A CAMARINES
Norte judge has issued a temporary environmental protection order (TEPO)
stopping the unabated and continuous mining operation of Bohai Top Mining
International in Barangay Napaod, Labo, CamNorte.
Judge Arniel A
Dating of the 5th Judicial Region, Branch 64 at Labo, Camarines Norte, issued
the TRO based on the complaint filed by Rommelito Fenix against Gov Edgardo
Tallado under SCA case No. 2012-0028.
“All persons, natural or judicial, have been
ordered to immediately cease and desist from conducting further mining activity
operation at Bgy. Napaod, Labo, Camarines Norte, utilizing the so-called
small-scale mining permit issued by Gov. Edgardo Tallado until the termination
of the case,” the order stated.
From the
evidence disclosed to the court, the order further stated that “the said mining
activity... is more than a small-scale mining activity considering the use of
heavy equipment.” The court felt that irreparable injury to the environment
will continue if no TEPO is issued.
Prior to the
issuance of TEPO, a dismantling order was issued by Region V DENR Director
Theodore Rommel E. Pestano, pointing out that upon the formation on February 6,
2013 of a joint NBI-MGB-PNP-Bureau of Immigration, it found out that the
continued processing of minerals will pose potential hazard to its immediate
environs aside from the fact that it violates RA 7942, EO79 and presidential
directives.
Pestano acted
on the persistent complaints of concerned citizens and barangay residents who
brought their problems to the office of Congresswoman Cathy Bartcelona Reyes.
The joint
operation of the composite team seized several backhoe, payloaders and other
heavy equipment and held around 14 Chinese nationals who were subjected to
inquest investigation at the Department of Justice and subsequently detained at
the NBI for lack of legal documents. – Journal Online
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