DENR stops all small-scale mining operations in CAR
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu orders a halt to all small-scale mining operations in the region of Cordillera after a typhoon-triggered massive landslide in a mining town in Itogon Benguet left over 30 people dead, and dozens more still missing.
Cimatu made the announcement during a press briefing with Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque and other Benguet local officials earlier in La Trinidad.
The Environment Secretary said he is issuing a cease and desist order of small-scale mining operations in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) “to prevent further danger to the lives of small-scale miners.”
Cimatu added the order covers all mining operations including those applying for Minahan ng Bayan applications in the region.
Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-Cordillera Director Fay Apil said there are ten associations who have temporary permits allowing them to operate mining activities in the region.
“At present, there are existing applications for Minahan ng Bayan in some areas of the region. While we wait for the approval and proclamation of these applications, we ask our small-scale miners to cooperate and stop all small-scale mining activities here,” the Environment Secretary noted.
Minahan ng Bayan
Cimatu vowed to implement stricter rules in declaring Minahan ng Bayan areas, which allows for organized mining particularly for small-scale miners.
He said these areas should not be located in landslide prone areas, noting what happened in Itogon served as a wakeup call.
“Kung hahanap tayo ng Minahan ng Bayan locations, dapat ilayo natin ang titirahan… [dapat sa] flat [areas] and at the same time hindi kasama sa geohazard [map]. Dapat hindi sila titira doon,” said Cimatu.
Livelihood Assistance
Roque said the government will provide livelihood assistance to the hundreds who might be affected by the latest DENR order.
There are hundreds of small-scale miners in the mining town of Itogon, Benguet.
Roque noted the affected miners can expect assistance from Departments of Labor and Employment and Social Welfare and Development. He said the government will also activate the alternative livelihood of TESDA. The Department of Agriculture will also be mobilized for the skills training, and identifying of areas where displaced residents can settle should they choose to engage in farming.
“Marami naman pong pang-agrikulturang produkto na maaring ipalit sa [pagmimina]. Ang CAR naman is really recognized as the vegetable bowl of the Philippines,” said Roque.
