Composite teams have been created to lead an investigation on mining operations and determine the cause of flooding in the Rizal Province and Marikina City during Typhoon Ulysses.

The composite team is headed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - CALABARZON, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Environmental Management Bureau, and the Biodiversity Management Bureau. Four teams were formed to conduct an investigation on the possible origin of flooding equipped with drone instruments with mapping capabilities.

The teams’ creation is in line with the issuance of the memorandum from DENR-CALABARZON temporarily halting certain quarry and crushing plant operations in the Rizal province within the coverage of the Marikina River Basin which drains toward theMarikina River.

According to DENR Undersecretary for Enforcement, Mining, and Muslim Affairs Jim O. Sampulna (CESO III), “The order of the MGB 4A Regional Director is very timely considering the situation in Marikina and portion of Rizal,” adding, “They have to reevaluate the operation of all these mining companies operating in the area.”

On the other hand, MGB Director Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano stated that their effort is in response to Rizal Governor Rebecca Ynares’ order, prodding DENR to pause the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) of mining operators pending the conduct of thorough investigation as to the contribution of quarrying to the extensive flooding in San Mateo and Rodriguez in Rizal and Marikina.

The Bureau has also directed the MPSA holders to use their Development of Mining Technology and Geosciences funds to be utilized and fund the conduct of research on the sediment influx of quarry operation to Marikina River in order to identify the contribution of quarrying to the siltation of Marikina River.

Lifting of the suspension will be based on the compliance of the operators to laws, rules, and regulations set by the government.

By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division