Marilyn Cahatol

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<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17759588686691759378233620cropped-20250929-weather-opong-aftermath-masbate-OCD.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Damaged structures are seen in Masbate province during an aerial inspection led by the Office of Civil Defense–Bicol, a day after Severe Tropical Storm Opong made landfall on September 26, 2025. <em>Office of the Civil Defense Bicol Region 5 </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — A House resolution has been filed seeking an investigation into alleged environmental, health and livelihood risks posed by mining operations in Aroroy, Masbate.</p><p>Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila De Lima filed the House Resolution (HR) No. 927, seeking probe into the environmental and social impacts of the mining operations by companies Filminera Resources Corp., B2Gold, and Philippine Gold Processing and Refining Corp..</p><p>The resolution noted that the mining operations in the municipality have been “the subject of recurring complaints from residents, particularly regarding blasting incidents, noxious emissions, and damage to crops and structures.”</p><p>It added that the activities, which reportedly spanned nearly two decades, “have allegedly caused significant environmental disturbance and damage affecting the quality of life, public health, water resources, food security, and livelihoods of local communities.”</p><p>De Lima said the operations “allegedly resulted in the contamination of water bodies in the area, causing fish kills and degradation of marine resources, as well as deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat destruction, leading to biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.”</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/7/2/philippines-biodiversity-hotspot-pushes-back-on-mining-1044">Philippines biodiversity hotspot pushes back on mining</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>GOV’T ACCOUNTABILITY</strong></div><p>The sought House inquiry will also look into possible regulatory and enforcement gaps by government officials and corporations, as well as recommendations to strengthen existing policies, and protect the welfare of affected communities. </p><p>De Lima said law enforcement authorities conducted an enforcement operation in Barangays Cabangcalan and Pangle in Aroroy, which resulted in the arrest of nine Chinese nationals for their alleged involvement in illegal mining operations and seizure of various heavy equipment.</p><p>She said formal complaints were previously submitted to government authorities, including the Office of the President, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, its attached bureaus, and local government units, but the issues reportedly persist and continue to worsen.</p><p>“Anupaman ang mga benepisyong nahahatid ng pagmimina, hindi dahilan ito para ipagwalang-bahala ang mga panganib na dala nito sa kalikasan, kabuhayan, kalusugan at kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,” De Lima said.</p><p>(The benefits brought by mining are not an excuse to disregard its risks to the environment, livelihood, health and safety of our fellow citizens.)</p><p>“Hindi ito dapat isantabi o ipagpabukas, dahil sa isang iglap, ang seryosong pinsala na maaaring idulot, lalo na ng ilegal na pagmimina, ay pipinsala sa maraming komunidad at kikitil ng maraming buhay,” she added.</p><p>(This should not be delayed because in an instant, the serious damage it may cause, especially illegal mining, may harm many communities and take lives.)</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/10/22/irresponsible-mining-has-no-place-in-philippines-marcos-1421">Irresponsible mining has no place in Philippines: Marcos</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kNxwIpz5gtY?si=_0IU2zFvMRZUVfV9" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila De Lima filed the House Resolution (HR) No. 927, seeking probe into the environmental and social impacts of the mining operations by companies Filminera Resources Corporation, B2Gold, and Philippine Gold Processing and Refining Corporation (PGPRC).</p>

Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila De Lima filed the House Resolution (HR) No. 927, seeking probe into the environmental and social impacts of the mining operations by companies Filminera Resources Corporation, B2Gold, and Philippine Gold Processing and Refining Corporation (PGPRC).

House probe into Masbate mining operations sought

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House probe into Masbate mining operations sought

Marilyn Cahatol,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 12, 2026 10:15 AM PHT

Read More:

Aroroy

Masbate

illegal mining

Leila De Lima

House of Representatives

resolution

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