THE Department of Justice defused tension in Zamboanga town by voiding the permit of a mining firm whose armed security guards reportedly cause fear among the indigenous people.

The issue was settled after the DoJ declared “invalid” the Special Ore Extraction Permit granted to the controversial mining firm Lupa Pigigetawan whose security personnel were reported to have been causing fear among the Subanens, in Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur.

The DoJ ruled that only the Mines and Geosciences Bureau has the sole authority to grant special mining permits and not the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Environment Secretary Ramon Paje erred in upholding the SOEP granted by his predecessor, former Secretary Lito Atienza, to Lupa Pigigetawan because only the MGB director has the power to issue the permit.

De Lima issued the order following a letter-request sent by Paje asking whether the SOEP issued by Atienza, Jr. to Lupa Pigigetawan was valid.

When Paje took over the DENR, he upheld the permit of Lupa Pigigetawan despite the issuance by the MGB of a cease and desist order against the mining firm.

Even Zamboanga Governor Antonio Cerilles advised Paje to nullify the SOEP and implement the CDO against the mining firm.

But, instead of diffusing the tension, Paje upheld the SOEP.

De Lima said while Paje may issue other forms of special mine permits, it must be done “after verification and evaluation of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.”