MGB-CAR conducts mine inspections in Baguio, Benguet

Heeding the request from the Sangguniang Bayan of Itogon, Mines and Geosciences Bureau – Cordillera (MGB-CAR) head RD Fay W. Apil dispatched a team of engineers from the Mine Management Division to probe the mining tunnels of Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc. (ISRI) in Sangilo, Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet on February 05, 2020.

The inspection team comprised of representatives from the local government unit (LGU) of Itogon led by Municipal Councilor Dax Godio, Benguet Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) Roger Kenny, Barangay Officials from Dalicno, Itogon, and Engrs. Santiago M. Bugnosen, Felimon V. Aliado, and Florentino Kub-aron Jr. of MGB-CAR.

According to a press release, the team inspected the truth behind the allegations that ISRI is mining beyond its patented area.

During the post-inspection meeting, it was agreed that the team will examine the gathered information from a more detailed survey on the surface to verify the claims of the complainants.

In related news, composite teams from the City of Baguio, Office of Baguio City Congressman Go, and the MGB-CAR visited small-scale mining areas located at Atok Trail and Kias, Baguio City during the last week of January 2020.

Moreover, the teams also visited the reforestation area of the small-scale miners on the Emerald Group in Kias.

According to a press release, the visit aimed to not only check on the small-scale mining operations in the areas but also to meet with the affected sector after Congressman Mark O. Go filed a bill seeking to declare Baguio City as a mining-free zone.