MGB 7 Joins Forces with PNP to Curb Illegal Mining in Central Visayas
To intensify the campaign against illegal mining and quarrying, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 has joined forces with law enforcement to form a unified front against these activities across the region.
Through its new Order of Deputation, MGB-7 has officially empowered members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to act as Deputy Environment and Natural Resources Officers (DENRO). These officers are now authorized to investigate, arrest violators, and seize illegally sourced minerals along with the conveyances—including trucks and heavy equipment—used in these unauthorized activities.
Technical and Legal Foundation
The training program provided newly deputized officers with a firm understanding of mining laws, translating complex technical regulations into applicable field protocols. Mining Claim Examiner Engr. Jacob M. Densing led a comprehensive session on the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (RA 7942), clarifying the vital distinctions between mining permits issued directly by the MGB/DENR and those issued by LGUs under devolved functions.
Following this technical overview, Legal Officer Atty. Gleen A. Revilla-Maravilla established the legal framework for their new roles as Deputy Environment and Natural Resources Officers (DENRO). Her presentation focused on strict protocols for the apprehension, arrest, and seizure of illegally sourced minerals and the conveyances—such as trucks and heavy equipment—used in unauthorized extractions. This authority is grounded in Section 9 and 103 of RA 7942, DAO No. 2010-21, and the revised deputization guidelines under DAO No. 2008-22.
Empowering the Front Lines
OIC Regional Director Al Emil G. Berador emphasized that the move is a strategic shift toward a “community-driven” approach to environmental stewardship.
“We believe that the best way to safeguard our environment is through shared responsibility,” Berador noted. “Through the formal deputization of law enforcement and LGUs, we are strengthening our enforcement network to ensure the sustainable management of our mineral resources in the region.”
A Commitment to Stewardship
The afternoon session culminated in the official oath-taking of the newly deputized personnel, marking their formal entry into the bureau’s enforcement network.
Police Captain Joseph Elmer Cornea of the CIDG expressed gratitude for the training, noting that the deputization empowers the PNP to act decisively against environmental violators while ensuring all field operations remain within the bounds of the law.
By fostering strong local ties, the bureau ensures that mineral extraction contributes to the local economy while maintaining the region’s ecological balance. MGB 7 advises all stakeholders and mineral traders to ensure full compliance with DENR-MGB standards to avoid the seizure of goods and potential criminal prosecution.
Enforcement Training on Anti-Illegal Mining and an Oath-taking Ceremony were held on March 18, 2026, at the CIDG Conference Room in Camp Sotero Cabahug, Cebu City. (Heart Rizarr/MGB7 IO)
