QUEZON CITY, (PNA) — The regional offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Cagayan de Oro City, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) have joined forces to put a stop on illegal mining activities along the stretch of Iponan river and its watersheds in Misamis Oriental.
In a report to DENR Secretary Ramon Paje, DENR-Region 10 Executive Director Ruth M. Tawantawan said that a memorandum of agreement to this effect had been signed recently by regional officials of concerned agencies last month, namely: MGB Regional Director Rex S. Monsanto, Police Senior Supt. Raul Benitez for PNP Regional Director Catalino Rodriguez Jr., and Senior Supt. Froilan Bonifacio representing Chief Supt. Reginal Villasanta of PAOCC.
The signing was witnessed by Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno and Misamis Oriental environment officer Josito Nick Tilos representing Gov. Yevgeny Emano.
According to Tawantawan, Moreno has committed to support the campaign within his area of jurisdiction by providing alternative livelihood to affected communities.