Local execs, cops vow to capture Chinese mining mastermind

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur—Local officials and the police have vowed to capture the Chinese national behind the illegal mining operation that destroyed the river near the Mt. Magdiwata watershed.

The Chinese financier is said to be the “big fish” in the illegal mining operation.

Senior Insp. Eprhaim Detuya, the town police chief, said police are investigating the case further and getting more information that would lead to the arrest of the illegal mining operation brains.

Six Chinese nationals were arrested here on Saturday after they were tagged as being behind the illegal mining operation near the Mt. Magdiwata watershed. Investigators, however, said the six were just working in the mining area though without working visas and with expired tourist visas that allowed them entry into the Philippines.

“Those responsible will be held liable for causing the destruction of the watershed,” said Mayor Jenny de Asis as she ordered a close monitoring on the influx of Chinese nationals residing in this town mostly engaged in mining operations using heavy equipment.

Police have yet to establish the identities of the Chinese syndicate’s Filipino partners.

In 2010, police launched a crackdown on an illegal mining operation in the guise of legitimate sand and gravel activities in Sumogbong Creek, just 200 meters from the watershed, which turned out to be that of a syndicate of known local businessmen and Chinese financiers.

The Catholic Church here has called on the faithful to be more vigilant against encroachment on the Mt. Magdiwata watershed.

Parish priest Fr. Artemio Jusayan expressed concern about unabated illegal logging and mining activities that continue inside the watershed in his message to churchgoers at Mass on Sunday.

Jusayan, in a phone interview, said a cause for concern is an endorsement from village officials in Barangay Alegria that would allow Philsaga Mining Corp. to explore areas near the watershed in exchange for building a road for the village.

“The people in the entire town must know,” said Jusayan. “They should be consulted,” he said.

He said the threat of disaster taking place in the town is not a remote possibility.

Officials of the mining company have yet to issue a statement, but a source said the exploration is not likely to turn into full mining since the “mineable” reserve is in another village, Tambis, in Surigao del Sur.

Philsaga has a mineral production sharing agreement that covers 6,000 hectares of land in the area.