KORONADAL CITY, July 17, 2025 — In a major blow to illegal mining operations in Region 12, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – 12, through the Soccsksargen Environmental Protection Task Force (SEPTF), launched a coordinated field operation to dismantle destructive ‘Banlas’ mining activities in Sitio Datal Saub, Barangay Datal Blao, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.
Spearheaded by DENR-12 Regional Executive Director and SEPTF Chair Atty. Felix S. Alicer, the operation mobilized personnel from multiple agencies including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-12), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-12), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (SKPG PENRO), MENRO Columbio, Philippine National Police (PNP-RMU 12 and PNP Sultan Kudarat), and the 39th Infantry Battalion Charlie Company.
During the July 17 operation, the team uncovered makeshift shelters and abandoned mining equipment, including high-pressure hydraulic hoses commonly used in ‘Banlas’ mining—an illegal and highly destructive technique that strips soil and rock using water jets, often contaminating nearby rivers. All discovered equipment was dismantled and removed on-site.
Officials confirmed that these operations had been degrading the Dalol River, with evident discoloration raising red flags for possible mercury contamination. EMB-12 conducted water sampling to verify pollution levels and collect baseline data for continued environmental monitoring.
“‘Banlas’ mining does not just violate environmental laws—it poisons our water, endangers biodiversity, and violates the ancestral domain of Indigenous Peoples,” said RED Alicer. “This is a national concern, and we are treating it with the urgency it deserves.”
The crackdown follows months of coordination and consultations with local leaders and Indigenous Peoples (IP) representatives, prompted by complaints and reports of worsening river conditions. The local government of Sultan Kudarat, under Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, expressed full support for the operation and urged LGUs to step up enforcement against illegal mining.
In a joint statement, DENR-12 and local officials appealed to the IP community and residents to resist the lure of illegal mining and instead protect their environment and ancestral lands for future generations.
This operation forms part of the national government’s intensified campaign against illegal mining activities, especially those that involve the use of hazardous substances and cause irreversible environmental damage.
Authorities vowed to continue monitoring the area and pursue legal action against individuals or groups found responsible for the illicit operations.