The provincial government of Cotabato has shut down what officials described as a โguerilla-styleโ illegal open-pit mining operation in a remote village in Tulunan, following reports from residents alarmed by the clandestine extraction of gold and copper in the area.
Authorities said the mining activity was discovered in Sitio Kongkling, Barangay Kanibong, after villagers alerted the office of Gov. Emmylou Taliรฑo Mendoza, as well as regional offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Environmental Management Bureau.
Radio reports on Saturday, May 2, said provincial officials, environmental regulators and police operatives moved into the area on Tuesday and halted the open-pit mining operation. The miners reportedly fled when they saw authorities approaching the site.
Officials said the operation involved residents from nearby farming communities who were allegedly extracting copper and gold without government authorization.
Ms. Mendoza said investigators from the DENR regional office, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the Environmental Management Bureau and Cotabatoโs Environment and Natural Resources Office confirmed that the mining activity had no permits from local or national authorities.
โWe in the province will never tolerate such illegal activity,โ Ms. Mendoza told reporters. โWe are thankful to the sectors that helped us stop it promptly.โ
The governor said the province enforces strict environmental ordinances prohibiting mining activities in all 17 municipalities and in Kidapawan City without clearances from the governorโs office, local legislative councils and relevant national agencies.
Provincial officials said they are now preparing possible charges against those responsible for the unauthorized mining operations.
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