ASESDC recommends immediate stoppage of illegal mining operation in Agusan del Sur

By David M. Suyao

Friday 6th of July 2012

AGUSAN DEL SUR, July 6 (PIA) -- The Agusan del Sur Environment and Sustainable Development Council (ASESDC) recommended to Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza the immediate stoppage of a mining operation in Barangay Das-agan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

According to Ranulfo Paler, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office – local government unit of the provincial government (PENRO-LGU), the mining operation allegedly financed by some Chinese nationals operates without proper permit and is practicing the open-pit operation using heavy equipment that can cause great damages to the area and neighboring areas.

In a meeting held on July 4, Paler presented to members of ASESDC photos on how the mining firm operates. The soils are moved by a backhoe and pressurized volume of water is spread in the loose soil, allowing the soil to flow down toward low-laying areas where they are gathered for processing.

Within the very large ruined area, big and small fallen trees are scattered, including other forest products. Paler said wild animals and birds can no longer be seen within the area.

Paler added that prior to the meeting of the ASESDC, Mayor Jenny de Asis of San Francisco wrote a letter addressed to Plaza asking for help in stopping the operation of the mining firm, and the impounding the equipment be effected. Plaza then ordered the ASESDC to review the case reported by de Asis.

In a motion by ASESDC member Danilo Lastimosa duly seconded by Dr. Rex Linao, a resolution was passed recommending to the provincial governor the immediate stoppage of the mining operation in Barangay Das-agan and the impounding of their equipment, while investigation will be done to those involved in the said illegal mining operation.

Upon the approval of the resolution by Plaza, the help of police being one of the members of ASESDC will be called in order that the resolution be served and acted immediately. (RER/DMS/PIA 13-Agusan del Sur)