TACLOBAN CITY — The municipal government of MacArthur in Leyte has appealed for calm and lawful dialogue following public concerns over reported mining activities within the town.
In an official statement issued on Sunday, Feb.15, Mayor Rudin Babante said the local government, together with the Sangguniang Bayan, conducted a careful and thorough assessment of the situation involving a mining company that had been operating in the area.
The mayor clarified that while there are grounds to question certain aspects of the firm’s activities, it was confirmed that the company had already withdrawn and removed its cutter suction dredger equipment from the identified site.
The firm has also reportedly ceased deploying the equipment and expressed willingness to comply with legal requirements should it seek to resume operations in the future.
MacArthur, a coastal municipality in Leyte, has communities whose livelihoods depend largely on fishing and farming.
In recent years, resource extraction activities in various parts of Eastern Visayas have drawn scrutiny from residents and environmental advocates due to concerns over potential impacts on marine ecosystems, river systems, and agricultural lands.
Although details of the specific mining application or permit were not disclosed, local officials acknowledged that the issue had sparked apprehension among residents, prompting calls for transparency and safeguards to protect the environment and community welfare.
“At this time, due to the sensitive nature of the issue, the municipality is carefully studying the situation to arrive at a just and humane resolution that will not cause division or harm to our community,” the statement read.
Babante emphasized that the municipal government remains committed to upholding the law while protecting the interests of its constituents. He also appealed to groups planning protests or actions that could disrupt public order to instead engage in constructive dialogue with the local government.
The mayor underscored the importance of unity and responsible decision-making, assuring residents that consultations and coordination with concerned agencies will continue as the matter undergoes legal and technical review.
Local officials said they will provide further updates once the evaluation is completed, reiterating that any decision will prioritize environmental protection, lawful processes, and the long-term welfare of the people of MacArthur.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
