Problematic Status of Diwalwal Mining Area
- Diwalwal Mineral reservation in Monkayo, Compostela Valley has thousands of informal miners operating without proper permits.
- Lack of proper regulatory control caused massive ecological degradation in the area.
Government Actions Prior to the Executive Order
- DENR issued Department Administrative Order No. 2002-18 declaring an emergency and stopping mining operations.
- Presidential Proclamation No. 297 excluded 8,100 hectares in Diwalwal from an older proclamation to declare it a Mineral Reservation and Environmentally Critical Area.
- Mining operations allowed only through DENR directly or qualified contractors.
Continuing Environmental, Social, and Security Concerns
- Despite government interventions, environmental and socio-economic problems persist.
- The CPP/NPA insurgents exploit the area for funds to finance insurgency, causing serious security concerns.
- Urgent need recognized for specific policies and coordinated government actions.
Creation of the National Task Force (NTF) Diwalwal (Section 1)
- Headed by Secretary of National Defense.
- Includes Secretaries of Environment and Natural Resources, Social Welfare, Health, Labor, Justice, Interior and Local Government, NEDA, Press Secretary, Presidential Adviser on Media, Solicitor General, and Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner.
Functions and Responsibilities of NTF Diwalwal (Section 2)
- Formulate comprehensive plans for peace and sustainable development.
- Recommend policies to coordinate and accelerate government efforts.
- Implement public information campaigns to build awareness and confidence.
- Provide mechanisms for speedy resolution of issues affecting rehabilitation.
- Monitor and evaluate program implementation by relevant agencies.
Organizational Structure of NTF Diwalwal (Section 3)
- Directorates supervised by undersecretaries/deputy heads covering:
- Peace & Order and Security
- Socio-Economic Safety Nets
- Legal
- Political
- Information
- Mining and Environment
- An Interagency Technical Working Group provides technical assistance.
- Operation Center (OPCEN) provides operational and administrative support.
Program Monitoring and Coordination Center (PMCC) Diwalwal (Section 4 & 5)
- Local-level body based in Davao City.
- Task groups focused on internal security, socio-economic safety nets, information, mining and environment, and political peace and order.
- Responsibilities include:
- Ensuring effective implementation of government programs locally.
- Acting as liaison among government offices for coordination.
- Providing 24-hour communication facilities.
- Monitoring and providing timely, coordinated responses to local issues.
Staffing and Personnel (Section 6)
- Member departments and agencies provide military and civilian personnel through details and secondments to staff the NTF and PMCC.
Institutional Relationships and Coordination (Section 7)
- National level interface with Cabinet Oversight Committee on Internal Security (COC-IS).
- Local PMCC coordinates with Area Coordination Centers and regional/local bodies such as Peace and Order Council and Development Council.
- Regular consultation with local officials to ensure effective program implementation.
Funding (Section 8)
- NTF submits work program and budget to Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
- DBM recommends funding amount to the President.
Authority to Issue Rules and Regulations (Section 9)
- NTF empowered to issue necessary rules and guidelines for implementation.
Duration of the Task Force (Section 10)
- The Task Force will dissolve once the situation in Diwalwal has normalized.
- Dissolution based on recommendations from Department of National Defense and DENR.
Repeal Clause (Section 11)
- Repeals or modifies inconsistent orders and issuances.
Effectivity (Section 12)
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon approval.