DENR told to cancel permits of mining firms that give NPA explosives

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Environment department to revoke the permits of mining companies that provide explosives to communist rebels. 

 

The president issued the directive during a special meeting of the National Security Council executive committee in Malacañang last Monday. 

 

"The president directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to revoke the licenses permits of mining companies violating explosive handling rules or reported to be supplying explosives to communist terrorist groups," presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a press briefing Tuesday.  

 

"Military and police (personnel) also found violating laws on explosives will face automatic expulsion," he added. 

 

Duterte previously threatened to close down companies that pay the so-called "revolutionary tax" to the New People's Army, the armed wing of communist rebels. He also claimed, without elaboration, last year that mining firms were funding destabilization against the government.

 

The alleged extortion activities of the NPA is one of the reasons that prompted Duterte to scrap the peace talks with the communists last year. Some hinterland communities that oppose mining have, however, accused the Armed Forces of the Philippines of harassment and of "systematic attacks against the rights of environmental defenders in the Philippines."

 

READ: Groups: Anti-mining villages in Vizcaya, Batangas under threat

 

In the same meeting, Duterte ordered the creation of a task force that would look into the plight of indigenous people in Mindanao. 

 

Roque said security measures against terrorist threats at ports and terminals and efforts to develop the Philippine Rise off Aurora province were also discussed during the meeting.