The
closure of small-scale tunnels in New Bataan, Compostela Valley
was implemented through a Stoppage Order issued by the Mines and
Geosciences Bureau Region 11 on September 2, 2003. The Order was
issued on the basis of the illegal operations within the Batoto
area, which is inside the exploration permit application area
of Batoto Resources Corp. denominated as EXPA No. 63.
Let
it be noted that Batoto Resources has an existing management agreement
with Philco Mining Corp., in which the former gave the latter
absolute and exclusive management rights over the area. In their
agreement, Philco was authorized to undertake and perform on a
best-endeavor basis all activities and functions relating to the
effective management of all operations of the Batoto claim, including
exploration activities.
Under
the Mining Act of 1995 (RA 7942), exploration permit applicants
are responsible for policing its claim from unscrupulous small-scale
mining operations that do not practice safe and environment-friendly
mining methods.
The
Stoppage Order was served and executed on October 9, 2003 by the
local Philippine National Police of New Bataan, Compostela Valley
with the team from Philippine Army stationed in the area, and
not by CAFGUs and private security guards as cited in the article.
We
would also like to emphasize that prior to the implementation
of the Order, the miners and tunnel owners were briefed of the
situation and were aware that they were working on an area applied
for by Batoto Resources Corp.
(SGD.)
MA. LUISA JACINTO
OIC Regional Director
July
12, 2004
