The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the mining sector is on standby and ready to assist in disaster response as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine batters many parts of the country.

During the situation briefing led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Wednesday at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) office in Quezon City, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga said they have reached out to the private sector, particularly the mining industry, to help the government with its disaster response operations.

“They may be called to assist in response and recovery, probably rescue if need be, since they have the technical equipment and they have the manpower to perform rescue in terms of possible landslide and other situations,” Loyzaga told the President.

In a message to the Philippine News Agency, Loyzaga said she is directly in touch with the leadership of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, Mike Toledo, and Luis Sarmiento of the Philippine Mine Safety Environment Association.

Aside from the two associations, she added, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association, Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association, the Philippine Mineral Exploration Association, Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, and Teresa Marble Corporation also expressed willingness to assist in relief operations.

“Their emergency response teams (ERTs) have been activated to assist where they will be needed,” Loyzaga said.

“We are watching where accumulated rainfall is highest and where flood and landslide hazard is most probable. Bicol area has received very heavy rainfall,” she added. (PNA)