In support of Archbishop Antonio Ledesma’s call to monitor all mining activities and their effect on the environment, we are concerned Cagayanons, invoking the right of the people to information on matters of public concern as enshrined in Section 7 of the Bills of Rights of the 1987 Constitution, would like to secure copies of all the mining and quarrying permits issued by the City Government of Cagayan de Oro to all mining companies and individuals under its jurisdiction. We would want to find out whether these operators comply with prevailing laws on Mining, and to take the appropriate action thereof.

We are disturbed by reports that some 400 farmers engaged in vegetable farming along Iponan River are adversely affected by heavy siltation because of the unabated mining activities in the outlying barangays. We believe that the heavy siltation of this river has caused the diminution of farm productivity which may pose a threat on our food security and deprive the farmers a legitimate means for decent living.