With the arrival of Typhoon Nika in the province of Benguet, residents of Barangay Camp 3 in Tuba are once again feeling anxious.

Aside from frequent landslides on Kennon Road, there is a greater fear of possible landslides in the mountain adjacent to the mining operations of Philex Mining Corporation.

“It’s okay when the rain is light, but when it gets stronger, we really worry, especially with our situation here in Camp 3. If it becomes stronger, that’s when we worry because if the rain intensifies, the rivers will also rise, increasing pressure, especially if there are erosions up top,” said Kagawad Estella Montino, Committee on Lands at Barangay Camp 3.

Their concern began when large cracks in the mountain and fallen trees, allegedly caused by mining, were discovered.

This concern has already been addressed by the barangay officials through a petition and a letter to Philex Mining Corporation and other agencies.

“Philex Mining Corporation has informed us that they plan to hold a meeting tomorrow, November 12, in Baguio, but it was rescheduled due to the typhoon,” Montino mentioned.

The CENRO-Baguio previously announced that they would investigate the damages to trees, especially since certain processes must be followed if any operations affect trees.

In their message sent to the news team on November 11, the agency stated that they are waiting for the weather to improve before proceeding with the investigation.

In an interview with Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas, he emphasized Philex Mining’s responsible actions.

Barangay officials and residents are still waiting for a meeting with the mining management and other concerned agencies to find a solution to the issue.

The news team attempted to get a comment from the mining company, but they declined to provide one.

**RHEN DE GUZMAN