TACLOBAN CITY – Rep. Marcelino Libanan of the 4Ps party-list representative reminded mining companies to comply with all laws to avoid any possible opposition to their operations.
Libanan, who is also the minority floor leader in the House of Representatives, stressed while the country has an existing mining law that guides mining companies, it is clear that many of them are not following it reason they are facing strong resistance from their respective host community.
“Itun nga responsabilidad diri kuno mahihibang itun gin miminahan kay mayda man hitun rehabilitation diresto. Itun minero nga responsible, nagtitikang man itun ha exploration, pero an kamatuuran pala an mina nga ira nakukuha gin babaligya na nira and most often binabayaan nira an open pit asya nga nareact an mga tawo,” the party-list solon said.
The issue of mining operations is now in the spotlight, especially in Eastern Samar, particularly at the historic island of Homonhon, Guiuan town.
Catholic leaders are leading in opposing the mining operations in Homonhon as well as in Manicani Island, also in Guiuan town.
“Kun imu ig iimplement properly ngada ha kahuman pagmina, harus an tanan nga flora and fauna will be restored to its original and then an imu pagkita baga’t waray pagminahi kay ibabalik mo man an mga natural flora and fauna pati an mga species nga nakada nga siguro asya it atun angay kitaun ngadi ha Eastern Samar,” Libanan said.
“Itun akun position is responsible mining, karuyag sidngun kun mayda hira permit mayda kaakibat nga responsabilidad,” he added.
Governor Ben Evardone has earlier called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) to enforce and implement environmental and mining regulations.
The governor had earlier demanded for the mining companies to pay their real property tax to the province.
There are at least four mining companies operating on Homonhon Island and one on Manicani Island.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
