DENR flags illegal foreign workers in mine sites

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has identified the presence of illegal foreign nationals in the country's mine sites as an ongoing concern.

This statement comes after a recent raid in Paracale, Camarines Norte, where 11 Chinese nationals were arrested for working in an illegal mining operation using only tourist visas.

Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga confirmed that case buildup is underway for those involved in the Camarines Norte incident.

The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 mandates that Filipino citizens should be prioritized for all mining-related employment within the Philippines.

Similar apprehensions of foreign workers involved in illegal activities were also reported last year in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

To address these issues, a proposal is being considered to station personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau at each mining project to ensure compliance with existing laws.