The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of South Cotabato will hold a hearing on February 23 regarding the coal mining operation in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu. Vice Governor Arthur Pingoy Jr. stated that companies with coal operating contracts (COC) and officials from the Department of Energy (DOE) have been invited to provide updates and address concerns. Pingoy emphasized objectivity in addressing the issue, noting misinformation among critics. Daguma Agro Minerals Inc. (DAMI), Sultan Energy Philippines Corp. (SEPC), and Bonanza Energy Resources, Inc. (BERI) hold the COCs for Ned coal mines, previously acquired by San Miguel Corp. in 2010. By December 2021, San Miguel CEO Ramon S. Ang sought provincial endorsement for strip mining, which began commercial production in late 2022. In 2024, San Miguel disclosed the sale of DAMI, SEPC, and BERI to an undisclosed buyer. Bishop Cerilo Casicas disputed the classification of the mining method as strip mining, labeling it open-pit mining, which violates South Cotabato’s Environment Code. Since December 2022, coal extraction has caused environmental damage, noise, dust pollution, and community complaints, including Indigenous concerns over ancestral lands. DOE data shows DAMI extracted 2,159,380 metric tons and SEPC produced 168,424 metric tons since 2023. Rene Pamplona of the Convergence of Initiatives for Environmental Justice criticized the project’s climate impact and questioned Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.’s “Climate Hero” award, citing coal mining’s adverse effects. Pamplona also challenged the lack of local government assertion over national-approved projects. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)
