Press statement of Sen. M. A. Madrigal on Landslide in Compostela Valley

My condolences to the families that were affected by the twin landslides in Compostela Valley . While we must focus on rescue and relief operations to aid the victims and their families, let us not forget that this incident was aggravated by the unregulated mining in the province. Compostela Valley is already an environmentally critical area. The DENR under Secretary Atienza should explain why until now there is still unregulated mining in the province. Should Secretary Atienza fail to do so, he and his cronies from Manila City Hall whom I was told are now lording it over in the DENR should now resign. The unregulated and wanton destruction of mining operations in Compostela Valley should now be stopped. How many more lives is this government willing to trade for unregulated and abusive mining activities?