Dismantling of Zambales firm's security outposts hit

MASINLOC, Zambales, Philippines – A mining operator here vowed to take action against the dismantling of security outposts of her company in two remote barangays.

“I already have consulted with my lawyers and the gathering of evidence is now on its way to the filing of the criminal case,” Arsenia Lim, administrator of Compania Minera Tubajon Inc. (CMTI), formerly Coto Mining Corp., said in a statement.

Lim was referring to the alleged illegal dismantling of CMTI’s security outposts in Barangays Taltal and Baluganon last March 19.

Masinloc Mayor Jessu Edora was quoted as saying though that he only carried out a recently approved municipal ordinance on the immediate demolition of all security structures in the area.

The security outposts, the mayor added, were obstructing the right of way of the public.

Lim, however, said Edora’s claim was baseless, as the roads have always been open to the public, even to tricycles and private vehicles.

“This is purely harassment,” she added.

Lawyer Noel Ferrer, chief of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board, said CMTI, which is only collecting mining tailings scattered in the area, is registered with his office and has a mineral ore exporting permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.