Tuesday, September 16, 2008 Mining is not behind Masara slide: DENR
THE Department on Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Southern Mindanao clarified reports that the presence of mining operations in the area of Masara is the culprit behind the landslides last week.
"There is no mining operation in the area," Ricardo Calderon, DENR executive director, told reporters Monday during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SMY City Davao.
Calderon said the area has long been declared a geo-hazard after the geo-hazard mapping conducted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) last year.
"As early as August 2007, the people know that the area is prone to landslides," Calderon said, adding that even in March 2008 a landslide threat was already issued over the area.
At least 24 people have been confirmed dead while others are still reported missing after a landslide hit the mountainside village of Masara in Maco, Compostela Valley Sunday last week.
Although no mining firm is operating in the area at present, the village used to be the mining area of the now defunct North Davao Mining Corporation way back in the 1980's. The people continue to live in the area and pan gold for a living, or tend to their farms.
People in the area, however, are insistent on staying in the area due to the numerous of investments that they have made in the area, particularly on their houses and farm lots. (CPM)
