The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12) has intensified its campaign against illegal ‘banlas’ mining or hydraulic mining activities in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.

Through the SOCCSKSARGEN Environmental Protection Task Force (SEPTF), DENR-12 conducted a multi-agency field operation to assess illegal hydraulic mining activities in Sitio Datal Saub, Barangay Datal Blao.

During the operation, the team discovered several abandoned makeshift shelters that were removed on-site and recovered mining equipment, including hydraulic hoses.

DENR-12 confirmed that hydraulic mining has impacted the local ecosystem severely, specifically the Dalol River.

DENR added that the alarming discoloration of the river is a proof of the ongoing environmental degradation.

The Environmental Management Bureau-SOCCSKSARGEN (EMB-12) also conducted water sampling to check for possible mercury contamination and to establish baseline data for long-term monitoring.

“The operation underscores growing concern over the illicit use of hazardous substances and the threat posed to the ancestral domain and biodiversity in the region,” DENR-12 said.

The Indigenous Peoples (IPs) community and residents are urged to strengthen environmental vigilance and resist illegal mining.

“The operation follows previous consultations with barangay and Indigenous Peoples (IP) leaders in response to river pollution reports from last year. The provincial government of Sultan Kudarat headed by Provincial Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu has expressed full support for the crackdown and urged local government units to act quickly,” DENR-12 added.