Duterte orders suspension of mining operations in Tumbagaan Island, Tawi-Tawi

President Rodrigo Duterte has directed the suspension of mining operations in Tumbagaan Island in Languyan, Tawi-Tawi to give way to the rehabilitation of the area, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Tuesday.

Nograles said Duterte issued the order during the 50th Cabinet meeting on Monday after he expressed concern over reports that the island has been “completely devastated” due to mining.

“The island has, at this point, been mined out,” he said at a news conference.

The Palace official said Duterte directed the planting of more trees and implementation of other rehabilitation efforts in the island, a nickel mining hub. 

“More actions will be considered as more light is shed regarding the state of the island and the conduct of mining operations in the area,” Nograles said. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News