Environmental group urges halt to mining in Mt. Hamiguitan, a UNESCO-protected range

• People are making a plea to save a “Mindanao Sierra Madre”
• IDIS warns that mining threatens the mountain’s biodiversity and nearby communities
• Provincial photos showed an estimated 200 hectares damaged by mining activities
• The group wants mining licenses withheld to allow Mt. Hamiguitan to recover

An environmental group is urging authorities to put an immediate stop to mining operations within the Mt. Hamiguitan Mountain Range in Davao Oriental, stressing that the site is a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In a report by Jandi Esteban for GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) compared Mt. Hamiguitan to the Sierra Madre in Luzon because of its crucial role in reducing the impact of natural disasters, especially during typhoons.

IDIS Program Coordinator Enp. Lemuel Manalo noted that Mt. Hamiguitan is rich in biodiversity and serves as a natural shield for communities in several areas of Davao Oriental, including Governor Generoso, San Isidro, Mati City, and other nearby towns.

Read also

Alas Pilipinas volleyball player Ike Barilea caused of death finally revealed

He warned, however, that mining activities—particularly in Barangay Macambol, Mati City—pose a serious threat to the mountain’s stability and ecological balance.

In October 2025, the provincial government released images showing that approximately 200 hectares of Mt. Hamiguitan had been damaged due to mining activities.

IDIS emphasized that the impact is not limited to the immediate area, pointing out that nearby protected zones, including Pujada Bay, could also be affected.

“We are one with the provincial government in calling out the mining issue in Mt. Hamiguitan. When it comes sa environmental and watershed management dili siya bounded kung asa lang tong jurisdiction of their license,” Manalo said, underscoring the wide-reaching consequences of environmental degradation.

IDIS is urging authorities not to renew existing mining licenses to allow the mountain to recover. The provincial government earlier announced plans to issue a resolution suspending mining operations in the affected areas.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

Read also

Cebu hillside luxury project under probe after residents link it to severe flooding during Tino

In a previous report by KAMI, a family of three was mercilessly shot and killed inside their store in Barangay Mallorca, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija. Caught by CCTV, three men entered their store, closed the roll-up door, and shot the entire family to death. Before fleeing, one of the suspects even grabbed a bag and a mobile phone from the victim. In a report by Gary De Leon of TV 5's 'Frontline Pilipinas,' the family started getting threats after lending P1-M to one of the residents of their barangay; allegedly using the money for business.

In another viral local report, a 51-year-old public school teacher in Las Piñas City was stabbed multiple times by her own husband. According to the report of EJ Gomez in 'Unang Balita,' the 38-year-old suspect committed the crime inside the school's faculty room. Police authorities said the school has a security guard, but, being a familiar face in the school, the suspect managed to easily get in and out of the school. The suspect said he was there to talk to his wife and settle their misunderstanding, but unfortunately, it led to a big argument.

Source: KAMI.com.gh