Lifting of silica sand mining ban in Northern Palawan

The previous ban on silica sand mining in Northern Palawan, Calamian Group of Islands, and Malampaya Sound area (imposed by the Presidential Directive of March 22, 1976) is lifted.
These areas are now opened for mining location, exploration, development, and exploitation.
Activities must comply with the provisions of P.D. 1899 (Small Scale Mining Decree of 1984).

Mining permits or licenses issued in the subject areas must contain the mandatory condition to safeguard oil exploration, development, and exploitation activities.
If mining activities interfere in any manner with oil operations, such mining activities must be immediately stopped.
The corresponding mining permit or license will be cancelled if interference occurs.
The government is absolved from any lien or liabilities arising from cessation or cancellation related to such interference.

The directive is issued by the President of the Philippines, binding on the Minister of Natural Resources and the Director of Mines and Geo-Sciences.
This ensures executive endorsement and enforcement of policy changes affecting mining and natural resource management in the described areas.