Duterte warns mining firms: Clean up your act

In his second State of the Nation Address on Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte said his administration would make it a “non-negotiable” policy to protect the environment from the destructive effects of mining.

In his speech, Duterte demanded all mining companies to clean up the adverse effects of their mining operations.

“Reasonable and sustainable development is what we advocate and require,” he said. “The protection of the environment must be made a priority ahead of mining and all other activities that adversely affect one way or the other. This policy is non-negotiable.”

Duterte said he was “sternly warning” all mining operations and contractors to stop its “unbridled and irresponsible destruction over watersheds, forests, and aquatic resources.”

“You have gained much from mining,” he said. “You have considerably neglected their responsibility to protect and preserve.”

Duterte said he would hold all mining companies and officials “responsible for the full cleanup, restoration, rehabilitation of all areas damaged by mining activities and the extension of all necessary support to all communities that have suffered.” /atm/rga