Davao Oriental Takes Decisive Action Against Mining Companies
In a landmark decision, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental has officially revoked and canceled mining projects operated by Austral-Asia Link Mining Corporation and Hallmark Mining Corporation under Asiaticus Management Corporation (Amcor). This unanimous resolution by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan follows extensive dialogue and investigation into environmental damage and community impact.
Governor Leads Dialogue on Mining Concerns
Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang recently engaged with local officials during a crucial dialogue in Barangay Macambol. The discussion focused on addressing mining activities that have damaged over 200 hectares of land and obstructed a vital road project. Governor Dayanghirang emphasized the need for collective action to halt these operations and protect the adjacent Mount Hamiguitan Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Environmental Group Applauds Provincial Decision
The Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis), a Davao City-based environmental advocacy group, has welcomed the provincial government's decisive move. Lawyer Mark Peñalver, Idis executive director, stated that this action sends a powerful message that environmental protection and community welfare must take precedence over profit-driven projects.
"We hope this sets a precedent for accountable governance and responsible stewardship of our natural resources," Peñalver declared in a February 5, 2026 statement. The group commended the provincial board for fulfilling its constitutional duty to safeguard the public's right to a balanced and healthy ecology.
Documented Violations Prompt Resolution
The provincial government's resolution cites multiple serious violations discovered during their investigation:
- Environmental non-compliance with material requirements
- Severe backlogs in tree replacement obligations, with Amcor achieving only 13.23% and 8.03% of required replanting
- Restricted inspection access to mining sites
- Obstruction of provincial infrastructure projects, particularly the Macambol–Cabuaya–Luban–Lanca Road
- Inconsistent cooperation with provincial authorities
The Committee on Environment reported that Amcor denied access to the Provincial Engineering Office, effectively converting portions of the road into operational areas for mining activities. This obstruction significantly hampered project implementation and community access.
Legal Basis for Permit Revocation
The resolution draws authority from several key legal provisions:
- Article II, Section 16 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution mandating protection of ecological rights
- Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) empowering provincial governments to promote general welfare and protect the environment
- Section 69 of RA 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) allowing permit suspension or cancellation for environmental violations
- Section 68 of Presidential Decree No. 705 (Revised Forestry Code) providing similar provisions for forestry violations
Urgent Call for National Agency Action
Idis has urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to act decisively on the provincial board's recommendation. The environmental group calls for immediate suspension and termination of the mining operations in accordance with environmental laws and public welfare considerations.
"We view this action as a significant step toward accountability and responsible governance," Idis stated, emphasizing that local governments have the authority to withdraw support when continued operations pose risks to ecosystems, communities, and long-term development goals.
Protection of Critical Habitats
The violations become particularly alarming considering the mining operations' proximity to two protected areas:
- Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Pujada Bay, protected under RA 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992)
Idis has been warning about mining risks to these critical habitats since 2022, despite previous assertions from the Mati City government that operations were outside the UNESCO heritage site boundaries.
Long-standing Advocacy and Recent Developments
Environmental advocacy in the region has faced challenges, with Idis condemning harassment and violence against environmental defenders in Mindanao. The group emphasized that these advocates "stood not for profit, but for principle, for the sake of future generations."
While noting that Governor Dayanghirang's stand against mining was long overdue, Idis expressed support for what they called "a crucial turning point for Davao Oriental." The province has endured years of ecological degradation and social tension due to mining operations, making this resolution particularly significant for sustainable development in the region.
The provincial board also discovered that Austral-Asia Link Mining Corporation and Hallmark Mining Corporation are functionally interconnected and commonly managed, further undermining the legal basis for the province's original endorsement of their operations.
