CEBU CITY, Cebu, March 11 (PIA) -- Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) Regional Director Armando Malicse deputized 44 enforcement officers in the city and province of Cebu to strengthen and augment the implementation of the mining laws and curb illegal mineral extraction in Central Visayas.
The enforcement officers consist of the following: 22 personnel from the Philippine National Police-Cebu City Police Office (PNP-CCPO), 17 from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-7), and 15 from the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO).
As deputized officers of the MGB, they can now apprehend and/or confiscate illegally sourced minerals, mineral products, by-products, tools, and equipment including conveyances used in the commission of an offense in violation of relevant provisions of Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Prior to their oathtaking as Environment and Natural Resources Officers for MGB-7, the newly-deputized personnel and other CCENRO staff participated in the recent Enforcement Training on Anti-Illegal Mining held at the One Central Hotel, Cebu City.
The activity aimed to conserve and protect the country’s mineral resources.
This was the first training and deputation of enforcement personnel in the region.
“The Mines and Geosciences Bureau-7 cannot do this alone. We need the active coordination and cooperation of the local government units and all enforcement agencies to curb illegal mining activities in the region,” said Malicse.
MGB-7 has virtually conducted the said training and deputation amid the pandemic.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and CCENRO Head Editha Peros thanked MGB-7 for the activity and the informative presentations as well as the facilitators and CCENRO staff.
“The training is important to raise awareness among law enforcers about Mining Laws, the various types of permits issued by DENR-MGB, as well as the local government unit’s devolved MGB function," said MGB 7 Legal Officer Atty. Cid Jerome Navarez.
Navarez proposed uniform and unified procedures for the apprehension in implementing the mining laws in the region.
He assured that MGB-7 will maintain close coordination and communication with the PNP personnel during their intensified apprehension and will seek collaboration and cooperation with local government units. (HFG/PIA7 with reports from MGB7)
