Party-list solon to probe Caraga mining firms’ compliance to environmental laws

BUTUAN CITY—Ako Bikol Rep. Rodel Batocabe on Thursday said he was seeking an investigation on the reported violation of environmental and health hazard laws, and nonpayment of taxes by four large-scale mining firms based in the Caraga region.

Batocabe said that on Tuesday, he filed House Resolution No. 2124 for an investigation into the compliance of Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC), Platinum Group Metals Corp. (PGMC) and Claver Mining Corp., all based in Claver, Surigao del Norte; and San Roque Metals Inc. (SRMI) in Tubay, Agusan del Norte, with their mineral production agreements with the government and also to determine the impact of their operation on the environment and economy.

He said the complaints against these firms warranted a congressional inquiry.

“There is a need to investigate comprehensively these reported violations in order to safeguard the interest of the government, protect the environment and ensure economic development in the countryside,” Batocabe said.

Recently, the Tubay town government ordered SRMI to cease operation on a 1,300-hectare land in the said town for its refusal to pay at least P206 million in local taxes.

Ryan Culima, SRMI spokesperson, said their nonpayment was justified, citing the tax holidays they were mandated to receive under the mining franchise granted by the national government.

Aside from nonpayment of taxes, the four large-scale mining firms are being investigated by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) for alleged violations of environmental and health hazard laws, particularly the massive siltation and pollution of Claver Bay.

Leo Jasareno, MGB national director, said the sanctions that would be meted on the said companies would depend on the outcome of the monitoring and evaluation of the water quality, mine structures and safety procedures.

But Jasareno admitted that leakages at the silting containment plants used by the companies were responsible for the siltation in Claver Bay.

He clarified though that despite the companies’ apparent noncompliance with environmental standards and health hazard laws, the MGB could not shut down their operation yet.

“As of now, there was no imminent danger yet that would justify the immediate closure or suspension of the mining firms,” he said.

Rogel Cabauatan, TMC manager for environmental safety, health and security, said rains caused the siltation of Claver Bay.

“TMC is always compliant with environment standards and regulations, the reported pollution is not due to siltation from our mining operations but because of rains, a natural phenomenon,” he said.

He said TMC spent P73 million in environment safety and enhancement programs as part of its commitment to responsible and sustainable mining. Franklin A. Caliguid, Inquirer Mindanao