CAGAYAN de Oro City Councilor Eric Salcedo has raised concerns over the alleged mineral explorations in the hinterland villages without coordination from the city government.

Salcedo, in his special report during the weekly session, reported the alleged exploration of metallic mineral resources done by three companies in villages Dansolihon, Tagpangi, Pigsag-an, Tumpagon, and Tignapoloan.

Salcedo said they are currently exploring metallic minerals such as iron, copper, and gold.

The companies, he said, are applying for the renewal of their business permit.

Although they are operating with the approval of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Salcedo said they were allowed to operate without coordination of the city government.

“I’m concerned that this exploration could lead to mining these minerals. Ug akong dakong pagsupak niining pagmina kay makahatag kini ug dakong epekto sa atong environment,” Salcedo said, the chairperson of the committee on environment.

Salcedo attempted to pass a resolution to stop the mining exploration and pushed for the non-renewal of their permits. But this move was opposed by some councilors.

Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, who is also a lawyer, said the companies should be given due process and time to hear their side.

“It is premature for us to stop their application because there is no application yet. We cannot presume, there must be due process,” he said.

Salcedo, for his part, withdrew the proposal and will conduct a one-week investigation instead at the committee level.