Baguio small-scale miners appeal

February 17, 2020 Provincial

BAGUIO CITY – Dozens of pocket miners who belong to the Baguio Federation of Small- Scale Gold Miners Inc. (BFSSGM) are opposed to the move declaring the city as mining- free zone.
“We are one with our City Officials in curbing small scale mining in certain areas of the City but we do not support the declaration of a mining-free city,” states in the federation’s position paper which a copy was obtained on Tuesday (Feb. 12) from Leoncio Na-oy, officer of the federation and also the group’s representative to the City Mining Regulatory Board (CMRB).
“Certainly, this will affect our only means of livelihood. A livelihood that has ensured in our table and education for our children with the hope that someday our children and our children’s children will not return to this industry.”
The Mining Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera (MGB-CAR) reported that that there are three small-scale mining operations in the city namely-Uabac, Barangay Camp 7 Kennon Road, Kias-PMA and Atok Trail.
Currently, operations of these areas have ceased to operate following the stoppage order issued by Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu due to the tragic landslide of a mining community in Ucab (Itogon) brought by Typhoon Ompong, which resulted to the death of a number of small-scale miners mostly natives from Ifugao.
Actually, Cimatu’s stoppage order covered all small-scale mining operations in the Cordilleras. On the part of BFSSGM, it expressed the “importance of keeping our community safe from illeffects of too much destructive mining.”
The members claimed they have “already evolved to be responsible members of the community.” Years of experience, the group participated in numerous environmental protection activities, health and safety programs. And education programs in partnership with government and non-government organizations.
“All these efforts would be put to waste once this bill becomes a law,” the position paper further states as the federation patiently pursue its dream that its activity be legalized.
“Stopping the small-scale mining industry in the City would only open the floodgates of uncontrolled destruction due to ‘batman” operation, corruption and bribery.”
Earlier, MGB-CAR came up with a position paper which favors declaring the City as mining-free zone. “As far as the regional office is concerned, we do not interpose any objection for the passage,” states in the official position of the MGB-CAR, headed by Its officer-in-charge, regional director Fay Apil.
Baguio Congressman Mark Go introduced House Bill (HB) No. 5619 –”AN ACT DECLARING THE CITY OF BAGUIO A MINING FREE ZONE AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR.
 
Primo Agatep/ABN