Davao Oriental Takes Stand Against Mining Operations
The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental has officially filed a formal complaint against the Macambol mining project, citing serious environmental concerns related to its operations. Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang confirmed that the complaint has been elevated to multiple national agencies including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa), and the Office of the President of the Philippines.
Governor Dayanghirang stated firmly: "We have already done our part. The documents are with the national offices and with the President. We are now waiting for their response. Our stand remains firm: dili nato tugutan ang bisan unsang hulga sa kinaiyahan [we must not allow any threat to the environment] sa Davao Oriental."
Environmental Risks and Community Concerns
The submitted documents highlight significant community worries and environmental risks associated with the mining operations. According to the provincial government, the mining activities pose potential long-term damage to protected ecosystems surrounding Macambol. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has joined Governor Dayanghirang in calling for immediate intervention and suspension of all mining activities pending a comprehensive review.
Environmental groups have raised alarm about the proximity of mining operations to the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Interface Development Interventions (Idis) has supported the governor's call to halt what they describe as "destructive mining operations" in the area.
Governor Dayanghirang previously warned that approximately 200 hectares of land have already been affected by mining activities. Idis echoed these concerns, emphasizing that continued extraction would "irreversibly harm" critical ecosystems and biodiversity reserves in the region.
Legal Framework and Enforcement Actions
The provincial government has reminded the public that violators of illegal mining activities face serious penalties under Republic Act No. 7942 (the Philippine Mining Act of 1995) and Republic Act No. 7076 (the Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991). These penalties include arrest, confiscation of equipment and minerals, substantial fines, and permanent suspension of operations.
Public advisories prohibiting mining activities have been widely circulated throughout the province. Residents are urged to immediately report any illegal excavation, night hauling, or suspicious movements of minerals to the Enro, local police, barangay officials, or the nearest military detachment.
Simultaneous enforcement operations have been conducted in Barangay Marayag, Lupon, following reports from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Enro) about ongoing illegal mineral extraction along the Sumlog River. These operations continued despite Municipal Government of Lupon Executive Order No. 38, Series of 2025, which had officially halted quarrying activities in the area.
Government Response and Monitoring
Governor Dayanghirang has ordered a composite force to enforce Executive Order No. 72, Series of 2025, which mandates a province-wide crackdown on unauthorized mining, hauling, and transport of sand, gravel, and other materials. The enforcement team includes representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Army's 701st Infantry Brigade and 66th Infantry Battalion, the Provincial Information Office (PIO), and the Barangay Council of Marayag.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) has stated that it continues to monitor and evaluate mining areas in Davao Oriental to validate data reported by mining companies. The agency clarified that ongoing operations utilize contour mining rather than open-pit mining, a method they claim reduces landscape disturbance.
MGB officials also confirmed that the mining company's Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs) remain valid and that the sites are regularly monitored by a multipartite monitoring team comprising government representatives, community members, and environmental groups.
Governor Dayanghirang emphasized the urgency of environmental protection: "Ang pagpanalipod sa atong kinaiyahan dili na pwede dugayan. Ang Sumlog River ug uban pa nga dapit sa Davao Oriental, kinahanglan nato bantayan para sa atong mga anak ug umaabot nga henerasyon." (Protecting our environment can no longer be delayed. We must safeguard the Sumlog River and other areas in Davao Oriental, for our children and the generations to come.)
The provincial government has vowed to intensify its campaign against illegal and irresponsible mining while awaiting the national government's response to the formal complaint regarding Macambol mining operations.
