Small scale miners told: Stop Baguio operations

City council backs resolution

BAGUIO CITY– Small scale miners and mining operators were issued orders to stop operations to avert environmental disaster in this summer capital, also known as the city of pines.  

The City Council approved a resolution strongly supporting resolution of City Mining Regulatory Board for full implementation of stoppage orders issued to all small-scale mining and mineral processing plant owners operating within the Uabac area, Camp 7, Kennon road, including other small-scale mining groups operating within the area.

The resolution authored by Councilor Michael Lawana stated that it is the policy of the city through its recently approved environmental code which declares that the city shall maintain the its unique ecological, and socio-cultural character and committees to steadfastly implement all existing laws, rules and regulations to protect its environment.

           The CMRB issued Stoppage Order No. 2K-15-01 dated July 3, 2015 to  Ronald Gamboc, Renato Bagsang, Aladin Roy Wagas, Benny Gamboc, Geoffrey Malicdan, Michael Ngeteg, Ben Pangang-at, Abreol Tabayag, Punong Barangay Alfredo L. Cong-o and all small-scale miners and processing plant owners within Uabac area, Camp 7, Kennon road, Baguio city to stop their alleged illegal small-scale mining operations.

Under the CMRB resolution, mining operations in the area causes environmental degradation such as the pollution of the Bued river, and undermines the stability of Kennon road, buildings and other constructed structures proximate to the small-scale mining operations.

         The CMRB, with the other concerned government agencies, local government units and stakeholders during a joint meeting last July 21, 2016, agreed to jointly enforce the full implementation of the stoppage order covering all the small-scale mining activities in the area.

The Council said the full implementation of the stoppage order is not limited to seizures or confiscations of illegally sourced minerals or mineral products, including the tools and units of equipment and conveyance used in the operation, but also dismantling of facilities and filing of complaints against the alleged illegal small-scale mining operators.

Full implementation of the stop order shall be undertaken anytime jointly by all concerned government agencies, local government units and stakeholders after complying with the other identified requirements that include among others, project deputation of the Philippine National Police (PNP), securing of demolition orders from the City Mayor’s Office, issuance of another stoppage order to the small-scale mining groups reiterating the earlier issued stoppage order, and issuance of a notice of implementation directing them to voluntary demolish or dismantle their adits or structures and vacate the area within one month upon receipt of the new stoppage order.

          Concerned government agencies, local government units and other stakeholders were furnished the DMRB resolution to seek their full support for the implementation of the stoppage order.

The CMRB is chaired by the regional director of the Cordillera Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the city mayor as vice xhair, with members from the city council, large and small-scale mining representatives and a representative from a non-government organization advocating for environmental preservation and protection.