Authorities in Central Mindanao have renewed their campaign against illegal small-scale gold mining in two mineral-rich towns following reports of environmental damage.
In a report by Philippine Star, radio stations in Koronadal, General Santos, Cotabato, and Tacurong announced on Monday that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 12 (DENR-12), the Police Regional Office-12, and local officials have intensified efforts to curb unauthorized mining activities in the mountain ranges of Tampakan, South Cotabato, and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.
The crackdown follows observations of murky waters in rivers downstream from these areas, which persisted for several days last week. Experts from DENR-12 are investigating claims that heavy rains washed soil from illegal mining pits into the rivers, causing the discoloration.
Tribal leaders from the Blaan communities in Tampakan, an area believed to hold approximately USD 200 billion worth of copper and gold deposits, based on studies by DENR geologists and European mining engineers, have expressed support for the government’s anti-illegal mining initiatives.
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. acknowledged the presence of small-scale gold mining operations in Tampakan and stressed the need for coordinated action to address the issue.
Meanwhile, Blaan chieftain and Tampakan municipal council representative Domingo Collado has called for an outright ban on all small-scale mining activities, locally referred to as “banlas,” within their ancestral lands.
In Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, local officials have pledged their support for the anti-illegal mining operations. Vice Mayor Bai Naila Mangelen Mamalinta emphasized the importance of involving the Blaan community in the enforcement efforts.
The crackdown underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the environment and addressing unauthorized mining in these resource-rich areas.
