DUMINGAG, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR – Authorities have permanently shut down an illegal gold mining operation in Barangay Licabang, Dumingag, following complaints and protests from local residents and members of the clergy.
With the combined efforts of law enforcement officers, church leaders, and concerned citizens, the mining tunnels dug by illegal miners have been padlocked and sealed. Residents claim that powerful individuals within the government backed the illicit activity, making it difficult to halt despite persistent efforts to close it down.
The closure comes after a series of protests and appeals from the community, which has long opposed the mining operation due to its environmental impact. The residents expressed gratitude for the intervention, emphasizing that illegal mining poses serious threats to the ecosystem and local livelihoods.
Local authorities, in cooperation with religious and civic groups, ensured that all entry points to the mining site were completely blocked to prevent further unauthorized extraction.
Environmental advocates and the affected communities welcomed the decisive action, hoping that this marks a step towards stricter enforcement of environmental protection laws in the region.
