The Provincial Mining and Regulatory Board has preferred to regulate the quarrying of sand and gravel along the Okoy River in Sibulan, Oriental Negros, rather than experience the ˜hit-and-run" operation of illegal quarry operators.

The PMRB, which acts as the advisory body of Gov. George Arnaiz, has opposed the recommendation of the Sangguniang Bayan of Sibulan for a 10-year moratorium on the issuance of sand and gravel quarry permits to permittees.

PMRB chairman Roger de Dios of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Central Visayas believes the moratorium would only give rise to illegal quarrying of mineral resources along the Okoy River. Following a technical evaluation and joint investigation, PMRB members have decided to pass a resolution to continue granting sand and gravel extraction permits within the Okoy riverbed, thereby denying the request of the town government of Sibulan for a moratorium.

Under the new scheme, permittees should be responsible for monitoring their assigned areas.

Individuals who are illegally extracting the mineral resources, on the other hand, will be placed in vacant areas so the government can regulate their operation and at the same time allow them to earn.

Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia, however, vowed to enforce the resolution of the Sangguniang Bayan for a 10-year moratorium, unless the PMRB denial is taken up by the council.

For now, applications for permit to quarry in the Okoy River will still be denied by the town, Renacia said.

Individuals who are conducting the illegal activity said the moratorium would allow the river channel to shape up and ensure the safety of adjoining areas.

It will also give them the opportunity to continue with their livelihood.

In Valencia town, qualified individual may apply for treasure hunting permits, even as the Mine and Geosciences Bureau has ordered the stoppage of an illegal treasure hunting activity in the place.

Applications to look for treasures in private land, though, is subject to the approval of the director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 7. On the other hand, only the DENR Secretary can issue permits for treasure hunting in public lands, De Dios said.

Meanwhile, in Bacong town, illegal quarrying of sand and gravel remains a problem due to political bickerings among its officials.

An official of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Region 7 said, this is the reason why plans to hold a seminar-workshop among all stakeholders had been postponed for a number of times.

De Dios stressed the need for a wholistic approach in resolving the issue. In view of the failure to gather the stakeholders, law enforcement agencies will have to continue with their monitoring activities, he pointed out.*JG

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