Hinoba-an stands firm against illegal mining after nine arrested

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The municipal government of Hinoba-an has reiterated its firm stand against illegal mining following the arrest of nine persons in Zone 10, Barangay Bacuyangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, on Feb. 26.

According to a report from the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Negros Occidental received information from a concerned citizen about an alleged illegal small-scale mining operation in the area.

The operatives coordinated with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to verify pertinent documents related to the operation, which revealed that it had no permit.

A letter was also received from the MGB requesting assistance regarding the alleged illegal mining activity.

The operation resulted in the arrest of Berto, 53, a driver and resident of Barangay Talacagay, Hinoba-an; Jo, 27, a generator operator and resident of Cataingan, Masbate; Chris, 23, a generator operator and resident of Barobo, Surigao del Sur; Dio, 31, a backhoe operator and resident of Rawari Kitao-tao, Bukidnon; Leo, 40, a generator operator and resident of Surigao del Norte; Ran, 57; Dan, 46, a backhoe operator and resident of Zamboanga Sibugay; Ed, 40, a backhoe operator and resident of Mati City, Davao Oriental; and Zhi, 38, of Hinoba-an.

Upon arrival at the area, the suspects were caught in the act of extracting and exploiting mineral resources without lawful authority, resulting in their arrest for violation of Sections 102 and 103 of Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, and violation of Section 3, paragraph (c) of RA 7076, or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991.

Recovered during the operation were two backhoe units, a vibrating screen, a generator set control panel, two 10-wheeler dump trucks, two boxes of mercury bottles, identification cards, 52 rounds of 5.56-caliber ammunition, 23 rounds of .45-caliber ammunition, a firearm case, a bolo and a pickup truck.

The PRO-NIR said the operation demonstrates that illegal mining and exploitation of natural resources will not be tolerated in the region.

In a statement, Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias said he immediately initiated an investigation upon receiving credible information and a formal letter-complaint last week from concerned farmers.

After a thorough assessment, he said the local government filed the appropriate complaints and coordinated closely with the police and the Provincial Environment Management Office to ensure that all actions taken are firmly grounded in law, due process and proper authority.

“I am firmly against illegal mining. Any extraction of our natural resources without lawful permits, regulatory compliance, and environmental safeguards is unacceptable,” the mayor stressed.

While properly regulated and lawful economic activities are recognized under national policy, operations that violate environmental laws and disregard government authority have no place in the municipality. He noted that the rule of law must prevail.

“This issue goes beyond enforcement, it is about protecting the future of every Hinoban-on,” Reliquias said.

He added that farmers, families and communities rely on clean water, fertile land and a safe environment for their livelihood and well-being.

“We stand firm not only in action, but in principle, in defending the welfare, dignity, and long-term prosperity of our beloved municipality, and every proud Hinoban-on who calls it home,” Reliquias said.

Meanwhile, the provincial government commended the coordinated action of the CIDG and all partner agencies under Oplan Kalikasan for the operation.

It recognized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, particularly with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-MGB and other law enforcement units, in promptly acting on reports of unauthorized mining activities.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, in a statement, said effective environmental governance requires decisive enforcement anchored on the rule of law.

The province also remains firm in its commitment to ensure that environmental laws are strictly implemented and that regulatory processes are upheld without exception.

Lacson said a mining permit is a privilege granted by the state, not a right.

“Responsible mining can support development, but illegal or abusive practices weaken public trust, harm ecosystems, and compromise sustainable progress,” he added.

Lacson thanked the enforcement agencies for their vigilance and assured the public that the provincial government will continue to uphold environmental integrity and protect natural resources for present and future generations.