Fatal Flash Flood Hits Illegal Banlas Sluice Mining Site
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Two suspected illegal miners lost their lives in a sudden flash flood at an illegal banlas sluice mining site in Tampakan town, South Cotabato. The tragedy occurred around 4 p.m. on Monday, as the victims were working in the upland village.
According to reports from the Tampakan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the miners were operating sluice boxes along the upper Pulabato River in Sitio Campo Kilot when the violent floodwaters swept them away. Their bodies were later recovered by rescue teams.
Victims Identified; Authorities Continue Crackdown
The deceased were identified as Johnry Samling from Barangay Danlag, Tampakan, and Richard Sumali from Barangay Sinapulan, Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat. Local officials confirmed the victims’ identities and expressed deep concern over the ongoing dangers posed by illegal banlas sluice mining.
Mayor Leonard Escobillo emphasized the persistent threat of illegal mining despite numerous warnings and operations. “We have conducted numerous operations and have warned about the dangers of banlas mining many times, but they did not stop,” he said in a local radio interview.
Municipal Task Force Battles Destructive Mining Practices
The municipal government formed a dedicated task force to combat illegal banlas sluice mining. Since last year, several raids have been conducted targeting these destructive activities. The mayor detailed how the banlas method involves pouring massive amounts of water down mountain slopes, causing severe environmental damage.
“Banlas mining has already destroyed extensive portions of the mountain in Sitio Campo Kilot and neighboring areas,” Escobillo noted. The process also involves mercury use to extract gold, which further contaminates the environment.
Environmental Damage and Community Impact
“It destroys the trees and our mountain, and the waters eventually flow downstream to pollute our river systems,” the mayor explained. He called for stronger, coordinated efforts between local and national government agencies, as well as stakeholders, to decisively end illegal banlas sluice mining.
Escobillo specifically urged the provincial government, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and the mining company Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) to intensify monitoring and enforcement. The illegal mining site lies within SMI’s concession area, which carries responsibilities for policing illegal activities.
Responsibility of Mining Firm and Local Warnings
“(SMI) has the responsibility to police and monitor any illegal mining activity within its mine area. That is part of what they signed up for,” the mayor stressed. Meanwhile, authorities have identified local residents involved in banlas mining, warning that they will be held accountable if the illegal operations persist.
“We have gathered their names already. In one way or another, we will eventually get them if they will not stop,” Escobillo added.
Community Leaders Report Expanding Illegal Mining
Jose Sebua, president of the Campo Kilot Farmers Association, reported that at least two barangays within SMI’s approved mine area continue to experience active banlas sluice mining. Besides Sitio Campo Kilot near SMI’s base camp, illegal operations have been confirmed in Barangay Salnaong in Columbio town.
“The illegal miners were previously just locals, but now, there were groups reportedly coming from the Columbio area and even from Tboli,” community members said. Since 2011, more than six deaths have been linked to illegal banlas mining, with some victims still missing.
Environmental and Health Risks Escalate
Aside from recent fatalities, one unreported death occurred on July 27. Sebua warned that ongoing mountain destruction and heavy siltation of the Pulabato River increase the risk of major floods and landslides downstream, especially in Barangay Pulabato.
The widespread use of mercury by illegal miners threatens farmlands and fishponds downstream, eventually affecting Lake Buluan in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat. This contamination endangers aquatic life and local communities relying on these resources.
Urgent Call for Government Intervention
Sebua appealed directly to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and government officials for immediate action. “We, the Campo Kilot Farmers Association in Pulabato, Tampakan, South Cotabato, are raising an urgent call for help. Our rivers are now brown, polluted, and contaminated with mercury due to illegal mining and banlas operations. This has endangered the health of our residents, destroyed aquatic life, and is now damaging Lake Buluan downstream — a vital resource for South Cotabato and Maguindanao del Sur,” he stated.
He also urged the government to rehabilitate local roads to improve farmers’ livelihoods and reduce their reliance on destructive mining activities. “If no action is taken, we will bring this case to the Senate and Congress to demand full accountability. This is not just an environmental fight — it is about the health, food security, and the future of our children,” Sebua added.
For more news and updates on illegal banlas sluice mining, visit Filipinokami.com.
