Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) sought the cooperation of local government units in monitoring illegal mining activities amid its probe on foreign nationals working on unlawful sites.
On Oct. 13, 11 Chinese nationals were nabbed in a mining area in Paracale, Camarines Norte.
The Presidential Communications Office earlier reported that the small-scale mining firm was permitted in 2023 “but was found conducting business beyond its authorized area of operation”.
In a news forum on Saturday, Rochelle Gamboa, environment undersecretary, said it is considering strengthening its policy against mining permits.
“May sinabi po si Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga, sa isang interview last week na magkakaroon pa po ng additional mining permit… Before po ibigay iyan, sinisigurado ng local government units together with the MGB, are capacitated enough to ensure that the implementation of the mining programs are coupled with the environmental responsibility, that these are all compliant with environmental laws,” Gamboa said.
[Translation: DENR Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga mentioned in an interview last week that there will be additional mining permits. Before these are issued, local government units, together with the MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau), are ensuring that they are adequately equipped to implement the mining programs in a way that is environmentally responsible and compliant with environmental laws]
The DENR official admitted manpower constraints in their agency, thus needing the help of LGUs and the public in monitoring violations.
“Malaki po siyang trabaho kasi marami pong areas for small scale mining in the Philippines and the DENR can’t do it alone, kailangan pong tulung-tulong and cooperation din ng local government units. But mayroon pong nakasalang na proposal sa Congress for strengthening the enforcement of the DENR,” said Gamboa.
[Translation: It’s a huge task because there are many areas for small-scale mining in the Philippines, and the DENR can’t do it alone. Cooperation and support from local government units are needed. However, there is a proposal pending in Congress to strengthen the enforcement of the DENR]
