Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles. File photo
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a stop to mining activities in Tumbagaan Island in Tawi-Tawi’s Languyan municipality, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Tuesday.
Nograles bared that Duterte expressed concern over the island during the full Cabinet meeting held on Monday.
“The island has, at this point, been mined up and while rehabilitation efforts are underway, the President is issuing a directive to stop any and all mining in Tumbagaan Island and to step up the rehabilitation of the area by planting more trees and other efforts of rehabilitation,” Nograles said in an online briefing.
The President ordered this following reports that Tumbagaan Island has been “completely devastated” due to mining operations in the area, the Palace official said.
“More actions will be considered as more light is shed regarding the state of the island and the conduct of mining operations in the area,” Nograles added.