City ‘Bantay Suba’ task force flags illegal mining along Iponan River

The city’s Bantay Suba Task Force reported signs of illegal mining along the Iponan River following its area monitoring in Barangay Tumpagon, Pigsag-an, Tuburan, and Taglimao.

The task force, led by City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO), presented its findings to the committee on environment, chaired by Councilor Eric Salcedo, and noted that several areas within the city boundary remain vulnerable to illegal operations.

According to them, the team has confiscated mining paraphernalia and equipment, including a backhoe found operating within the Cagayan de Oro boundary, a machine used for flushing, and several hoses.

When asked by Salcedo if violators were apprehended, CLENRO said no individuals were arrested as operators dashed and fled the area during the inspection.

With this, Councilor Salcedo requested the office to furnish the committee with a list of confiscated paraphernalia.

He then referred the matter back to CLENRO for appropriate action.

The monitoring report forms part of the city’s compliance with the Writ of Kalikasan which will be consolidated by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau for submission to the Court of Appeals. (FDC/SP)