PAOCC leads coordinated crackdown on illegal mining in Surigao Sur
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
BAROBO, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Benjamin Casuga Acorda Jr. led a strategy meeting on February 7 in Barobo, Surigao del Sur, to strengthen coordinated national and local actions against illegal mining in the province.
The meeting established a unified front between national law enforcement agencies and local government units to address unauthorized small-scale mining operations within the Caraga region, which continue to pose environmental, safety, and community welfare concerns.
Presided over by Acorda, the session focused on improving coordination and enforcement actions against illegal small-scale mining. Technical briefings were presented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Caraga and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), providing an overview of mining operations and regulatory concerns in the region.
The local government unit of Barobo also presented a detailed situation report outlining the history of small-scale mining in the municipality and the current challenges authorities faced in regulating mining activities.
Acorda said the discussion was aimed at helping national agencies gain a clearer understanding of the situation on the ground and identify appropriate interventions.
“We are very eager to look at this at the national level so we can figure out what the real problems are,” Acorda said.
To strengthen coordination and reporting, Acorda shared direct hotline numbers: 0917-130-0792 and 0917-102-9906, and emphasized the importance of collective action. “Para sa ikauunlad ng ating bayan, pagkakaisa ang kailangan,” he added.
Governor Johnny T. Pimentel welcomed the PAOCC chief’s visit, describing it as timely as the province intensifies its campaign against illegal mining.
“Matagal na po naming problema ito, pero ngayon malinaw na at nakuha na natin ang commitment ng national government at ng kapulisan,” Pimentel said.
The governor said the provincial government is prepared to issue an executive order identifying member agencies and defining their respective roles to operationalize enforcement plans against illegal mining.
“With the support of the national government and the Philippine National Police, we can now proceed with coordinated operations and start apprehending illegal miners,” Pimentel added.
The provincial government reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, promoting sustainable and responsible natural resource management. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)