‘Bantay Quarry Checkers,’ et al. now deputized as mining officers
 By: Lyndee Rose Basilio

The Mines and Geosiences Bureau (MGB) Region II conducted orientation and deputation of 81 “Bantay quarry checkers” of the Provincial Government of Cagayan, four employees of the Provincial Treasury, and seven from Cagayan Provincial Information Office last November 3, 2017 at Capitol Hills, Penablanca, Cagayan.

The newly deputized mining officers can now apprehend illegal mining activities and to enforce laws, rules, and regulations on environment and natural resources.

The said orientation- deputation is in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7942, otherwise known as the “Philippine Mining Act of 1995.”

Section 7f of DAO 2010- 21 states that, “To deputize, when when necessary, any member or unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Barangay, duly registered and Department-accredited Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) or any qualified Person to police all mining activities.”

RD Ancheta led the oath taking ceremony of the quarry checkers. He said, “your work as mining officers is not an easy job, you are now our partners in our campaign to minimize and to finally eradicate illegal mining activities in the province of Cagayan.”

“You are our enforcement arm to assist us in our implementation of mining and environmental laws in the province,” the regional director said.

Maribeth G. Tumaliuan, mining claims examiner III of MGB gave lecture on the salient features of Mining Act of 1995, People’s Small- Scale Mining Act of 1991, and Executive Order No. 79/ DAO 2012- 07.

The Orientation- Deputation was in coordination with the Provincial Government of Cagayan. Gov. Manuel N. Mamba likewise attended the event.