Mining firms’ permits to be revoked

For supplying explosives to NPA

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to revoke the permits of mining companies that supply explosives to communist rebels. 

He issued the order during a special meeting of the National Security Council executive committee at Malacañang on Monday. 

Duterte earlier threatened to shut down companies that pay “revolutionary taxes” to the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The NPA’s alleged extortion activities were among the reasons why the President decided to scrap the peace talks with the communist group last year. 

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

Because of the meeting, which lasted 13 hours, Duterte was late for the Army’s 121st anniversary celebration at Fort Bonifacio yesterday afternoon.

“I’m sorry I’m late, because we ended the Cabinet meeting at three o’clock in the morning. We started at two in the afternoon,” he told the Army personnel.

During the event, Duterte again shared the stage with Vice President Leni Robredo.

Both officials attended the graduation rites of the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City on Sunday.

Aside from cancelling the licences and permits of mining firms, military and police personnel found violating the law on explosives handling would be automatically expelled from the service, according to presidential spokesman Harry Roque.

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