The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Saturday sought greater cooperation from local government units (LGUs) to help monitor mining operations after the arrest of suspected illegal foreign miners in Paracale, Camarines Norte.
The miners were allegedly extracting uranium deposits, prompting DENR Assistant Secretary Rochelle Gamboa to stress the department’s need for LGU assistance in overseeing mining activities.
During a news forum in Quezon City, Gamboa said the DENR’s limited manpower makes monitoring all mining sites across the country difficult.
“We need the cooperation of the LGUs, the public, and the media to report damaging small-scale mining operations,” Gamboa said.
“The DENR can’t do it alone with our personnel constraints.”
She noted that the DENR is working with authorities to file charges against those involved in illegal mining operations in Camarines Norte and is considering adding more prerequisites for mining permits.
These measures would require LGUs to thoroughly assess each applicant’s environmental compliance.
Gamboa also cited a recent interview with DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, where Yulo-Loyzaga mentioned the potential for stricter regulations on mining permits.
“The local governments will be tasked with ensuring that mining programs are implemented responsibly and are mindful of environmental impacts,” Gamboa said.
