Writ of kalikasan mulled vs mining firm

ITOGON, Benguet, Philippines – Residents along the Agno River in Barangays Tinongdan and Dalupirip in this town are considering filing a writ of kalikasan petition against Benguet Corp. (BC) for mine tailings that spilled into the river following heavy rains brought by Super Typhoon Lawin.

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-Cordillera earlier recommended that the mining firm be initially fined P24 million for polluting the rivers of Liang, Ambalanga and Agno. At least 50,000 metric tons of silt were reportedly released into the rivers from Oct. 27 to Nov. 15. 

EMB-Cordillera said BC also faces three counts of violation of the Clean Water Act.

Noel Ngolob, BC administrator, admitted that the mine tailings resulted in fish kills in Barangays Dalupirip and Tinongdan. 

However, Froilan Lawilaw, BC manager, claimed the mine tailings had minimal effect, adding they have not received complaints from the residents.