Paltek di Cordillera 1 Issue No. 1 CY 2018

First Minahang Bayan in Cordillera declared

anuary 15, 2019, Caucus Room, Benguet Provincial Capitol Building II. J Members of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) of Benguet signed Resolution No. 001, s. 2019 declaring the applied area of LIPMA in Loacan, Itogon, Benguet as Minahang Bayan (MB). Members of PMRB Benguet sign resolution declaring the first Minahang Bayan in The resolution stated that the area Benguet applied for by the Loakan Itogon Pocket Miners Association (LIPMA) covering 64.6486 hectares has been evaluated and given clearance by the office the DENR Secretary.

However, only 56.2072 hectares of the said area was declared as MB since it does not require the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process because it is within the patented mining areas and was already given consent by the patent owner which is the Benguet Corporation. The remaining 8.4414 hectares require the FPIC process. Members of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board of Benguet show the signed resolution declaring a Minahang Bayan in Benguet. The resolution also mentioned that L-R: Atty. Eduardo M. Aratas, Member, Large Scale Mining Representative, Dir. Fay W. Apil, existing small scale miner Chairperson, and OIC, MGB Regional Director, Hon. Crescencio C. Pacalso, Co-Chairperson associations operating in the area and Provincial Governor, Dr. Peter M. Cosalan, Member, NGO Representative, Engr. Lomino shall be given preference in the N. Kaniteng, Member, Small Scale Mining Representative. awarding of SSM contract/s. Standing at the back, Engr. Santiago Bugnosen, member of the Technical Working Group. The board is looking forward to declaring more MB areas soon.

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EDITORIAL

FACING THE GEOLOGICAL CHALLENGES AHEAD

eological disaster lessons The massive landslide at Ucab, Itogon caused by Typhoon Ompong of the past must be G carefully studied and should serve as guide in facing future challenges.

The past year saw unfortunate events visiting the Cordillera Administrative Region. Typhoon Ompong and Rosita left us with hundreds of dead and some still missing and unidentified.

These tragedies could have been avoided if only warnings were immediately heeded.

Nevertheless, we continue looking forward and learn from our past.

The most important lesson we have gained from these experiences is that we are no match against nature’s wrath. We can however prepare and mitigate the damages and destruction weather disturbances could inflict on us EDITORIAL TEAM: by making use of all the knowledge and data generated for us. Fay W. Apil It would also be very beneficial if we really take good care of our OIC, Regional Director environment and implement measures that could improve our Francisco M. Bilog environmental state. OIC, Finance and Administrative Division Felizardo A. Gacad, Jr. The geohazard maps produced by the bureau consolidates the Chief, Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division geological hazard assessment conducted in the different Alfredo J. Genetiano municipalities of the region and could serve as guide in disaster risk Chief, Mine Management Division reduction planning and management. Benigno Cesar L. Espejo OIC, Geosciences Division While it is true that we are no match against nature’s wrath, there is always something we can do to mitigate its effects on us. Sheila May V. Sanqui Information Officer II

IN THIS ISSUE: Contributors: Science Research Specialists 1st MB declared………………………..Page 1 Stoppage Orders …..………………..Pages 8-9 Finance and Administrative Division Geosciences Division Mine Management Division Editorial…………………………………….Page2 PEPO monitored……. …..………... Page 10 Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division RD’s Viewpoint………………………….Page 3 Apayao LGUs …..…………...………. Page 11 Office Address: Mines and Geosciences Bureau-CAR Geological Assessment ……….....Page 4-5 MB Flowchart ………..………………Pages 12 80 Diego Silang Street, 2600 Baguio City Telephone Number: (074) 442-6392 Fax Number: (074) 304-2596 NTF—MC ……… ……………………….Page 6-7 E-mail addresses: [email protected];mgb.cordillera @ gmail.com Website: www.car.mgb.gov.ph FB: Mgb Cordillera

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RD’s VIEWPOINT DAO 2018-18: Centralized Management and Coordinative Mechanism

n August of 2018, DENR Secretary Roy P. Cimatu signed DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2018-18, establish- I ing a centralized management and coordinative mechanism at the regional offices of DENR, MGB and EMB, and designating the DENR Regional Director as the Regional Executive Director providing overall command of regional operations.

The said DAO aimed to ensure effective coordination at the Regional level in the supervision of the regional offices and in the enforcement of environmental laws, rules and regulations.

To ensure coordination, the Regional Executive Committee (Execom) composed of the DENR Regional Executive Director, DENR Assistant Regional Directors, MGB Regional Director and EMB Regional Director meets regularly to discuss important matters regarding implementation of its programs.

Even before the order, the regional environment bureaus in the Cordilleras have already been in close coordination with each other and have already been performing as one. Accordingly, the order strengthened unity and cooperation among the DENR officials and personnel.

MGB augmented provincial environmental working forces by deploying mining engineers and geologists to the CENRO level who assist in addressing mining concerns and even those which are geologically related. They also complement the workforce of that level.

Consolidated Information, Education, Communication (IEC) activities are conducted in coordination with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs), where all concerned bureaus and divisions are represented and could immediately respond to concerns raised by stakeholders.

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things” - Mother Teresa

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Geological assessment of small-scale mining areas in

the region conducted

he Ucab landslide tragedy of September T 2018 in Itogon, Benguet left costly and painful lessons to the people of the Cordillera Administrative Region. Nevertheless, it

highlighted the importance of proactive actions Capcapo small scale mining site in Poblacion, Licuaan-Baay, Abra in disaster reduction and prevention. The geohazard maps produced and distributed by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau aimed to help local government units in their planning activities, thus averting disasters of great magnitude in the future. Towards the last quarter of 2018, detailed geohazard assessment activities were simultaneously conducted in the different small

scale mining areas in the Cordillera A composite team of environmental enforcers closes the mine site in Administrative Region. Abra. ...Continued on page 11 Landslide Susceptibility Province Municipality Barangay Sitio Rating Abra Licuan Baay Mapisla Ag-agit Moderate Abra Licuan Baay Mapisla Patok High Abra Licuan Baay Nalbuan Malawlawed High Abra Licuan Baay Poblacion Capcapo Critical *residential Abra Licuan Baay Poblacion Kumel-ab High Abra Licuan Baay Poblacion Matal-lip High Abra Sallapadan Ududdiao - Moderate to High Abra Lacub Guinguinabang Balawang High Abra Lacub Magtalalang Buneg High Abra Lacub Bumurayok Buneg High Abra Lacub Guinguinabang Kalimpupusog High Abra Lacub Talampac Lipit High Abra Lacub Talampac Tubtub High Abra Lacub Talampac Dugdug-ingaw High Abra Lacub Talampac Binangsalan High Abra Lacub Talampac Kadaddaunan High Abra Lacub Talampac Kalinisan High Abra Boliney Dumagas Paniimen High Abra Boliney Dumagas Dao High Apayao Conner Paddaoan Catob High Apayao Conner Talifugo - High Apayao Kabugao Lenneng - High Paltek di Cordillera 5

ASSESSED SMALL-SCALE MINING AREAS

Landslide Susceptibility Province Municipality Barangay Sitio Rating Benguet Tuba Camp 4 Jaime High to very High Benguet Tuba Camp 4 Besa High to very High Benguet Tuba Camp 4 Camp 6 High to very High Benguet Tuba Camp 4 Tollgate High to very High Benguet Tublay Ambassador Toque High to very High Benguet Tublay Caponga Palew High to very High Benguet Itogon Ampucao Manganese Very High Benguet Itogon Ampucao Samuyao Very High Benguet Itogon Ampucao Upper Camp Very High Benguet Itogon Ampucao Bet-ang Very High Benguet Itogon Ampucao Nangileg Very High Benguet Itogon Ampucao Saddle Very High Benguet Itogon Ampucao Shoot Nagawa Very High Benguet Itogon Gumatdang Minac Very High Benguet Itogon Gumatdang Dalisay Very High Benguet Itogon Gumatdang Dapong Very High Benguet Itogon Gumatdang Tuap Very High Benguet Itogon Gumatdang Surong Very High Benguet Itogon Loacan Loacan Proper Very High Benguet Itogon Loacan Dampingan Very High Benguet Itogon Loacan Beda Very High Benguet Itogon Poblacion Goldfield Very High Benguet Itogon Poblacion Supang Very High Benguet Itogon Poblacion Pob. Proper Very High Benguet Itogon Poblacion Purok 3 Very High Benguet Itogon Ucab Malasin Very High Benguet Itogon Ucab Keystone Very High Benguet Itogon Ucab First Gate Very High Benguet Itogon Virac Kias Very High Benguet Itogon Virac Karhol Very High Benguet Itogon Virac Batuang Very High Benguet Itogon Virac Balatoc Very High Benguet Itogon Virac Bubon Very High Benguet Itogon Virac City Limit Very High Benguet Itogon Tuding Bua Very High Ifugao Aguinaldo Halag - High Kalinga Balbalan Talalang Gaang Critical/Very High Mt. Province Sagada Fidelisan - High Mt. Province Bontoc Mainit Farnek High Mt. Province Bontoc Mainit Patugtug High Mt. Province Bontoc Alab Proper Baliwang High Mt. Province Bontoc Alab Proper Matiim High Mt. Province Bontoc Alab Proper Bilig Very high to Critical Mt. Province Bontoc Alab Proper Bengasan High Mt. Province Besao Laylaya Maliten High Mt. Province Besao Bunga - High

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Challenges of the National Mining Task Force By: Sheila Sanqui with Phillip Sagayo and Dino Sab-it

B y virtue of Special Order 53, DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu created the National Task Force Mining Challenge (NTFMC) on Operation Golden Sunrise January 26, 2018 to address the problem on illegal small-scale mining activities in the country.

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995; Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2010-21 (Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 7942); RA 7076 (People’s Small- Scale Mining Act of 1991); and DAO No. 2015-03 (Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 7076) NTFMC’s main objective is to strengthen the enforcement of the said laws and other environmental laws, rules and regulations all over the Philippines.

The task force had its kick-off activity in the city of Baguio, particularly within the Philippine Military Academy’s reservation areas on February 10, 2018 in an operation dubbed as Operation Golden Sunrise. The task force teams were composed of personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera Administrative Region (MGB-CAR), Environmental Management Bureau-Cordillera Administrative Region (EMB-CAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). OPERATION GOLDEN SUNRISE ITEMS CONFISCATED ESTIMATED VALUE On February 14, 2018 DENR Secretary 982 sacks of ore (initial assay value of Cimatu led the blasting of 18 mine 3.61 gms Au/t, 0.63% Cu, 40 kgs/sack of tunnels located within the military ore) P406,875.00 academy’s reservation areas. 162.5 kgs Sodium cyanide (P200/kg) P32,500.00 Operation Golden Sunrise confiscated 15 kgs Borax (P60/kg) P900.00 mineral ores and chemicals with 20 kgs. Activated Carbon (P140/kg) P2,800.00 estimated value of at least half a million pesos. TOTAL P443,075.00

Towards the last quarter of 2018, Typhoon Ompong devastated the region and caused the massive landslide in Ucab, Itogon, Benguet on September 16, 2018, which claimed the lives of at least a hundred people, most of whom are miners and their families. Unregulated small-scale mining activities in the area were viewed as the major culprit that contributed to the tragic landslide. Prompted by what happened, Secretary Cimatu ordered in a nationwide press conference, the Cease and Desist of all illegal small-scale mining activities in the region.

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To ensure compliance to this order, the National Task Force launched another operation focused in Itogon, thus Operation Itogon. This operation was conducted on October 7-9, 2018 and was supervised by Assistant Secretary for Field Operations-Luzon, Asec. Joselin Marcus Fragada, who served as the Ground Commander.

Nine (9) groups composed of representatives from the DENR-CAR, MGB-CAR, EMB-CAR, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) were dispatched to Oplan Itogon different areas of the municipality with the mission to close and cordon off adits and processing plants utilized by illegal small-scale miners; to confiscate hazardous chemicals and explosives being used for illegal small-scale mining operations, and to disconnect flying connections, or illegal electric connections leading to adits and processing plants. While the operations placed the miners’ plight in difficulty, the department secretary promised that declarations of Minahang Bayan areas will be fast tracked and small-scale miners in the region can conduct their activities in a regulated way and fully supported by our existing laws. Oplan Itogon. Cordoning of adits. OPLAN ITOGON

Geological assessment...from page 4 Pursuant to the order of Secretary Roy A. Cimatu of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to stop all illegal small-scale mining operations in the region, MGB – CAR personnel including all MGB embedded personnel deployed in the different CENROs/PENROs of the Cordillera Administrative Region were consequently deputized as Enforcement Group and ordered to strictly implement the stoppage of all small-scale mining activities and to conduct a detailed geohazard assessment of these areas. The table highlights the location of these assessed areas and their corresponding landslide susceptibility ratings. Areas which have been classified as very high to critically susceptible to landslides have been rated as such due to the presence of residents in their immediate vicinities. Some of these areas have already been classified as danger zones, and relocation have been earlier recommended.

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MGB ISSUES STOPPAGE ORDERS IN MT. PROVINCE By: Alkene Com-ong and Frenzel Paatan

ursuant to the cease and desist order (CDO) of DENR Secretary Cimatu, stoppage orders were served to small scale miners operating in Barangay Bunga, Tadian, P Barangay Laylaya and Barangay Categan, Besao, and Barangay Alab Proper, Bontoc.

Engr. Gilbert V. Ayugat Issuing Stoppage order to Special Order No. 137 was articulated deputizing MGB personnel Mr. Padua a small-scale mining operator in including all embedded in CENROs/PENRO offices as Brgy. Bunga Tadian Enforcement Group and ordered to strictly implement the stoppage of all Small-scale mining including Mountain Province. A team headed by Engr. Gilbert Ayugat composed of personnel from MGB-CAR, MGB-III, PNP and LGU was formed to implement the stoppage orders in the area.

The team met some resistance from miners arguing that it is their source of livelihood. However, it was reiterated that their activities need to be regulated and operations are subject to the declaration of a Minahang Bayan in the area.

Engr. Ayugat at Fidelisan Barangay Hall Sagada The geologist of the team, Jelson Edduba emphasized the hazard explaining the order of the DENR Secretary to and possible danger of living in a geologically hazardous area stop all small-scale mining activity within considering the loose characteristic of the soil in the place. Cordillera Administrative Region.

ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES IN ABRA n September 17, 2018, the Department of Environment and CHECKED Natural Resources (DENR) O Secretary Roy. A. Cimatu ordered By: Richard Palma and Vincent Panarngon the closure of all small-scale mining activities in the whole Cordillera Administrative Region. The Secretary’s order was prompted by the unfortunate landslide in Ucab, Itogon, Benguet brought about by Typhoon Ompong. In support to the Secretary’s Order, Hon. Jocelyn V. Bernos, governor of Abra, signed Executive Order (EO) No. 11, Series of 2018 ordering the stoppage of small scale mining and all-mining related activities in the Province of Abra.

To ensure the implementation of both orders, an inter-agency meeting and action planning headed by the Provincial Government of Abra was convened by the governor. This was attended by DENR-Abra, Philippine National Police(PNP), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on October 01, 2018. Composite team closing a mine adit and installing Since, there is no approved Minahang Bayan in the Province stoppage signage

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STOPPAGE ORDERS IN KALINGA IMPLEMENTED By: Jestee Dona-al and Von Walcien

composite team from concerned agencies headed by PSI Nelson T. Sad-ang (Chief of Police, Balbalan MPS), CPL Crispin S. Agoy A (50 IB, Philippine Army), Imelda B. Casiwan Information dissemination at Gaang, Balbalan (OIC, CENRO Pinukpuk), and personnel from the regional office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau conducted an information drive and campaign against illegal small-scale mining operations in barangays Gaang, Sesec-an, and Talalang in the municipality of Balbalan.

By virtue of Special Order No. 143, the Officers and Members of the Police Regional office including all Provincial, Municipal and City Police Offices/Units were deputized in the campaign against illegal mining and stoppage of small-scale mining (SSM) and processing in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Together with MGB and DENR personnel, the Balbalan MPS personnel spearheaded the posting of fifty (50) “CLOSED FOR OPERATION” tarpaulin signages on SSM adit portals and processing plants. Sitios of Sesec-an and Gaang were posted with two “THIS BARANGAY SUPPORTS THE STOPPAGE AND CLOSURE OF ALL ILLEGAL SMALL-SCALE MINING AND PROCESSING”.

of Abra, all small scale mining activities in the province are considered illegal pursuant to Republic Act No. 7076, otherwise known as the People’s Small Mining Act of 1991.

The composite team from DENR-Abra and PGA-ENRO which included uniformed personnel from PNP (Provincial Police Office, MPOs on their respective area of responsibility (AOR), and Special Action Force), and from Philippine Army/Armed Forces of the Philippines, conducted field operations to stop illegal small-scale mining operations from October 03 to 10, 2018 in the municipalities Composite team conducting IEC on mining of Manabo, Boliney, Sallapadan, Daguioman, Lacub, Baay-Licuan, related laws to the SSM community of and Malibcong. During these field operations, the closure and Bgy. Dumagas, Boliney, Abra stoppage of small-scale mining operations in the area were explained and IEC on Mining Laws were conducted to concerned municipal and barangay officials, small scale miners, and other stakeholders.

The team visited the mine workings and installed tarpaulins and signages indicating the closure of the mine sites. A total of seven (7) mine sites were closed during the said operation.

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COMPLIANCE TO PEPO MONITORED By: Charlene Bulong and Myla Mangoltad

uring the last quarter of 2018, MGB-CAR embedded personnel Ms. Charlene Veronique Marie P. Bulong and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office – legal consultant Atty. Joyce Marie G. Dango conducted a D quarry site inspection at Sumigar, Brgy. View Point, Banaue, Ifugao to update information regarding the quarrying activities in the area and monitor compliance to the permanent environmental protection order (PEPO). At the time of inspection, no activity was observed at the site. Equipment and conveyances were on standby across the extraction area and no workmen were present in the adjacent shanties. There was no means of ascertaining compliance. The quarried area was covered by a retaining wall with gaps wide enough to allow the passage of dump trucks. Accordingly, this design was included in the Mt. Polis protection plan, which was implemented before the prohibition of manual quarrying. It is not known whether the structure will be modified to fully barricade the slope. Quarrying at the boundary between Bontoc and Banaue is a practice that had been going on for decades. Manual quarrying with the use of pick axes and shovels, which had become a livelihood for families from both municipalities, gradually progressed to mechanical extraction to sustain infrastructure construction, accelerating the rate of denudation and erosion of the slopes. Mt. Polis, which straddles Ifugao and Mountain Province, was eventually granted Protected Area status following the recommendation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to place the forests of Mt. Napulawan and Mt. Polis under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) in 2001. Despite this, sand and gravel quarrying at the Bontoc – Banaue boundary proceeded as it always had. As a last resort, the then Director of the Vicariate’s Social Action and Development Center (SADC) Bishop Valentin Dimoc filed a petition at the Ifugao Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Banaue to stop all quarry operations and to rehabilitate the quarried slopes. On November 16, 2015, Judge Ester L. Piscoso-Flor issued a temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) and voided all permits to quarry issued for the area. The DENR, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) were directed to confiscate all quarry equipment and remove all structures within the forest reservation. On March 23, 2018, the TEPO was made permanent and the provision including manual quarrying was struck down. Since the Consent Decree does not explicitly state the responsibilities of each concerned government office/agency in the implementation of the PEPO, it is prudent for all involved parties to delegate tasks. For instance, regular monitoring including during the nighttime can be assigned to the View Point BLGU, Banaue MLGU, and Banaue Municipal Police Station. Considering the progressive development of infrastructures in Ifugao, other aggregate extraction sites should be considered to meet the demand for construction supplies. Naturally, the corresponding laws should be observed, and permits/contracts be honored.

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APAYAO LGUs EMPOWERED ON MINAHANG BAYAN

PROCESSES

By: Stephen Blanco and Denver Wayas

he Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members of two (2) municipalities in Apayao were empowered with information on Minahang Bayan (MB) processes during the Information, Education, and Communication Campaign (IEC) conducted on September 19, 2018 in Conner and on T September 25, 2018 in Kabugao. In coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of each municipality, the IEC was conducted as part of the SB regular sessions and was presided by the vice-mayor.

The activity aimed to promote responsible mining and empower the SB members with regard to Minahang Bayan application processes.

Engr. Genetiano, chief of the Mine Management Division, opened the presentation by reviewing RA 7076 or The People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991. He later branched out to Minahang Bayan, discussing its requirements and the application processes involved.

He also emphasized the importance of the Sangguniang Bayan’s role in endorsing Minahang Bayan applications, since one requirement is the endorsement coming from two (2) of three (3) Sanggunians; i.e. the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Barangay, or the Sangguniang Bayan.

Engr. Blanco, the MGB Science Research Specialist (SRS) II embedded at CENRO – Conner, also presented his inventory of Minahang Bayan proposed sites and small- scale mining sites found within Conner and Kabugao, Apayao.

At the end of the presentation, the MGB representatives gave copies of a parcel map showing the Minahang Bayan proposed areas.

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