The Calategas Irrigators Service Association (CISA) has filed a petition to Gov. Joel Reyes, thru the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB), to withdraw the renewal permit issued to Patricia Louise Mining Development Corp. (PLMDC) and Palawan Alpha South Resources Development Corp. (PASRDC) operating in Narra, Palawan.

The permits of the two small-scale mining companies expired Sep. 21 this year but were already renewed in October.

The petition, dated Oct. 27, stated CISA’s appeal for the PMRB to revoke the renewed permit due to alleged violations. According to CISA, PLMDC and PASRDC did not conduct any consultation with the residents of Brgy. Calategas where the companies are operating.

“We were surprised that PLMDC and PASRDC already had their mining permits renewed. We should have been given the chance to voice our sentiments on the operations they are conducting here in Brgy. Calategas, Narra,” part of the petition stated.

CISA added that the areas where the mining companies would conduct operations are natural forests.

Under Republic Act 7611 or the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan, destructive activities are prohibited in areas classified as core zone such as natural forests.

PLMDC also violated the mining act when it used dynamite in the conduct of its operation, according to CISA, adding that using explosives is not allowed in small-scale mining operations.

“PLMDC and PASRDC still have not yet given their Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program as required by law,” CISA expressed in the petition.

According to CISA, as farmers, they were saddened by the renewed permit issued to the two companies stating that they were the ones directly affected by the mining operations.

“Renewal of small-scale mining permits of PLMDC and PASRDC is not just simply signing and allowing their operations. You have the responsibility to protect the environment and welfare of the residents affected by these mining operations,” CISA addressed Reyes and the PMRB.

The petition was signed by 80 individuals, mostly residents and farmers from Brgy. Calategas in Narra.