ILOILO – Following the issuance of cease and desist orders (CDOs) for mineral exploration activities on Pan De Azucar Island in Concepcion town, two mining companies have been directed to submit comprehensive mitigation measures.
These measures aim to protect the island’s marine life and prevent the potential contamination of groundwater with arsenic.
Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr., head of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), said mineral exploration activities could resume only after the presentation and approval of mitigating measures by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
The companies served with CDOs last week, TVI Resource Development (PHILS) Inc. from Makati City, and Mindoro Resources Ltd. from Canada, have not been given a specific timeline to submit the required plans.
They will be barred from resuming exploration activities until they can present a detailed strategy addressing potential environmental impacts.
According to Buyco, although the companies have environmental plans, these were found to be too general and lacked specific actions for scenarios such as water contamination or measures to control drilling operations to avoid affecting groundwater and other environmental components.
He further noted that not specifying the exact exploration area raises concerns about the companies’ environmental commitment and planning.
“Pag-review namon sang ila plan, daw ka general sang ila mitigating measures. Waay gani naistoryahan kon paano nila control-on ang tubig nga nagasulod halin sa bay area pakadto sa ila to kay nakaabot gali to ang tubig dagat. Kon naga-drill sila to may matandog sila sudlan sila sang tubig dagat, ano na lang. So, kami sa PGENRO daw indi kami satisfied sa na-lay down nila nga mitigating measures,” Buyco told Panay News yesterday morning.
He added: “Ang mitigation (measure) siguro is to conduct sang ila nga drilling without risking exposure sa groundwaters that are being used sang residents didto.”
The serving of CDOs came after the detection of arsenic compounds in the groundwater of Barangay Taloto-an, one of the three barangays in Pan de Azucar.
The other two barangays are Macatunao and Tambaliza.
“Ang akon concern sini is may presence sang arsenic. Ang arsenic nga daan is ginatawag the perfect poison, kay indi ka kabalo kon ginalason ka, indi mo mabal-an nga ginalason ka na gali,” Buyco explained.
He also said that, upon study, the inhalation or consumption of anything contaminated by the arsenic compounds poses health hazards, especially to the residents.
Apart from this, Buyco also worries about the domino effect, which will lead to the destruction of the island’s ecosystem once the groundwater is contaminated.
Pan De Azucar Island has been recognized for its ecological significance, being declared an eco-tourism site and a crucial island ecosystem.
To recall, a field investigation conducted by PGENRO on January 10, 2024, confirmed the presence of arsenic in the groundwater, highlighting the risk to the residents, particularly of Barangay Taloto-an from arsenic exposure.
Arsenic contamination of groundwater is a significant problem in many parts of the world, leading to poisoning when people consume water with high levels of arsenic over long periods.
Chronic exposure to arsenic can cause serious health issues, including skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. also emphasized the potential widespread ecological impact on the island’s closed ecosystem from such mineral exploration activities.
The report from the PGENRO investigation has been forwarded to the Environment Management Bureau’s Pollution Adjudication Board for a comprehensive evaluation and necessary action.
Defensor underscored the responsibility of the provincial government to steward the environment and natural resources, aiming to ensure public health and safety, maintain a balanced ecology, and protect the well-being of its citizens.
The cessation of exploration activities will continue until protective measures for marine life and mitigation strategies for arsenic contamination are established, and the conditions from the investigation are met.
Defensor highlighted the role of the national government, through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in issuing mining permits. However, he argued for the necessity of involving and informing the local government units (LGUs) concerned, underscoring the LGUs’ role in environmental management.
The controversy surrounding mining exploration on Pan De Azucar Island emerged following opposition from residents and officials of the three barangays, signaling a broader dialogue on the management and oversight of natural resources within the region./PN
