DENR halts all small-scale mining operations in CAR

In the wake of Typhoon Ompong, 33 miners have been reported dead, with 29 more reported missing. Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu has placed a cease-and-desist order among CAR-based, small-scale mining firms in response.

By Anna Gabriela A. Mogato
ENVIRONMENT Secretary Roy A. Cimatu on Monday said he had placed a cease and desist order against small-scale mining companies in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
During the Palace briefing, Mr. Cimatu said that he has revoked the temporary permits of small-scale mining companies in CAR which would be “effective immediately.” This comes after 33 miners died, with 29 more reported missing, in a landslide in Itogon, Benguet.
The landslide was caused by the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong, which affected an estimated 5.7 million people nationwide, according to Senior Presidential Advisor Francis N. Tolentino.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will be aiding the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in implementing the cease and desist orders, Mr. Cimatu added.
Presidential Spokersperson Harry L. Roque during the briefing said that the government “would want justice to be done to the victims.” — reports from Arjay L. Balinbin