61 priests urge Zambo Sur gov: Act decisively vs. illegal mining
PAGADIAN CITY—-The Catholic clergy in Zamboanga del Sur has called for decisive action against ongoing illegal mining operations in various parts of the province.
In a six-page letter dated March 29, 61 priests of the Diocese of Pagadian told Gov. Victor Yu to fully enforce the cease-and-desist order handed down in 2023 by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) against illegal miners in Dumingag town.
They also appealed for Yu to investigate and cause the immediate halt to similar illegal operations in the towns of Mahayag, Midsalip Tigbao and Bayog.
“These mining sites are located within some of our parishes. We have visited the illegal mining sites in person and have listened to numerous testimonies from those involved, including both miners and workers,” the priests’ letter read.
“In a way, we have a little knowledge of the bigger personality or personalities behind these illegal mining activities. To solidify the information we have gathered, we are currently conducting a fact-finding activity within the said mining sites,” they further said.
Briefly stopped
The illegal mining in Dumingag briefly stopped after the clergy and laity in the diocese rose up and held a picket in Barangay Licabang starting on Feb. 12, prompting MGB personnel to coordinate with local authorities to enforce its order by Feb. 22.
“However, we received anecdotal testimonies indicating that some individuals are still visiting the mining sites to continue their activities, even with police and military personnel stationed in the area. Moreover, there are allegations of stones that had already been placed in sacks being stolen and transported passing through the neighboring provinces,” the priests noted.
The clergy said they were banking on Yu’s authority as governor, which makes him the vice chair of the Provincial Mining and Regulatory Board (PMRB), in their push for him to take urgent action.
The priests recommended having the entrance pits to the mining tunnels blasted to permanently close these illegal operations.
They also demanded for “an in-depth investigation so that the masterminds of these illegal mining activities will be publicly known and penalized.”
“The government and its people cannot benefit from illegal activities. The lion’s share of the profit of illegal mining goes to the investors and their cohorts, rather than to the poor,” the priests explained.
The priests also raised the issue of the increase in illegal quarrying activities in various major rivers that add to the environmental strain of the province’s communities.
They further noted mining applications in the municipalities of Pitogo, Dimataling, Tabina, Midsalip and Tigbao that have been kept from the public’s knowledge.
