Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando directed the enforcement of the Cease-and-Desist Order and Notice of Violation issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 3 against Ore Asia Mining and Development Corporation in Barangay Camachin, Doña Remedios Trinidad.
The order stemmed from the mining company’s violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 9275, or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, after a damaged check dam under its management allegedly caused pollution in several rivers in the province.
This came after parallel investigations conducted by the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of San Miguel, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and the EMB confirmed that the Balaong-Masalipit, San Miguel, and Biak-na-Bato rivers all exhibited discoloration, allegedly causing fish mortality in the area. Reports suggest that the discoloration originated from the operations of the mining firm.
“Patuloy nating ipagtatanggol at babantayan ang ating likas yaman sa lalawigan.”
Fernando assured Bulakenyos that the provincial government will continue to adopt holistic policies and measures to defend, protect, and preserve the environment.
“Nais kong muling bigyang-diin sa lahat, patuloy nating ipagtatanggol at babantayan ang ating likas yaman sa lalawigan. Kabilang [dito] ang lupa at kabundukan, tubig, halaman, hayop, pangisdaan at pamamalaisdaan, at panggubat na nasasakupan ng ating lalawigan,” the governor said.
He also emphasized that Ore Asia’s ongoing mitigating efforts in reaction to the damaged check dam remain insufficient, as the discoloration of the Balaong River continues to cause concern among nearby residents.
“Malinaw na hindi sapat ang isinagawang remedyo ng Ore Asia Mining sa pamamagitan ng paglalagay lamang ng harang sa nasirang check dam.”
“Malinaw na hindi sapat ang isinagawang remedyo ng Ore Asia Mining sa pamamagitan ng paglalagay lamang ng harang sa nasirang check dam upang mapigilan ang paghalo ng basurang tubig sa kailugan. Nagdudulot lang ito ng pinsala at pagkabahala sa ating mga kababayan,” Fernando said.
BENRO recommended among others that Ore Asia be made to shoulder all costs associated with implementing corrective measures, including but not limited to, cleanup activities and water quality testing, until the results fully comply with the prescribed water quality standards under RA No. 9275.
Moreover, Fernando said that policies and ordinances will be strengthened and strictly implemented across the province to maintain environmental cleanliness and combat pollution.
As of press time, a series of damage assessments are ongoing, and he committed to providing Bulakenyos with timely updates regarding the issue.
“Hindi [rin] tayo magdadalawang-isip na magsampa ng kaukulang demanda sa sinumang mapapatunayang may paglabag sa kaganapang ito. Maraming salamat po sa ating pagkakaisa,” Fernando added.
Meanwhile, BENRO has coordinated with barangay officials and the MENRO of San Miguel to continue regular monitoring of the Balaong River to track water quality improvements and prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Additionally, water sampling and laboratory analysis were recommended to determine the presence of contaminants and measure levels of suspended solids.
