MGB starts enforcing order vs illegal mines in Zamboanga del Sur

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Authorities on Tuesday started implementing the cease and desist order issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) against small-scale miners in Bayog town in Zamboanga del Sur.

“It’s a provincial government-initiated operation and supported by the police and military,” said Maj. Gen. Rainier Cruz, head of the military’s 1st Infantry Division.

The order included the dismantling of structures of illegal small-scale miners, specifically those owned by members of the Monte de Oro Small Scale Miners Association (Mossma), Cruz told Inquirer.

Cruz said the soldiers were deployed to ensure the operations are peaceful.

Chief Supt. Napoleon Estilles, police chief for Western Mindanao, said at least 70 policemen were deployed to assist the MGB in implementing the cease and desist order.

But Estilles said the police forces would not participate in the actual demolition of structures.

“If they would demolish anything, police should not be part of it,” Estilles said.

Cruz and Estilles said the presence of military and police forces are for peace and order purposes only.

Resident Alvin Lucero said private security guards, escorted by policemen, have started demolishing mining structures.

“Some machines were destroyed and some were confiscated,” Lucero said.

Mayor Leonardo Babasa Jr. said there was “minor tension,” like verbal exchanges between the demolition team members and mine workers.

Babasa also said a land mine exploded in Barangay Dipili, but no one was hurt.

Babasa said the demolition team also seized power generators and other pieces of equipment in the area.

“It’s ongoing until now and I believe this will last for about five days,” the mayor said.

Babasa said Mossma-owned tunnels and structures did not have permits to operate. Julie S. Alipala, Inquirer Mindanao