MGB deputizes 8 NBI agents to apprehend illegal miners

MANILA, Philippines - Eight agents of the environmental protection division of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have been deputized to apprehend perpetrators of illegal mining activities that continue despite numerous court orders suspending illicit operations.

In an announcement on its website, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) said it has forged a deputation agreement with the NBI to authorize personnel of the NBI-Environment and Wildlife Protection and Investigation Division to stop the illegal transport of minerals from illegal mining operations and file the appropriate charges against the operators.

The agents were also deputized to seize equipment and vehicles used in illegal mining operations. They would likewise regularly monitor illegal mining activities.

Deputized by the MGB and NBI were: Sixto O. Cornia (head agent), Reynaldo M. Remo (executive officer), Marvin R. Matamis (special investigator), Dominador Samiano Jr. (special investigator), Chester V. Gans (agent on case), Gregory B. Yu (special investigator), Joel M. Tovera (special agent), and Idelfonso G. Mantilla.

“Despite the Cease and Desist Orders (CDOs) that have been issued by the courts in response to the complaints filed by the MGB regional directors concerned, perpetrators are still undertaking clandestine operations in defiance of the stoppage order,” said the MGB. “Police assistance and support will add teeth to the implementation of the CDOs.”

The MGB said the prevalence of illegal mining has become “an urgent concern” in many parts of the country.

“It is concomitant with environment, health and safety concerns as well as the non-payment of taxes,” the bureau.

Early this year, the MGB stopped the operations of three Chinese companies engaged in magnetite sand mining and processing operations along the beaches of San Vicente, Ilocos Sur.

The MGB has issued a cease and desist order (CDO) against Yinyi Philippines Investment Holding Group, Inc. and An Bang Mining Company have been found to be operating in prohibited areas.

Hong Ze Mining Corp., on the other hand, holds a Mineral Processing permit but has been mining within the 200-meter onshore area that is closed to mining activities.

To prevent the transport of magnetite sand coming from San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, the MGB has stopped  issuing a mineral ore export permit for the black sand mined by the three companies.