Investigation of Reported Illegal Mining Activities

August 30, 1979

LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 922

In view of existence of rampant and continuous illegal mining activities committed all over the country and in order to curb these nefarious practices and prosecute the violators thereof, the Director of Mines is hereby directed;

1.  To cause the field investigation of the area subject of the report of illegal mining activities pursuant to existing mining laws and decrees;

2.  To order the legal officer/s to conduct a preliminary investigation immediately upon receipt of positive findings by the investigating team sent to the area in accordance with the pertinent provisions of P.D. No. 77, as amended;

3.  To cause the preparation of and sign complaints/information for illegal mining activities based on the preliminary investigation conducted by the legal officer/s; and aisa dc

4.  To order the legal officer/s of the Bureau of Mines, to file said cases in the proper courts of justice, the prosecution of which shall be under their complete control and jurisdiction any provision of the Rules of Court to the contrary notwithstanding.

In the prosecution of cases for illegal mining activities in courts, the legal officer/s of the Bureau Mines assigned to said cases shall under the immediate administrative supervision of the Minister of Justice.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 30th day of August, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-Nine. cd i