Panganiban, Catanduanes – Vice Mayor Arvin Atencia of the Panganiban Sangguniang Bayan emphatically declared their opposition to the controversial mining in the province of Catanduanes.
In an interview with Radyo Peryodiko, Vice Mayor Atencia stated that they had already questioned the reported indiscriminate extraction of coal in the Barangay of Cabuyoan area in the months of July and August. They claimed to have relayed this information to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), but reportedly, they were informed that it falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Energy.
Nevertheless, despite their negative impression regarding the DENR’s response, they reportedly sent a resolution to the DENR to clarify the matter, emphasizing that the environment is affected by the mine. Consequently, the DENR took action, and individuals conducting extraction in the area were apprehended.
Officials confirmed that they were not consulted regarding the ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, despite furnishing them with a copy of their query to the DENR.
The vice mayor stated that the local government of Panganiban, under the leadership of Mayor Robles and the Sangguniang Bayan, vehemently opposes mining, especially if it is irresponsible mining. They claimed that the said mine in their area has already been halted since August.
In their upcoming regular session, it is expected that they will pass a resolution to express their stance on this controversial issue.
It is worth noting that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Ordinance No. 025-2023, temporarily suspending Ordinance No. 006-2013, approved in 2013, which garnered various reactions from environmental advocates, particularly from the Catholic Church. (Bicol Peryodiko News Update)
