REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
CDO Mayor Pushes For Rehabilitation And Development Of Areas Damaged By Illegal Mining
Photo credit: Mayor Rolando A. UY
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY/ May 19, 2023 - In response to the detrimental effects of illegal mining in the Iponan River, which serves as the border between Cagayan de Oro City and Opol, Misamis Oriental, Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy of Cagayan de Oro City has announced plans for the rehabilitation and development of communities affected by this illicit activity.
Mayor Klarex Uy is calling for improved coordination among the local government of Cagayan de Oro, the local government of Opol, Misamis Oriental, and the provincial government to address the rehabilitation needs of the critical Iponan River watershed, which has been significantly impacted by illegal mining.
While enforcing laws against illegal mining remains a priority, Mayor Klarex Uy emphasizes the importance of implementing rehabilitation and development efforts in communities situated along the river, both in Cagayan de Oro City and Opol, Misamis Oriental.
"The damage caused by illegal mining in the Iponan River affects both Cagayan de Oro and Opol town in Misamis Oriental as this is a shared river ecosystem. It is crucial for us to work together in restoring the damaged environment," Mayor Klarex Uy stated.
On May 10, 2023, the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) submitted a report to the Task Force Kinaiyahan detailing their operations in barangays Tuburan, Pigsag-an, and Tumpagon. Utilizing drone-based mapping technology and ground verification, Clenro confirmed the presence of ongoing illegal mining operations, primarily on the Opol side of the Iponan River. They also discovered traces of mining in Cagayan de Oro.
Following the report, on May 13, 2023, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the Philippine Army and the National Bureau of Investigation, conducted a raid on suspected mining sites. The operation resulted in the arrest of five Chinese nationals and 13 locals involved in illegal mining activities.
During the raid, the authorities discovered ongoing illegal mining operations in barangays Cauyunan and Nangcaon, both located in Opol town. Seized during the operation were six excavators, a fuel tanker, a boom truck, mini dump trucks, industrial water pumps, and various other mining equipment and materials.
Based on satellite maps, authorities have determined that approximately 10.3 hectares of land in barangays Cauyonan and Nangcaon, Opol, Misamis Oriental, have been damaged by illegal mining activities.
Mayor Klarex Uy's push for the rehabilitation and development of these affected areas reflects his commitment to preserving the environment and ensuring the well-being of the communities impacted by illegal mining. The collaborative efforts of the local government, alongside relevant authorities and stakeholders, will play a crucial role in restoring the Iponan River watershed and mitigating the long-term consequences of illegal mining in the region
Mayor Klarex Uy is calling for improved coordination among the local government of Cagayan de Oro, the local government of Opol, Misamis Oriental, and the provincial government to address the rehabilitation needs of the critical Iponan River watershed, which has been significantly impacted by illegal mining.
While enforcing laws against illegal mining remains a priority, Mayor Klarex Uy emphasizes the importance of implementing rehabilitation and development efforts in communities situated along the river, both in Cagayan de Oro City and Opol, Misamis Oriental.
"The damage caused by illegal mining in the Iponan River affects both Cagayan de Oro and Opol town in Misamis Oriental as this is a shared river ecosystem. It is crucial for us to work together in restoring the damaged environment," Mayor Klarex Uy stated.
On May 10, 2023, the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) submitted a report to the Task Force Kinaiyahan detailing their operations in barangays Tuburan, Pigsag-an, and Tumpagon. Utilizing drone-based mapping technology and ground verification, Clenro confirmed the presence of ongoing illegal mining operations, primarily on the Opol side of the Iponan River. They also discovered traces of mining in Cagayan de Oro.
Following the report, on May 13, 2023, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the Philippine Army and the National Bureau of Investigation, conducted a raid on suspected mining sites. The operation resulted in the arrest of five Chinese nationals and 13 locals involved in illegal mining activities.
During the raid, the authorities discovered ongoing illegal mining operations in barangays Cauyunan and Nangcaon, both located in Opol town. Seized during the operation were six excavators, a fuel tanker, a boom truck, mini dump trucks, industrial water pumps, and various other mining equipment and materials.
Based on satellite maps, authorities have determined that approximately 10.3 hectares of land in barangays Cauyonan and Nangcaon, Opol, Misamis Oriental, have been damaged by illegal mining activities.
Mayor Klarex Uy's push for the rehabilitation and development of these affected areas reflects his commitment to preserving the environment and ensuring the well-being of the communities impacted by illegal mining. The collaborative efforts of the local government, alongside relevant authorities and stakeholders, will play a crucial role in restoring the Iponan River watershed and mitigating the long-term consequences of illegal mining in the region
May 20, 2023
