By CESAR JOLITO III
Hinoba-an Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias takes a firm stance against illegal mining activities in the town following the arrest of nine individuals over alleged extraction of natural resources in Barangay Bacuyangan.
“I am firmly against illegal mining. Any extraction of our natural resources without lawful permits, regulatory compliance and environmental safeguards is unacceptable. The rule of law must prevail,” Reliquias said in a statement.
“We will stand firm not only in action but [also] in principle in defending the welfare, dignity and long-term prosperity of our beloved municipality,” he added.
On Thursday, February 26, nine individuals, including a Chinese national, were arrested, while around P17.5 million worth of mining equipment was seized during a law enforcement operation.
“This issue goes beyond enforcement. It is about protecting the future of every Hinoban-on. Our people rely on clean water, fertile land and a safe environment for their livelihood and well-being,” Reliquias said, vowing to defend the welfare and long-term prosperity of the community.
The mayor said an investigation into the alleged illegal mining was initiated and that all actions taken were “grounded in law, due process and proper authority.”
“I address the public with clarity and resolve,” he added.
Reliquias said after validating the allegations, the municipal government formally endorsed the matter to the Negros Occidental Provincial Environment Management Office and coordinated with national agencies, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, for joint inspection and technical evaluation — steps that eventually led to the enforcement operation.
The authorities said the suspects — allegedly working as drivers, generator operators, backhoe operators, and a mining manager — were caught in flagrante delicto extracting and exploiting mineral resources without lawful authority.
They are facing charges for violations of Sections 102 and 103 of Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act, and Section 3 (c) of Republic Act 7076, the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act.
No valid permit
Investigators said the operation stemmed from information provided by a concerned citizen who personally reported an alleged illegal small-scale mining activity.
Verification with the MGB showed that the operation had no valid permit, and a formal request for assistance was later issued by the bureau.
Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) conducted casing and surveillance operations that confirmed active mining.
Recovered during the operation were two backhoes, a vibrating screen machine, an automatic generator set control panel, two 10-wheeler dump trucks, boxes containing mercury bottles, assorted ammunition, a firearm case, a bolo with scabbard, and a pickup truck.
‘Permits are a privilege, not a right’
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in a statement, commended the coordinated action of CIDG and its partner agencies, highlighting the importance of inter-agency collaboration in effective environmental governance.
“A mining permit is a privilege granted by the state, not a right,” Lacson said.
“Responsible mining can support development, but illegal or abusive practices weaken public trust, harm ecosystems, and compromise sustainable progress,” he added.
Lacson assured the public that the provincial government will continue to strictly enforce environmental laws and protect the province’s natural resources for present and future generations as the case proceeds through the courts./CJ, WDJ