PNP says Duterte ordered temporary suspension on issuing permits for explosives to mining sites

January 4, 2021

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a temporary suspension on issuing permits for explosives delivered to mining sites.

“The President has issued which has been followed up by SILG (Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano), (that) starting January 1 all permits issued for transport of explosives involved in mining are temporarily suspended,” General Debold Sinas said in a press briefing.

Sinas said the order came after reports that members of the New People’s Army (NPA) are forcibly taking explosives.

“That’s why the order of the President is there should be no speedy release or movement of explosives without concurrence from the local PNP commander and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” he said.

“We are just doing the policy which we will submit to SILG for his concurrence and approval. Once approved, then we can resume the issuance of permits to transport explosives,” he added.

Sinas said they received complaints from the affected industry but they have to follow Duterte’s order.

“Until the procedures are done crafting by the Civil Security Group (CSG) and Directorate for Operations… We cannot disregard the directive of the President,” he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS