A composite team composed of personnel of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office No. I and members of the local Philippine National Police of Isabela province prevented the illegal transport of gold ores after the team confiscated 201 cubic meters of the said mineral loaded in 12 ten-wheeler trucks.

The ores were allegedly illegally mined from an undisclosed location by Golden Mining Summit Corporation (Golden Summit).

In his Confiscation Order dated September 16, 2016, MGB Officer-In-Charge, Office of the Regional Director Carlos A. Tayag explained that the conveyance was made to appear legitimate by using the Ore Transport Permit issued by the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board of Isabela, which authorized the transport of mine tailings/waste materials for testing purposes, and not for gold ores.  The transport was from Cordon, Isabela to an alleged laboratory in Mabini, Pangasinan.

The conveyance was also supported by copies of government official receipts, a Provincial Ordinance and a Memorandum of Understanding executed by and between Golden Summit and the Provincial Government of Isabela.

Criminal complaints were filed against 12 officials of Golden Summit in violation of the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

Tayag also denied Golden Summit’s Motion for the Immediate Release of Vehicles and the Urgent Motion for Immediate Resolution.

The apprehension, confiscation and the subsequent legal action of the MGB are among the measures being implemented by the agency to strictly enforce mining laws, rules and regulations in the country, especially against illegal mining activities. 

By: Legal Services Division