The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Saturday called for stronger cooperation with local government units to monitor mining operations in their respective jurisdictions.

The call came after the arrest of suspected illegal foreign miners in Paracale, Camarines Norte, who were allegedly sourcing out uranium deposits.

In the weekly news forum in Quezon City, DENR Assistant Secretary Rochelle Gamboa said they have limited manpower and they cannot monitor every mining site in the country, thus the need for partnership with LGUs.

Gamboa highlighted DENR’s need for support from the public and the media in reporting mining activities damaging the environment and nearby communities.

“Ang daming mining operations na small scale na actually very damaging to the environment,” Gamboa said.

“Ang LGU kailangan ho ang cooperation nila and pati na rin po sa public at sa media, kailangan pong mai-report ang mga ito para po ma-imbestigahan ng DENR kasi ho limitado lang iyong personnel ng DENR,” she added.

According to Gamboa, the DENR is cooperating with concerned authorities to identify cases against illegal mining operators raided in Camarines Norte.

She added the DENR is considering imposing additional mining permit prerequisites. The LGUs will be directed to thoroughly review the environmental compliance of every applicant.

“May sinabi po si (DENR) Secretary (Maria Antonia) Yulo-Loyzaga, sa isang interview last week, na magkakaroon pa po ng additional mining permit,” Gamboa said.

“So sinisigurado po ito na ang local government, before po ibigay iyan, sinisigurado ng local government units together with the NGP [that they] are capacitated enough to ensure that the implementation of the mining programs are coupled with the environmental responsibility,” she added. |PND