DENR official: Small-scale mining in Paracale had local officials' tacit approval

Small-scale mining operations in Paracale town in Camarines Norte province, such as the one that has 12 miners trapped in its tunnel, may have had the silent approval of local officials, a Department of Environment and Natural Resources official said Thursday. DENR Mines and Geosciences Bureau Director Leo Jasareno said the small-scale operations appeared to go on despite his office's cease-and-desist order. "Ang narinig natin from local government officials, dahil umano sa kahirapan, kinokunsinti ang mga nagmimna," he said in an interview on dzBB radio. He also cited the frequent reassignments of police personnel in the area, such that the present police force may be new to the area. For his part, Paracale Mayor Romeo Moreno insisted they have not given the miners the permit to operate in the area. "Ayaw nga nilang tumigil diyan sa lugar na 'yan e. Patago silang nag-o-operate diyan. Walang permit tayong ibinibigay," he said in an interview on GMA News TV's 'News To Go' Thursday. At least 12 miners were reported trapped in a mining pit that collapsed in Paracale. Jasareno said that as of Thursday morning, DENR teams were sent to the area. But he said their initial investigation showed those trapped were "illegal small-scale miners" who entered the property of United Paragon Mining Corp. Jasareno said the company is a large-scale gold mine whose operations were suspended after its lease contract expired. He said the miners appeared to have dug vertical shafts but were not trained to use dynamite. "Pumasok sila sa kanilang hukay sa may tabi ng dagat. May dynamite sila na walang permit," he said. When asked if the trapped miners formerly worked for United Paragon, he said they are not certain for now. "Pero sigurado tayo taga-Paracale ang mga ito," he added. Residents refuse to cooperate Mayor Moreno cited a police official as saying they are having difficulty with their investigation on the incident as residents refuse to cooperate. "Hindi po nagko-cooperate sa atin ang mga tao doon," Moreno quoted the police as saying. "Ayaw nilang magbigay ng statement para po makatulong sa sinasabing pagco-collapse po ng balon o mine pit," police said according to Moreno. Paracale is rich in gold ore, and reports have it that large deposits can be found in various riverbeds, flood plains, and even sink holes in the area. In January, two people from the town were killed when a mine tunnel collapsed following continuous rains. — with a report from Mandy Fernandez /LBG, GMA News