Mayor Plaza warns illegal gold panner in Carmen
CARMEN, Surigao del Sur -- Local Chief Executive Jane Valeroso-Plaza of the
Local Government Unit of Carmen, Surigao del Sur, accompanied by Municipal
Environment and Natural Resources Officer Alain Cabanilla led the investigation
on the verbal report that reached the mayor's office regarding the
alleged illegal gold panning, also known as “biling-biling” happening in some
areas of Barangay Hinapoyan on January 4, 2023.
The surprise visit of the lady executive along the river confirmed the validity
of the reported alleged small scale mining involving certain individuals
doing the illegal activity, “biling-biling”.
Mayor Plaza warned everyone, as she talked and convinced directly to the people
present in the area, to stop their illegal activities.
“If we allow mining in Carmen, it's a shame for us that we are not able to
protect the beauty of Carmen and pass it on to future generations,” the lady
executive emphasized.
The LGU under the administration of Mayor Plaza has a strong stand on
anti-illegal mining, protection of the environment and promotion of
ecological balance within its domain.
As an immediate action, the mayor requested the Mines and Geosciences Bureau
(MGB) to investigate the identified areas and issue a cease and desist order
for the illegal activities.
The LGU is committed to fulfil its duty to protect its natural resources and to
promote the general welfare of the people.
Meanwhile, the LCE appeals to everyone to strengthen the engagement with
government agencies and other civil society organizations to protect and
nurture the forests and watersheds. (LGU-Carmen/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
