Palace to politicians involved in illegal mining, logging: You have blood in your hands

November 24, 2020

Malacanang said on Tuesday that blood would be in the hands of politicians, such as mayors, who continue to protect illegal mining and logging in their respective areas.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement amid allegations that some mayors were involved in illegal logging and mining  in places which recently experienced massive flooding when Typhoon "Ulysses" hit the country.

"Well, mayors, you're there to implement the law not to violate the law. You should not use your position to do business. We have seen the damage brought by illegal logging and illegal mining especially in the province of Cagayan. You will have blood in your hands if you will protect the illegal miners and illegal loggers," he said in a televised press briefing.

Roque noted that the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano has ordered an investigation on the alleged link of some local chief executives in the illegal mining and logging.

"Depending on the final results of the investigation, the mayors could be removed from their posts and they could be criminally charged," he added.

Residents in Cagayan have been blaming illegal mining and logging for the widespread flooding that recently hit the province. Celerina Monte/DMS