Bulacan orders cease-and-desist vs Ore Asia Mining

The Provincial Government of Bulacan, led by Governor Daniel R. Fernando, has ordered the implementation of the Cease-and-Desist Order (CDO) and the Notice of Violation against Ore Asia Mining and Development Corporation at Barangay Camachin, Doña Remedios Trinidad.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau Region 3 issued the CDO and the notice after the company was found violating Republic Act 9275, or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

Fernando said the violation stemmed from Ore Asia’s collapsed check dam, which caused pollution in several rivers in the province.

The Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of San Miguel, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and the EMB jointly conducted an investigation into the incident.

Findings revealed discoloration in the Balaong-Masalipit, San Miguel, and Biak-na-Bato rivers, which led to fishkill in the area. The report stated that the discoloration was linked to Ore Asia’s mining operations.

Fernando assured Bulakenyos that the provincial government will continue enforcing measures to defend and protect the environment.

“Nais kong muling bigyang-diin sa lahat, patuloy nating ipagtatanggol at babantayan ang ating likas yaman sa lalawigan. Kabilang [dito] ang lupa at kabundukan, tubig, halaman, hayop, pangisdaan at pamamalaisdaan, at panggubat na nasasakupan ng ating lalawigan,” he said.

(“I want to emphasize once again that we will continue to defend and protect our province’s natural resources — including its lands, mountains, waters, plants, animals, and fisheries.”)

He added, “Malinaw na hindi sapat ang isinagawang remedyo ng Ore Asia Mining sa pamamagitan ng paglalagay lamang ng harang sa nasirang check dam upang mapigilan ang paghalo ng basurang tubig sa kailugan. Nagdudulot lang ito ng pinsala at pagkabahala sa ating mga kababayan.”

(“It is clear that Ore Asia Mining’s attempt to contain the waste water using a temporary barrier at the damaged check dam was insufficient, as it only caused more harm and concern among residents.”)

The BENRO recommended that Ore Asia shoulder all expenses for the rehabilitation, cleanup, and water quality testing until the river water meets the standards set under Republic Act 9275.

Meanwhile, BENRO and MENRO officials coordinated with barangay authorities in San Miguel for continuous monitoring of the Balaong River to ensure the water quality improves and prevent similar incidents.

Water sampling and laboratory analysis were also recommended to detect contaminants and measure the concentration of suspended solids.