MGB Memorandum Circular 2018-01. Another notable proposal called for deputizing DENR officers to standardize enforcement practices across Mindanao. Efforts were also directed toward creating standardized legal documents and securing funding to support enforcement operations—steps that could significantly enhance the region’s ability to tackle illegal mining head-on.
These recommendations are now being forwarded to the MGB Central Office’s Policy Technical Working Group for review and potential adoption as official policy. The workshop concluded with participants pledging to sustain momentum and ensure these strategies are implemented effectively across regional offices.
Mindanao’s mineral wealth has long been overshadowed by rampant illegal mining operations that threaten both economic potential and environmental sustainability. With these bold new strategies in place, the region is poised to turn the tide against such activities. Will these initiatives finally make a lasting impact? Share your thoughts on what lies ahead for Mindanao’s fight against illegal mining—let’s keep the conversation going!
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