Senator Kiko Pangilinan lauded the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its swift action against a Philippine-based mining corporation embroiled in alleged illegal iron ore-extraction activities in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte.
Following reports of illegal mining and extraction activities outside the permissible area and stockpile of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-V (MGB-V), Pangilinan sought clarification from the DENR about the legality of the actions taken by Yinlu Bicol Minerals Corp.
The DENR, in turn, issued a show cause order on December 19 and directed Yinlu’s owner, Robert Melchior Durante II, and its operator, Norteeste Corp., to stop the conduct of mining operations in the open pit and to submit a written sworn explanation or affidavit with supporting documents within 72 hours of the receipt of the order on why its Ore Transport Permit and Mineral Ore Export Permit cannot be withdrawn, revoked, or canceled.
“The firm stance taken by the DENR against illegal mining sends a clear message that our laws exist to protect both our environment and our people.”
“The firm stance taken by the DENR against illegal mining sends a clear message that our laws exist to protect both our environment and our people,” the veteran legislator said.
“Higit na nakakabahala ang pagtapak sa karapatang pangkalikasan dahil ang illegal mining ay hindi lamang sumisira sa ating kagubatan at tubig-kanlungan, ito rin ay nagpapahamak sa mga buhay at kabuhayan sa kanayunan,” the seasoned lawmaker added.
“Dapat rin natin binabantayan ang mga magtatangkang nakawin, sirain, abusuhin, at pagsamantalahan ito.”
The senator furthered that the DENR’s enforcement efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to upholding environmental laws and safeguarding ecosystems that are vital to food security, public safety, and sustainable development.
“Unchecked illegal mining contributes to soil erosion, water pollution, and increased risks of flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable areas. Hindi lamang natin dapat pinapangalagaan ang ating likas na yaman. Dapat rin natin binabantayan ang mga magtatangkang nakawin, sirain, abusuhin, at pagsamantalahan ito,” he said.
“Our natural wealth is not limitless,” Pangilinan stressed.
“Protecting it is a shared responsibility, so we must take immediate and concrete steps to ensure that environmental laws are enforced for the benefit of present and future generations,” he added.
Pangilinan, a long-time advocate for environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, and food security, also urged local government units and communities to support the DENR’s initiatives by reporting illegal activities and promoting responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Based on DENR records, the Mineral Ore Export Permit of Norteeste Corp.—as a trader—allows it to export 55,000 WMT of raw iron ore to Shandong Xinhai Mining Technology & Equipment Inc., located at No. 188 Xinhai St., Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Fushan District, Yantai, China.
The scheduled export has an estimated gross value of US$1,925,000 or P113,979,250.
