Irresponsible mining firms, beware.

President Duterte threatened to cancel the permits of mining companies if they are found remiss in their reforestation commitments.

Duterte identified a Gutierrez-owned mining company as skirting the country’s laws and causing environmental damage in Agusan del Norte.

“Gutierrez, (you) cannot destroy Tubay in Agusan del Norte,” the President said in his remarks during a reunion with San Beda classmates in Malacañang.

“You’re supposed to plant trees. Ngayon, pag wala akong makita na kahoy tumutubo dyan, I’ll cancel your paper. Kung multinational ka… Wala,” he added.

Duterte was apparently referring to the San Roque Metals Inc (SRMI), reportedly owned by Miguel Alberto Gutierrez and Eric Gutierrez, which is involved in a nickel mines case in the coastal town of Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

The small-scale mining company has been ordered closed after authorities found they exceeded the extraction limit of minerals. The firm challenged the government ruling but lost the case before the Supreme Court, which affirmed it was guilty of excessive extraction of minerals.

Duterte, however, made clear that he is not out to ruin the business of mining companies. He issued a strong reminder, though, that they must follow the country’s laws.

“I do not intend to pull you down. Basta lahat, sumunod lang kayo sa batas. Walang bending,” he said.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Genalyn Kabiling

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