Rizal gov bans all mining, quarrying

Antipolo City – Rizal Governor Rebecca Ynares has issued an order banning all mining and quarrying activities in reaction to the huge loss of lives and damage to crops and property in the province, estimated to run into the billions of pesos, caused by the recent spate of typhoons.

In the interest of public safety and to ensure environmental preservation and sustainability, Ms. Ynares said all such operations and related activities are ordered to stop until such time they are permitted to resume by the Capitol.

In this regard, Gov. Ynares called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to immediately stop all the mining agreements it has granted covering around 5,000 hectares province-wide, including crushing plant operations.

The order also strongly urged all local government units to cease all land development activities, including subdivision development, unless assessed and found to be compliant with pertinent laws, rules and regulations.

Sources in the governor’s office said this is meant to address all concerns about threats posed by such environmental degradation during typhoons and similar natural disturbances.

Photo: ninialcantaraynares / FB