Peaceful SSM crackdown sought

AS THE crackdown on all small-scale mining activities started October 1, Benguet Governor Cresencio Pacalso asked for a peaceful closure of mine sites.

“I – assess natin kung hindi delikado, payagan natin. Kung delikado huwag nalang muna. Talagang ganoon mangyayari. Hopefully hindi darating sa ganoon na it would be a peaceful movement of the small-scale miners away from the danger zone. Kasi ang purpose nito hindi dahil sa pagmimina nila, dahil nasa delikadong lugar sila,” Pacalso said.

Pacalso said aside from agriculture, small scale mining have been the main source of livelihood with 20,000 small scale miners in Benguet, which is about 20 percent of the population of the province.

With the closure of small scale mines, Pacalso added all national agencies are fast tracking their plans to give alternative livelihood projects for the small-scale miners.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the region informed the municipality of Itogon of the plans of the National Task Force on Mining Challenge on the small-scale mining activities and landslide at barangay Ucab, in Itogon, Benguet following a land slide at level 070 caused by Typhoon Ompong.

DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu have stressed in his visit in Benguet capitol the first phase to stop all small-scale mining and to relocate miners out of the dangerous areas.

“Oplan Itogon” states after target selection of mine sites for closure, the NTFMC

through the Philippine Army, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation will operate against non-compliant mine sites.

The mine closure procedure indicates that if resistance is exhibited, the person can be restrained and brought to police precinct.