Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Tuesday, 23 December, flagged alleged illegal iron ore-extraction activities in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, taken by Yinlu Bicol Minerals Corp.

Pangilinan acted on the reports of illegal mining and extraction activities outside the permissible area and stockpile of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-V (MGB-V).

He then sought clarification from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) about the activities of the Philippine-based mining corporation.

"The trampling on environmental rights is even more worrisome because illegal mining not only destroys our forests and watersheds, it also endangers lives and livelihoods in the countryside," he said in Filipino.

The DENR, in turn, issued a show cause order on 19 December and directed Yinlu’s owner, Robert Melchior Durante II, and its operator, Norteeste Corp., to stop the conduct of mining operations in the open pit and to submit a written sworn explanation or affidavit with supporting documents within 72 hours of the receipt of the order on why its Ore Transport Permit and Mineral Ore Export Permit cannot be withdrawn, revoked, or canceled.

Pangilinan noted that the firm stance taken by the DENR against illegal mining "sends a clear message that our laws exist to protect both our environment and our people."

He furthered that the DENR’s enforcement efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to upholding environmental laws and safeguarding ecosystems that are vital to food security, public safety, and sustainable development.

"Unchecked illegal mining contributes to soil erosion, water pollution, and increased risks of flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable areas. We must not only protect our natural resources. We must also guard against those who try to steal, destroy, abuse, and exploit it," he stressed.

“Our natural wealth is not limitless. Protecting it is a shared responsibility, so we must take immediate and concrete steps to ensure that environmental laws are enforced for the benefit of present and future generations," he added.

Pangilinan also urged local government units and communities to support the DENR’s initiatives by reporting illegal activities and promoting responsible stewardship of natural resources.

Based on DENR records, the Mineral Ore Export Permit of Norteeste Corp.—as a trader—allows it to export 55,000 wet metric tonne of raw iron ore to Shandong Xinhai Mining Technology & Equipment Inc., located at No. 188 Xinhai St., Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Fushan District, Yantai, China.

The scheduled export has an estimated gross value of P113,979,250.00.