Chinese, Taiwanese nationals arrested in Zamboanga for illegal mining
By Jeck Batallones | ABS-CBN News | August 8, 2024 1:24AM
Chinese, Taiwanese nationals who were arrested in Zamboanga for allegedly being involved in illegal open-pit mining. Jeck Batallones, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Operatives of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) have arrested ten Chinese and one Taiwanese in various parts of Zamboanga province for their alleged involvement in illegal open-pit mining.
“Yung iba galing pang Zamboanga Del Sur, yung iba galing pa Zamboanga Del Norte. So malalayo pa mga yan. Binyahe pa ng Zamboanga city para madala dito,” PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio said.
“Bago ka mag-mine sa Pilipinas, kailangan mo mag submit sa DENR ng environmental impact study at pag maka submit ka noon bibigyan ka ng DENR ng ECC, at yun ang wala sila,” he added.
According to Dr. Casio, aside from engaging in illegal mining activities, the individuals have been staying in the country for more than twelve years. Some of them are already embedded in local communities in the area.
“Iba diyan nakabili na ng bukid, bundok, may ari sila ng bundok, literal na bundok. Iba diyan may ari ng hundred heads of baboy,” Dr. Casio said.
The arrested individuals were brought to Metro Manila and could face summary deportation and charges for violating Philippine laws.
The alleged financier, who is Chinese, is still at large. Local officials in the area could also face charges if it is proven that they permitted the violations committed by the foreign nationals.
Source: ABSCBN News
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