Preamble
WHEREAS, the existence of mining conflicts has not only resulted in the delay of mining operations but has deprived the legitimate or bona fide claim owners of the profits arising therefrom; WHEREAS, mining conflicts should not be deterrents to the continuity of mining operations in the interest of the legitimate or bona fide claim owners and for the good of the national economy; and WHEREAS, to place conflicting areas into mining operations would be in keeping with the government pronouncement to hasten and encourage the exploration, development and exploitation of the mineral resources of the country. NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order and decree the following: