Cagayan de Oro City Councilor Eric Salcedo has expressed concerns on the alleged mineral explorations in the hinterland villages without any coordination from the local government unit.
Salcedo reported during the weekly session the alleged exploration of metallic mineral resources conducted by three firms in Dansolihon, Tagpangi, Pigsag-an, Tumpagon, and Tignapoloan.
He added that the currently explored minerals are iron, copper, and gold.
The involved companies are reported to be applying for the renewal of their business permit.
The said companies are operating with the approval of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), without the coordination of the city government.
“I’m concerned that this exploration could lead to mining these minerals. Ug akong dakong pagsupak niining pagmina kay makahatag kini ug dakong epekto sa atong environment,” Salcedo said was quoted in a Sunstar report.
Salcedo attempted to pass a resolution to stop the exploration, as well as the non-renewal of their permits, which was opposed by some councilors.
Salcedo withdrew the proposal and intends to do a one-week investigation instead at the committee level.
Councilor Edgar Cabanlas said the companies should have due process and time to hear their side.
“It is premature for us to stop their application because there is no application yet. We cannot presume, there must be due process,” he said.
