Daraga, ALBAY (August 11, 2003)--Fifteen (15) personnel from the Provincial Environment and Safety Group (PESG) of the Provincial Government of Catanduanes were deputized recently by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Region 5 (MGB-5) to apprehend and confiscate illegally sourced minerals and mineral products in the Province of Catanduanes.

In a deputation order issued by MGB-5 Regional Director Reynulfo A. Juan on July 2, 2003, the 15-man PESG were tasked to assist the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in its campaign to minimize and eradicate illegal mining and quarrying activities in the Province of Catanduanes.

Deputized were: Catherine V. Faustino; Enrico R. Icanarom; Marlon D. Inego; Arvin S. Malod; Juanito T. Panis; Jose T. Publico; Joselito G. Romero; Antonio T. Sarmiento; Juan D. Soriao; Marilou A. Sorreda; Dheo A. Tabor; Anthony T. Tacorda; Jocelyn C. Tarroza; Janette O. Tugano; and Joseph L. Tupue.

The PESG deputation, RD Juan explained, was in consonance with Republic Act (RA) No. 7942 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (DAO 96-40), and MGB Memorandum Circular No. 97-24 dated December 10, 1997.

RA 7942 and DAO 96-40 authorize the MGB to deputize, when necessary, any member or unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Barangay, or duly registered and Department-accredited Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) or Any Qualified Person to police all mining activities.

MC 97-24, on the other hand, mandates the Director of MGB to delegate the authority mentioned in RA 7942 and DAO 96-40 to the concerned MGB Regional Directors. (MGB Region 5)