ILOILO – The Iloilo provincial government, acting through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), has issued a cease and desist order (CDO) to halt the mineral exploration activities of two mining firms on Pan De Azucar Island in Concepcion town.
This decisive action aims to safeguard the health of the island’s inhabitants following the detection of arsenic in the groundwater.
Arsenic is a chemical known for its toxicity. Although it has various applications, it becomes a poison when in high doses.
On the morning of Thursday, PGENRO head Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr., along with his team, delivered the order on behalf of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., which had been issued on March 4.
The order specifically named TVI Resource Development (PHILS) Inc. based in Makati City, and Mindoro Resources LTD, a Canada-based company.
Pan De Azucar Island, made up of barangays Tambaliza, Taloto-an and Macatunao, has been recognized for its ecological significance, being declared an eco-tourism site and a crucial island ecosystem. The order referenced previous explorations in 2008 and cited resolutions from the affected barangays as part of its basis for action.
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.
Governor Defensor 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.
Leo Ferraris, barangay captain of Taloto-an, said majority of the residents opposed the mining exploration.
“I stand with them,” Ferraris said in a DYRI RMN Iloilo interview.
The residents’ opposition intensified after noticing large equipment being deployed. They feared the possibility of full-scale mining rather than mere exploration.
“I oppose mining because it’s dangerous for us, especially for our mountains and the farmlands beneath. The residents are aware of this,” added Ferraris.
He explained that there had been mining exploration in their barangay in the past. However, he observed that the mining company managed the area by replanting trees after sampling.
“I was an official back then. Initially, their drilling didn’t cause problems as they would plant trees after their activities. I inspected the site then, and it seemed fine. But now, the system seems different,” he added.
Students from Fernando A. Arlos Memorial School and Diogracias Arlos National High School, along with locals from Barangay Tambaliza, were also calling for an end to the mining exploration.
They urged both the local government unit (LGU) of Concepcion and the Iloilo provincial government to take action.
Last Nov. 30, 2023, students displayed placards in opposition to the mining. The placards bore messages such as “Don’t destroy our island,” “Save our home,” and “No to mining,” among others./PN
