AN association of Lumad residents in Limonda, Opol, yesterday, October 1, appealed to the Misamis Oriental provincial government to allow them to continue small-scale mining and expressed their full support for legalizing the industry in their town.
Datu Rodel Bael, vice president of the Limonda Council of Association Inc. (LCAI), said they were saddened by the closure of illegal tunnels. The closure immediately followed the issuance of a cease-and-desist order from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-10).
The MGB-10 closed 15 tunnels in an effort to immediately stop the illegal extraction of metallic minerals and unauthorized mineral processing operations.
However, Datu Bael pointed out that the action will severely impact their livelihood.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Misamis Oriental recently proposed a resolution to designate the nearly five-hectare area in Limonda, Opol, as a Minahan ng Bayan (People’s Mining Area) due to its rich mineral content and mining potential. The area is within the ancestral domain of the Dulangan Manobo tribe.
Bael appealed directly to Misamis Oriental Governor Juliette Uy to approve their association’s application.
“Among hangyo kang gov nga ma aprubahan among associations sa LCAI,” Bael said, disclosing that mineral extraction has been their source of income since they were young.
The LCAI vice president Bael added: “Diha na gyud mi nagdako sa pamulawan. Kung unsay mandatu sa taas para mabuhi among pamilya, musunod gyud mi.”
His immediate concern, he said, is how their families will survive now that their primary source of livelihood is gone.
“Kung atong makita ang palibot wala gani maskig usa ka mais tungod kay diha ra mi nakatutok,” Bael explained, referring to the mining site.
Meanwhile, Opol town Mayor Jay Bago said he supports the legalization of small-scale mining in the area, provided that the Lumad residents are prioritized.
“Unahon nila ang lumad, i-priority ang lumad,” Bago said.
