Court stops ex-mayor’s mining operations

ROXAS CITY—A court has ordered a stop to the operations of a mining firm owned by a former mayor in two villages here.

In an order on Sept. 9, Judge Juliana Azarraga, of Regional Trial Court Branch 15, directed Morcita Mining Engineering Services and Enterprises (MMESE) to stop mining in Barangays Olalo and San Silvestre here.

The mining firm is owned by Gideon “Ike” Patricio, former mayor of Pilar town.

“The court finds sufficient evidence to issue a temporary environmental protection order,” the judge’s decision said.

Roger Patricio, former RTC judge, and Roy Villa, former vice mayor of Pilar, filed a case to stop the mining operations. Roger is a distant relative of Gideon.

The complainants demanded P1 million in damages, claiming that the mining activities caused them sleepless nights, mental anguish and anxiety.

Reached for comment, Gideon said he would ask the court to dismiss the petition because his company isn’t mining in Pilar in the absence of a provincial permit.