Personnel of the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) received an orientation on the different laws, rules, and regulations against illegal mining during a virtual seminar conducted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 on October 6.

The seminar, requested by CCENRO Chief Engr. Editha Peros, aims to enhance their personnel’s knowledge on illegal mining activities as they gear towards intensifying their operations against illegal quarrying and hauling of minerals in Cebu City.

“This is meant to empower and refresh us of the pertinent mining laws in the country as well as educate us on the proper implementation of the laws,” she said.

In the seminar, participants, composed mostly of new CCENRO employees, learned the legal basis of conducting apprehension, seizure, confiscation and disposition of illegally sourced minerals/mineral products and by-products, tools, conveyances, and equipment in the commission of an offense.

“The training is vital to raise awareness among law enforcers about the mining laws, transport and apprehension documents, various types of permits issued by MGB-DENR and the local government units under the MGB’s devolved function,” MGB 7 Legal Officer Atty. Cid Jerome Navares said.

“We are delighted of this collaborative effort of City Government taking the initiative to have their personnel deputized to align with us in our efforts to practice responsible mining and to efficiently fulfill our mandate,” MGB 7 Regional Director Armando Malicse said.

The participating personnel will then be deputized to ensure that there are no illegal mining or quarrying of mineral resources within the jurisdiction of Cebu City.

Deputation orders are issued within their territorial jurisdiction either on a province-wide coverage or within a local government unit where the deputized personnel are employed.

Among those who attended the orientation were from the Cebu City Market Authority, Department of Public Services, Department of Engineering and Public Works, and City Legal Office. /IO MGB7