Mining ban on Mindoro island sought

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro: Three former and two current representatives from the three congressional districts of the island of Mindoro want mining activities on the island banned to protect it from frequent flooding and destruction of agricultural lands, communities and infrastructure.

In two separate House Bills, Oriental Mindoro First District Rep. Arnan Panaligan filed HB 3891 and Second District Rep. Alfonso Umali Jr. filed HB 6219 before the House of Representatives both entitled "An Act Declaring the Island of Mindoro as a Mining-Free Zone and Providing Penalties Thereof," with Panaligan's version reiterating the prohibition of all forms of mining operations and activities.