Bills seeking mine ban in East Visayas near OK

TACLOBAN CITY—Two bills making two provinces in Eastern Visayas “mining-free zones” were approved by the House of Representatives’ committee on natural resources last week.

Approved on May 23 by the committee, chaired by Surigao del Norte Representative Francisco Matugas, were House Bill No. 5898 authored by Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone and HB 5855 authored by Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado.

The two bills would be sent to plenary.

Passage into law

Evardone, in a text message on Monday, said he was elated that the committee on environment and natural resources finally approved his bill. He also expressed hope that it would eventually become law.

“I am encouraged by the decision of the committee on environment and natural resources approving my bill. After this, the bill will now be presented before the plenary for [debate and approval],” the Eastern Samar lawmaker said.

According to Evardone, he was working for the approval of his bill since mining activities have proliferated in Samar.

Mining companies are operating in several towns of Eastern Samar, including the historic island of Homonhon, which is rich in nickel and chromite.

Killing

Mining activities are also ongoing in Borongan City and in the municipalities of Balangiga, Giporlos and Salcedo, where an antimining leader, Francisco Canayong, was knifed to death by a still unidentified assailant last May 1.

Under his bill, Evardone seeks to make Eastern Samar a mining-free zone.

Under the bill, it would be unlawful for any person to conduct mining in the province. Violators face imprisonment of at least six years and a fine ranging from P200,000 to P500,000.

Foreigners found violating the proposed law face deportation.

Mercado’s bill provides for a penalty of imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of up to P500,000 for violators.