DENR intensifies crackdown on illegal mining in
Surigao Sur
By Nida
Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG
CITY (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) Caraga intensified its enforcement efforts against
environmental violations following the successful shutdown of illegal mining
operations along the Carac-an River in Barangay Lobo, Cantilan, Surigao del
Sur.
DENR’s
heightened enforcement effort aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s
order to strengthen environmental protection, uphold the rule of law, and
promote sustainable management of the country’s natural resources under the
Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda.
The joint
anti-illegal mining operation, on April 9-10, resulted in the arrest of nine
Chinese nationals and one Filipino, along with the confiscation of heavy
equipment and gold ore materials valued at approximately ₱50.5 million,
reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting natural resources and
preserving environmental sustainability.
Strengthening inter-agency enforcement
The
operation was conducted through coordinated efforts among multiple government
agencies, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XIII,
Philippine National Police (PNP) units, Philippine Air Force (PAF), National
Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and enforcement teams from the Community
Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Cantilan and the DENR Regional
Enforcement Division.
According
to DENR Caraga Regional Executive Director Maritess M. Ocampo, the enforcement
activity commenced at around 9:00 p.m. on April 9 and concluded successfully at
approximately 9:30 p.m. on April 10.
Authorities
seized several pieces of heavy equipment used in illegal mining operations,
including dump trucks, excavators, payloaders, and a pick-up truck. Other
confiscated materials included generator sets, fuel containers, steel frames,
and fine sand containing traces of gold.
The
arrested individuals are currently detained at the Cantilan Municipal Police
Station pending documentation and inquest proceedings.
Upholding environmental laws and accountability
Authorities
confirmed that the arrested individuals will face charges for violations of
Republic Act No. 7942, also known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, as well
as provisions under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act
(E-NIPAS Act) and the Chainsaw Act of 2002.
These
violations include illegal exploration, theft of mineral resources,
unauthorized timber cutting within protected areas, and possession of
unregistered chainsaws.
Ocampo
emphasized that the enforcement action highlights the DENR’s commitment to
safeguarding the environment and preventing illegal exploitation of natural
resources.
“This
operation demonstrates the DENR’s unwavering commitment to enforce
environmental laws and protect our natural resources from illegal
exploitation,” Ocampo said.
She added
that the agency continues to coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration (BI)
regarding the custody and legal processing of the foreign nationals involved.
Meanwhile,
the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and intelligence units are assisting in
tracing the ownership of an abandoned dump truck recovered during the
operation, which has been placed under “red alert” status.
Protecting ecosystems and community safety
Illegal
mining activities pose significant risks to the environment, particularly to
river ecosystems and surrounding communities.
The
Carac-an River, where the illegal operation was discovered, serves as an
important natural resource supporting local livelihoods, agriculture, and
biodiversity. Unregulated mining activities in river systems can lead to soil
erosion, water contamination, and habitat destruction, potentially affecting
both downstream communities and aquatic ecosystems.
Through
strengthened enforcement and inter-agency collaboration, the government aims to
mitigate environmental degradation while ensuring accountability among
violators.
Sustaining environmental protection efforts
The DENR
underscored the importance of public participation in reporting environmental
violations and supporting conservation initiatives.
By
promoting stronger compliance with environmental regulations and enhancing
coordination among law enforcement agencies, government authorities continue to
reinforce national efforts toward sustainable resource management and environmental
protection.
The
agency encouraged communities to remain vigilant and to cooperate with
authorities in safeguarding natural resources, emphasizing that collective
action plays a vital role in preventing illegal activities that threaten
ecological balance and public safety.
As
enforcement operations continue nationwide, initiatives like the recent
crackdown in Surigao del Sur demonstrate how government agencies are working
together to uphold environmental laws, protect ecosystems, and promote
responsible resource use in support of long-term national development. (NGPB,
PIA Surigao del Sur)
