Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Hinoba-an Mayor Daph Reliquias on Saturday, Feb. 28, issued stern warnings against environmental lawbreakers following a major crackdown that saw nine individuals arrested for illegal mining.
Both leaders emphasized that the protection of natural resources is non-negotiable, asserting that unauthorized mining poses a direct threat to the ecological balance and the livelihoods of local communities.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested nine persons, including a Chinese national, and seized ₱17.5 million in evidence during an “illegal mining” crackdown in Barangay Bacuyangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, on Thursday, Feb. 26.
Reliquias, who said he initiated the investigation following complaints from local farmers, emphasized that his administration will not waver in its stand against unauthorized extraction of mineral resources.
“Let me be unequivocal: I am firmly against illegal mining,” Reliquias said. “Any extraction of our natural resources without lawful permits, regulatory compliance, and environmental safeguards is unacceptable. The rule of law must prevail.”
“While properly regulated and lawful economic activities are recognized under national policy, operations that violate environmental laws and disregard government authority have no place in our municipality,” he added.
Reliquias said the municipal government coordinated closely with the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to validate reports before the raid.
He stressed that the protection of clean water and fertile land for Hinoban-on families outweighs any unauthorized economic activity.
Lacson commended the CIDG and partner agencies under “Oplan Kalikasan” for their decisive action.
“The Province remains firm in its commitment to ensure that environmental laws are strictly implemented,” Lacson stated.
“A mining permit is a privilege granted by the state; it is not a right. While responsible mining can support development, illegal practices weaken public trust and harm ecosystems,” he added.*
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