Stench of Fuel Hangs over Philippine Marine Park
August 17, 2006 � By Dolly Aglay, Reuters
TAKLONG ISLAND, Philippines � The waters of the Taklong marine reserve in the central Philippines glisten in the sunlight but stink of fuel as thick sludge washes ashore.
As disaster workers and residents of nearby villages tried again on Thursday to contain last week's oil spill from a sunken tanker off the island of Guimaras, worries were growing about the impact on fish, plants, people and tourism in the area.
"My fear is all the mangrove trees will die," Joseph Gajo, a caretaker at the 1,143-hectare marine reserve (2,857 acres), told Reuters. "If the mangroves and coral die, this will affect fishermen."
The mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds of Taklong, on the southern tip of Guimaras island, serve as a feeding and nursery ground for 144 species of fish and other sea creatures.
Along the coastline, men were putting up nets to try to keep the spill from washing ashore. In another area, rubber boats were being used as barriers.
The provincial government declared Guimaras a disaster zone after the spill of about 200,000 litres of bunker oil on Friday.
Chartered by Petron Corp., the largest oil refiner in the Philippines, the tanker was carrying about 2 million litres of the industrial fuel when it sank in rough seas.
Officials have warned that the pollution could take three years to clean up, with more than 15,000 people and 200 km (120 miles) of coastline affected.
"We have no catch, we are leaving now. We can't stand the smell of bunker oil," one of two fisherman shouted as they paddled a small boat near the marine reserve.
MORE OIL IN SHIP
The spill of about 200 tonnes of oil is the worst to hit the Philippines but pales against the world's biggest accident, the 1979 collision between the Atlantic Empress and another vessel that leaked 287,000 tonnes into the sea off Tobago.
Still, Philippine officials fear a wider disaster if the estimated 1,800 tonnes still inside the sunken tanker seep out.
"The ship is divided into 10 tanks. Each tank contains 200,000 litres," Arthur Gosingan, head of the Coast Guard, told Reuters. "We hope none of the remaining tanks will rupture."
Some families have moved away from the shores of Guimaras, about 470 km south of Manila, as the fuel washes up on beaches, staining sand and trees.
Health officials have advised residents not to eat anything from the contaminated waters but some people, dependent on the sea for food, have ignored the warning.
Environmental group Greenpeace said the Philippines must hold Petron and its partners accountable for the damage.
"We will go after those who may be found responsible and liable for this environmental catastrophe," said Ignacio Bunye, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's spokesman.
"In the meantime, let us focus our energies and resources on a fast clean-up to prevent the spread of pollution." (With reporting by Karen Lema)
Source: Reuters
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Environmental group lobbies to UK Parliamentarian Clare Short to help stop rights violations in mining communities
August 1, 2006
Environmental group lobbies to UK Parliamentarian Clare Short to help stop rights violations in mining communities
United Kingdom Member of the Parliament and Human Rights advocate Clare Short met with the environmental activist group Kalikasan-People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE) and Batasan 5 legislators today to discuss the mining situation and debilitating human rights situation in the country.
Clare Short is visiting the country to get first hand information on the operation of foreign mining companies in the country. She is currently a United Kingdom Member of the Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood and was the Secretary of State for International Development from 1997 to 2003. She is also known as an advocate for peace and women's rights.
Clare Short gained international prominence when she resigned as international department secretary of the Blair Government in May 2003 over broken promises of British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the future of Iraq. She similarly led calls for the British Prime Minister to step down.
"The participation of Clare Short in the mining campaign will greatly help in educating the people in United Kingdom and Europe on the social impacts, economic dislocations and environmental destruction brought about by the operations of transnational mining companies (mining TNCs) in here," says Clemente Bautista Jr., national coordinator of Kalikasan-PNE.
There are at least four European mining companies involved in the 24 priorities large-scale mining projects of the Arroyo administration. Three of these are from UK, namely, BHP Billiton, Toledo Copper Plc. of London, Queensland Nickel Inc, and Crew Minerals AS Norway.
"One of the negative social impacts of mining TNCs operations is the high incidence of human rights violations in mining-affected communities. Particular cases include the forced dislocation of Subanon families, an indigenous people in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte to clear the way for the operation of Canadian-owned Toronto Venture Inc., and the killings of environmental activists in Mindoro Oriental which is related to the nickel mining project of Crew Minerals."
"Our records show that already 13 anti-mining activists and leaders have been killed under the Arroyo administration. Eight of them were killed in 2005 to 2006. In addition to these are the forced disappearance of Joey Estriber of Aurora Province and the attempted murder of Fr. Allan Caparro of Leyte Province, who at that time of the incidents, are both active in the campaign against foreign large-scale mining."
"These human rights violations are results of the Arroyo administration's all out support to foreign mining TNCs. Military and the police act to protect the investments of mining TNCs. Mining companies are encouraged to employ private armies by the government."
"We hope that through Ms Short's watchful concern on the local mining issues, the affected communities may get a reprieve on the problems they face and the struggle in the country will gain more supporters from the international community," Mr. Bautista ends. ###
Environmental group lobbies to UK Parliamentarian Clare Short to help stop rights violations in mining communities
United Kingdom Member of the Parliament and Human Rights advocate Clare Short met with the environmental activist group Kalikasan-People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE) and Batasan 5 legislators today to discuss the mining situation and debilitating human rights situation in the country.
Clare Short is visiting the country to get first hand information on the operation of foreign mining companies in the country. She is currently a United Kingdom Member of the Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood and was the Secretary of State for International Development from 1997 to 2003. She is also known as an advocate for peace and women's rights.
Clare Short gained international prominence when she resigned as international department secretary of the Blair Government in May 2003 over broken promises of British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the future of Iraq. She similarly led calls for the British Prime Minister to step down.
"The participation of Clare Short in the mining campaign will greatly help in educating the people in United Kingdom and Europe on the social impacts, economic dislocations and environmental destruction brought about by the operations of transnational mining companies (mining TNCs) in here," says Clemente Bautista Jr., national coordinator of Kalikasan-PNE.
There are at least four European mining companies involved in the 24 priorities large-scale mining projects of the Arroyo administration. Three of these are from UK, namely, BHP Billiton, Toledo Copper Plc. of London, Queensland Nickel Inc, and Crew Minerals AS Norway.
"One of the negative social impacts of mining TNCs operations is the high incidence of human rights violations in mining-affected communities. Particular cases include the forced dislocation of Subanon families, an indigenous people in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte to clear the way for the operation of Canadian-owned Toronto Venture Inc., and the killings of environmental activists in Mindoro Oriental which is related to the nickel mining project of Crew Minerals."
"Our records show that already 13 anti-mining activists and leaders have been killed under the Arroyo administration. Eight of them were killed in 2005 to 2006. In addition to these are the forced disappearance of Joey Estriber of Aurora Province and the attempted murder of Fr. Allan Caparro of Leyte Province, who at that time of the incidents, are both active in the campaign against foreign large-scale mining."
"These human rights violations are results of the Arroyo administration's all out support to foreign mining TNCs. Military and the police act to protect the investments of mining TNCs. Mining companies are encouraged to employ private armies by the government."
"We hope that through Ms Short's watchful concern on the local mining issues, the affected communities may get a reprieve on the problems they face and the struggle in the country will gain more supporters from the international community," Mr. Bautista ends. ###
Monday, July 24, 2006
Big Three Cars Emit 230 Million Tons of Greenhouse Gas
Big Three Cars Emit 230 Million Tons of Greenhouse Gas
June 29, 2006 — By Deborah Zabarenko, Reuters
WASHINGTON — Cars built by the Big Three automakers gave off 230 million metric tons of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the United States in a year, more than the biggest U.S. electric utility, environmental researchers said Wednesday.
General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler cars and light trucks emitted nearly three-fourths of all carbon dioxide from vehicles on U.S. roads in 2004, the year for which statistics were available, according to the watchdog group Environmental Defense.
Nine other car manufacturers with vehicles on the U.S. market accounted for an additional 84 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, bringing the total for all cars and light trucks in operation in 2004 to 314 million metric tons, the report found.
General Motors vehicles gave off 99 million metric tons or 31 percent of the total; Ford vehicles emitted 80 million metric tons or 25 percent and DaimlerChrysler vehicles emitted 51 million metric tons or 16 percent, according to the report.
By comparison, the largest U.S. electric utility, American Electric Power, had emissions of 41 million metric tons.
Greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide, contribute to global warming, which in turn has been blamed for more severe hurricanes, rising seas and other environmental ills. Though greenhouse gas emissions have most frequently been associated with coal-fired power plants, the new report aims to point up comparable emissions from automobiles.
"The image of the power plant, with a smokestack and stuff billowing out of it, creates that sense of a lot of pollution in one place," John DeCicco, co-author of the report, said by telephone. "People don't necessarily understand that the millions of vehicles are part of the problem that is a really comparable scale."
He stressed a shared responsibility among consumers, auto manufacturers and policy makers.
"It's hard to pin just on General Motors the responsibility for that 20-year-old Chevy that's putting carbon up into the air," DeCicco said.
With just 5 percent of the world's population, the United States has 30 percent of the world's automobiles and produces 45 percent of the world's automotive carbon dioxide emissions, the report said. U.S. cars are driven more and burn more fuel per mile than the international average.
Source: Reuters
June 29, 2006 — By Deborah Zabarenko, Reuters
WASHINGTON — Cars built by the Big Three automakers gave off 230 million metric tons of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the United States in a year, more than the biggest U.S. electric utility, environmental researchers said Wednesday.
General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler cars and light trucks emitted nearly three-fourths of all carbon dioxide from vehicles on U.S. roads in 2004, the year for which statistics were available, according to the watchdog group Environmental Defense.
Nine other car manufacturers with vehicles on the U.S. market accounted for an additional 84 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, bringing the total for all cars and light trucks in operation in 2004 to 314 million metric tons, the report found.
General Motors vehicles gave off 99 million metric tons or 31 percent of the total; Ford vehicles emitted 80 million metric tons or 25 percent and DaimlerChrysler vehicles emitted 51 million metric tons or 16 percent, according to the report.
By comparison, the largest U.S. electric utility, American Electric Power, had emissions of 41 million metric tons.
Greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide, contribute to global warming, which in turn has been blamed for more severe hurricanes, rising seas and other environmental ills. Though greenhouse gas emissions have most frequently been associated with coal-fired power plants, the new report aims to point up comparable emissions from automobiles.
"The image of the power plant, with a smokestack and stuff billowing out of it, creates that sense of a lot of pollution in one place," John DeCicco, co-author of the report, said by telephone. "People don't necessarily understand that the millions of vehicles are part of the problem that is a really comparable scale."
He stressed a shared responsibility among consumers, auto manufacturers and policy makers.
"It's hard to pin just on General Motors the responsibility for that 20-year-old Chevy that's putting carbon up into the air," DeCicco said.
With just 5 percent of the world's population, the United States has 30 percent of the world's automobiles and produces 45 percent of the world's automotive carbon dioxide emissions, the report said. U.S. cars are driven more and burn more fuel per mile than the international average.
Source: Reuters
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Bicolanos, Environmental activists file case against Lafayette, DENR
July 20, 2006
Bicolanos, Environmental activists file case against Lafayette, DENR
In a new bid to stop the polymetallic mining project in Rapurapu, residents of the island, Sorsogon and Albay, environmental activist groups, fisher folk organizations, church people, militant organizations and television personalities filed a class suit against Lafayette Philippines, Inc., an Australian mining firm, and DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes today at the Makati Regional Trial Court today.
The suit sought to halt the 30-day test run granted by the DENR Secretary to Lafayette, on June 13, 2006. It similarly petitioned for the permanent injunction of the Lafayette mining operation, as it demanded compensation for the damages the company has done to the environment and the surrounding communities.
"We filed a case because we want to stop the destruction La Fayette is causing in our island, in our environment, our future and our children's future. (Sumama po kami sa pagasampa ng kaso upang mapigilan ang ginagawang pagsira ng Lafayette di lamang sa aming kapaligiran kundi sa aming kinabukasan at ng aming mga anak)," says Nenita Cotorno, a 60-year old grandmother of 7 and a local resident of Rapu-rapu.
Another Bicolana and international Beauty Queen Miriam Quiambao also signed as a petitioner. "It is a shame that people's lives and the environment are being put at risk for the sake of the mining operation. I hope that people in the government will make decisions that will be beneficial to more people than a few. Lives, especially
people's lives, are too precious.
Television personalities, musicians and environmentalists like Chin-chin Gutierrez, Gary Granada, Chickoy Pura and Roy Alvarez are also petitioners of the suit.
"We are not against mining. We are against how mining is being done in this country, without regard for our people, our environment, and our country's future. The cannot guarantee Rapurapu Island's preservation and barely provides enough for the economic, social or cultural sustainability of the present generation. Why should people and
the environment always have to pay the cost to benefit the few?" averred Chin-chin Gutierrez.
"The petitioners, who are both residents and non-residents of Rapurapu, share a common concern for the environmental, economic and health-related problems caused by the mining operations in the island. They are invoking their constitutionally guaranteed right to a balanced and healthful ecology as well as their right to health," explains Atty. Howard Calleja, one of the lawyers who filed the case.
"The most compelling reason to restrain Lafayette's mining operation is the occurrence of acid mine drainage (AMD). This environmental concern is something that even the DENR admits Lafayette could not control," added Calleja.
"Rapurapu should be immediately rehabilitated. The acid mine drainage and its effects in the island should be addressed, not exacerbated by allowing the island to be mined further by Lafayette," said Frances Quimpo of the Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines.
"It is very difficult to understand how the government can allow Lafayette to continue mining when it has already seen how Lafayette violated our laws, cheated the government of taxes, undermined the safety of the communities, and caused irreversible damages to our environment," pointed out Antonio Casetas, Head Servant of Sagip Isla, Sagip Kapwa, an island-wide environmental organization in Rapurapu.
"We have remained vigilant and have continued to protest in the streets, in spite the fact that the island is now being militarized, because this is the only way we can express our position. Our once peaceful island is not only being destroyed, it is now wrapped in apprehension and fear. We hope Lafayette and the government will let us be, " averred Ariel Arieto, leader of Lambat-Bicol, a fisherfok federation in the Bicol region.
Meanwhile, Defend Patrimony Spokesperson Trixie Concepcion asserted that Lafayette's operations in Rapu-rapu are still rife with irregularities, including under-declared revenues and falsification of public documents. "We are asking the Court to stop what DENR itself further affirmed as a grossly unfavorable mining project to the government," adds Concepcion.
"The mining issue in Rapu-Rapu is a matter of public interest in view of the environmental hazards and adverse health impacts that Lafayette mining operation poses. The people of Sorsogon are supporting the class suit, and we hope we can get justice," says Bishop Aruturo Bastes who headed the defunct Rapu-rapu Fact-Finding Commission.
"We do not trust that the Arroyo Administration, including the DENR, will heed our demands. She has after all already demonstrated her bias for the Australian mining firm and has intransigently clung to her mining liberalization policy to protect the interest of foreign transnational mining," said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE.
"This class suit is a fight not only against Lafayette but also a fight in defense of our patrimony," added Bautista. ###
Bicolanos, Environmental activists file case against Lafayette, DENR
In a new bid to stop the polymetallic mining project in Rapurapu, residents of the island, Sorsogon and Albay, environmental activist groups, fisher folk organizations, church people, militant organizations and television personalities filed a class suit against Lafayette Philippines, Inc., an Australian mining firm, and DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes today at the Makati Regional Trial Court today.
The suit sought to halt the 30-day test run granted by the DENR Secretary to Lafayette, on June 13, 2006. It similarly petitioned for the permanent injunction of the Lafayette mining operation, as it demanded compensation for the damages the company has done to the environment and the surrounding communities.
"We filed a case because we want to stop the destruction La Fayette is causing in our island, in our environment, our future and our children's future. (Sumama po kami sa pagasampa ng kaso upang mapigilan ang ginagawang pagsira ng Lafayette di lamang sa aming kapaligiran kundi sa aming kinabukasan at ng aming mga anak)," says Nenita Cotorno, a 60-year old grandmother of 7 and a local resident of Rapu-rapu.
Another Bicolana and international Beauty Queen Miriam Quiambao also signed as a petitioner. "It is a shame that people's lives and the environment are being put at risk for the sake of the mining operation. I hope that people in the government will make decisions that will be beneficial to more people than a few. Lives, especially
people's lives, are too precious.
Television personalities, musicians and environmentalists like Chin-chin Gutierrez, Gary Granada, Chickoy Pura and Roy Alvarez are also petitioners of the suit.
"We are not against mining. We are against how mining is being done in this country, without regard for our people, our environment, and our country's future. The cannot guarantee Rapurapu Island's preservation and barely provides enough for the economic, social or cultural sustainability of the present generation. Why should people and
the environment always have to pay the cost to benefit the few?" averred Chin-chin Gutierrez.
"The petitioners, who are both residents and non-residents of Rapurapu, share a common concern for the environmental, economic and health-related problems caused by the mining operations in the island. They are invoking their constitutionally guaranteed right to a balanced and healthful ecology as well as their right to health," explains Atty. Howard Calleja, one of the lawyers who filed the case.
"The most compelling reason to restrain Lafayette's mining operation is the occurrence of acid mine drainage (AMD). This environmental concern is something that even the DENR admits Lafayette could not control," added Calleja.
"Rapurapu should be immediately rehabilitated. The acid mine drainage and its effects in the island should be addressed, not exacerbated by allowing the island to be mined further by Lafayette," said Frances Quimpo of the Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines.
"It is very difficult to understand how the government can allow Lafayette to continue mining when it has already seen how Lafayette violated our laws, cheated the government of taxes, undermined the safety of the communities, and caused irreversible damages to our environment," pointed out Antonio Casetas, Head Servant of Sagip Isla, Sagip Kapwa, an island-wide environmental organization in Rapurapu.
"We have remained vigilant and have continued to protest in the streets, in spite the fact that the island is now being militarized, because this is the only way we can express our position. Our once peaceful island is not only being destroyed, it is now wrapped in apprehension and fear. We hope Lafayette and the government will let us be, " averred Ariel Arieto, leader of Lambat-Bicol, a fisherfok federation in the Bicol region.
Meanwhile, Defend Patrimony Spokesperson Trixie Concepcion asserted that Lafayette's operations in Rapu-rapu are still rife with irregularities, including under-declared revenues and falsification of public documents. "We are asking the Court to stop what DENR itself further affirmed as a grossly unfavorable mining project to the government," adds Concepcion.
"The mining issue in Rapu-Rapu is a matter of public interest in view of the environmental hazards and adverse health impacts that Lafayette mining operation poses. The people of Sorsogon are supporting the class suit, and we hope we can get justice," says Bishop Aruturo Bastes who headed the defunct Rapu-rapu Fact-Finding Commission.
"We do not trust that the Arroyo Administration, including the DENR, will heed our demands. She has after all already demonstrated her bias for the Australian mining firm and has intransigently clung to her mining liberalization policy to protect the interest of foreign transnational mining," said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE.
"This class suit is a fight not only against Lafayette but also a fight in defense of our patrimony," added Bautista. ###
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Church people on reopening of Lafayette: A Disastrous Decision
June 16, 2006
A Disastrous Decision
The Stewards of Creation, a national network of church people for environmental protection, shares the disappointment of Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes over the government's decision allowing Lafayette Philippines Inc. (LPI), to do a test-run of its zinc and copper mining operation.
The Rapu-rapu Fact-finding Commission (RFFC) chaired by Bishop Bastes did a very thorough and credible study of the effects of the operations of Lafayette Philippines Inc. in Rapu-rapu and made sound recommendations based on its findings. The government admitted, albeit grudgingly that the Bastes Report had merit. The decision of DENR Sec. Angelo Reyes disregarded the hard work of the members of the Bastes Commission.
While the DENR decision is a setback for environmentalists, it is hardly surprising given the fact that even the RFFC cited in its report that the said agency has been noticeably consistent in allowing LPI to violate the environmental protection requirements of its approved Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) and Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). Sec. Reyes' decision is also very consistent with the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Mining Revitalization Program. Given this propensity for siding with TNCs, it won't be a joke to call the DENR the Department for the Eradication of our Natural Resources.
This is a very unfortunate, considering our experiences with mining: that TNCs gain the profits while the people suffer the consequences. Moreover, as proven by Rapu-rapu, promised jobs were only for a few; the livelihoods of the people were not spared; health and safety were ignored; and, human rights violations were aggravated. Worse, the military paid by people's taxes was used to secure the interest of these TNCs.
We thus call on Sec. Reyes to reconsider his decision and heed the recommendations of the Bastes Commission. We also reiterate our challenge to the Arroyo government to immediately repeal the Mining Act of 1995 in favor of a more pro-people and environmentally sound policy, cancel all permits for large-scale mining and render justice to all victims of mining disasters.
Bishop Solito K. Toquero
Resident Bishop
United Methodist Church - Manila Episcopal Area (tel.523-02-97)
Convenor - Stewards of Creation (A National Network of Church People for Environmental Protection)
NCCP Press Statement
June 16, 2006
Live Up To The Vision of Our National Heroes, Do Not Sell Our Patrimony
(On DENR's Decision to Re-open Mining in Rapu-rapu)
In her Independence Day speech, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stated that the "choice is for us to make whether we continue to live up to the vision of our national heroes or continue to watch helplessly while our political system degenerates and our economy is trapped in the mire of uncertainty". The good President must have forgotten what our national heroes lived and died for. Their blood, sweat and tears were for a country free from plundering invaders�an economy that serves the best interests of the Filipinos. Our heroes would be turning in their graves if they had any knowledge about the infamous plans of the President through Charter Change.
President Arroyo and Sec. Angelo Reyes of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have turned their backs on the vision of our heroes by deciding in favor of Lafayette Philippines Inc. to reopen their mining operation in Rapu-rapu Island. They have allowed the interests of a transnational corporation to prevail over the interests of the people and the environment. Defend Patrimony is right on track when it declares that the DENR decision is "environmental treason". It clearly shows where government priorities lie.
The recommendations of the Bastes Commission are crystal clear and are backed with evidences: an end to the operations of Lafayette, a moratorium on mining in Rapu-rapu and a review of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. How can we sideline these recommendations when they resonate with the people's demands.
In the face of massive destruction, we will be remiss in our responsibility as stewards of God's gifts if we do not raise a strong voice against this travesty. We thus reiterate our call to uphold the recommendations of the Bastes Commission and to repeal the Mining Act of 1995.
Our national heroes deserve no less.
MS. SHARON ROSE JOY RUIZ-DUREMDES
General Secretary - NCCP
A Disastrous Decision
The Stewards of Creation, a national network of church people for environmental protection, shares the disappointment of Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes over the government's decision allowing Lafayette Philippines Inc. (LPI), to do a test-run of its zinc and copper mining operation.
The Rapu-rapu Fact-finding Commission (RFFC) chaired by Bishop Bastes did a very thorough and credible study of the effects of the operations of Lafayette Philippines Inc. in Rapu-rapu and made sound recommendations based on its findings. The government admitted, albeit grudgingly that the Bastes Report had merit. The decision of DENR Sec. Angelo Reyes disregarded the hard work of the members of the Bastes Commission.
While the DENR decision is a setback for environmentalists, it is hardly surprising given the fact that even the RFFC cited in its report that the said agency has been noticeably consistent in allowing LPI to violate the environmental protection requirements of its approved Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) and Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). Sec. Reyes' decision is also very consistent with the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Mining Revitalization Program. Given this propensity for siding with TNCs, it won't be a joke to call the DENR the Department for the Eradication of our Natural Resources.
This is a very unfortunate, considering our experiences with mining: that TNCs gain the profits while the people suffer the consequences. Moreover, as proven by Rapu-rapu, promised jobs were only for a few; the livelihoods of the people were not spared; health and safety were ignored; and, human rights violations were aggravated. Worse, the military paid by people's taxes was used to secure the interest of these TNCs.
We thus call on Sec. Reyes to reconsider his decision and heed the recommendations of the Bastes Commission. We also reiterate our challenge to the Arroyo government to immediately repeal the Mining Act of 1995 in favor of a more pro-people and environmentally sound policy, cancel all permits for large-scale mining and render justice to all victims of mining disasters.
Bishop Solito K. Toquero
Resident Bishop
United Methodist Church - Manila Episcopal Area (tel.523-02-97)
Convenor - Stewards of Creation (A National Network of Church People for Environmental Protection)
NCCP Press Statement
June 16, 2006
Live Up To The Vision of Our National Heroes, Do Not Sell Our Patrimony
(On DENR's Decision to Re-open Mining in Rapu-rapu)
In her Independence Day speech, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stated that the "choice is for us to make whether we continue to live up to the vision of our national heroes or continue to watch helplessly while our political system degenerates and our economy is trapped in the mire of uncertainty". The good President must have forgotten what our national heroes lived and died for. Their blood, sweat and tears were for a country free from plundering invaders�an economy that serves the best interests of the Filipinos. Our heroes would be turning in their graves if they had any knowledge about the infamous plans of the President through Charter Change.
President Arroyo and Sec. Angelo Reyes of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have turned their backs on the vision of our heroes by deciding in favor of Lafayette Philippines Inc. to reopen their mining operation in Rapu-rapu Island. They have allowed the interests of a transnational corporation to prevail over the interests of the people and the environment. Defend Patrimony is right on track when it declares that the DENR decision is "environmental treason". It clearly shows where government priorities lie.
The recommendations of the Bastes Commission are crystal clear and are backed with evidences: an end to the operations of Lafayette, a moratorium on mining in Rapu-rapu and a review of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. How can we sideline these recommendations when they resonate with the people's demands.
In the face of massive destruction, we will be remiss in our responsibility as stewards of God's gifts if we do not raise a strong voice against this travesty. We thus reiterate our call to uphold the recommendations of the Bastes Commission and to repeal the Mining Act of 1995.
Our national heroes deserve no less.
MS. SHARON ROSE JOY RUIZ-DUREMDES
General Secretary - NCCP
Friday, June 16, 2006
SCIENTISTS ON DENR DECISION TO RE-OPEN LAFAYETTE: UNSCIENTIFIC, UNSOUND AND ILLOGICAL
June 16, 2006
SCIENTISTS ON DENR DECISION TO RE-OPEN LAFAYETTE: UNSCIENTIFIC, UNSOUND AND ILLOGICAL
According to its very own summary of findings, the DENR found that:
a) The mine spills in Rapu-rapu were preventable;
b) Lafayette was guilty of lapses;
c) Lafayette does not measure up to standards of a responsible miner;
d) The DENR failed to adequately monitor the Rapu-Rapu operations; and
e) The sharing of benefits from the mining operations is grossly unfavorable to the Philippine government
Despite such negative findings, the DENR makes the illogical decision of allowing a 30-day test-run of mining in Rapu-rapu Island.
”It is a brazen example of how unscientific and illogical our government can be” according to activists scientists from AGHAM.
”How can Malacañang and Secretary Angelo Reyes reach a decision to allow Lafayette to operate when they themselves, from their very own findings, have pointed out long-term and substantial defects in LPI's operation?”, asks Dr. Giovanni Tapang, National Chairperson of AGHAM.
”Clearly the decision to allow the resumption of mining was not based on the technical findings of the Bastes Commission which was concurred to by many experts from different scientific disciplines.The decision to allow the resumption of mining in the Island was a result of political kowtowing to foreign interests and ignoring the clear and comprehensive scientific evidence from the Commission”, adds Dr. Tapang.
”If the decision-making process in government was trully scientific and democratic, Lafayette Philippines Inc., would not be allowed to operate”, says Ricarido Saturay, Jr. geologist at the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences and AGHAM member. ”This kind of unscientific policy making is what lowers the morale of scientists who are frustrated over unsound decision making process of the national government which often ignore scientific evidences that do not conform with its political agenda.
”Given the Marinduque mine spill of ten years ago, it is our conclusion that when it is the interest of the many versus the interest of a few foreign corporations like Lafayette or Marcopper, the government almost always sides with the foreign plunderers”, conlcudes Saturay.
”For us, the decision to allow Lafayette Philippines to operate is a lose-lose solution for the people. This unscientific, unsound and illogical reasoning allows for the continued destruction and plunder of our environment to the detriment of local peoples and the entire country”, declared Dr. Tapang###
SCIENTISTS ON DENR DECISION TO RE-OPEN LAFAYETTE: UNSCIENTIFIC, UNSOUND AND ILLOGICAL
According to its very own summary of findings, the DENR found that:
a) The mine spills in Rapu-rapu were preventable;
b) Lafayette was guilty of lapses;
c) Lafayette does not measure up to standards of a responsible miner;
d) The DENR failed to adequately monitor the Rapu-Rapu operations; and
e) The sharing of benefits from the mining operations is grossly unfavorable to the Philippine government
Despite such negative findings, the DENR makes the illogical decision of allowing a 30-day test-run of mining in Rapu-rapu Island.
”It is a brazen example of how unscientific and illogical our government can be” according to activists scientists from AGHAM.
”How can Malacañang and Secretary Angelo Reyes reach a decision to allow Lafayette to operate when they themselves, from their very own findings, have pointed out long-term and substantial defects in LPI's operation?”, asks Dr. Giovanni Tapang, National Chairperson of AGHAM.
”Clearly the decision to allow the resumption of mining was not based on the technical findings of the Bastes Commission which was concurred to by many experts from different scientific disciplines.The decision to allow the resumption of mining in the Island was a result of political kowtowing to foreign interests and ignoring the clear and comprehensive scientific evidence from the Commission”, adds Dr. Tapang.
”If the decision-making process in government was trully scientific and democratic, Lafayette Philippines Inc., would not be allowed to operate”, says Ricarido Saturay, Jr. geologist at the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences and AGHAM member. ”This kind of unscientific policy making is what lowers the morale of scientists who are frustrated over unsound decision making process of the national government which often ignore scientific evidences that do not conform with its political agenda.
”Given the Marinduque mine spill of ten years ago, it is our conclusion that when it is the interest of the many versus the interest of a few foreign corporations like Lafayette or Marcopper, the government almost always sides with the foreign plunderers”, conlcudes Saturay.
”For us, the decision to allow Lafayette Philippines to operate is a lose-lose solution for the people. This unscientific, unsound and illogical reasoning allows for the continued destruction and plunder of our environment to the detriment of local peoples and the entire country”, declared Dr. Tapang###
Environmental activists' slay linked to ODA review
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jun16/metro3.htm
June 16, 2006
MALAYA
Environmental activists' slay linked to ODA review
INTERNATIONAL environmental groups are set to raise the issue of environmental activists' slaying during the quarterly meeting in Tokyo on June 19 between the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and non-government organizations.
The environmentalists said they will bring up the issue with Japanese authorities when the latter review their support and funding for projects under the Official Development Assistance (ODA), especially in areas where such killings have taken place.
Hozue Hatae, Friends of the Earth-Japan campaigner, said environmental compliance and social acceptability are requirements in reviewing such projects. Hatae noted that 61 percent of the ODA loans to the Philippines come from Japan.
Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the environmental group Kalikasan-PNE said 15 of the almost 700 victims of killings since President Arroyo came to power in 2001 are environmental activists. "They actively campaigned against environmentally destructive projects such as large-scale mining, commercial logging and mega dam project," he said.
Bautista said the most recent victims were environmental activist Marcus Bangit of the Cordillera People's Alliance who campaigned against large-scale mining in Kalinga Province; and peasant leader Jose Doton who opposed the San Roque multi-purpose dam project and the Agno River integrated irrigation project at the boundary of Pangasinan-Benguet.
The International Rivers Network, a US-based NGO that opposes destructive dam projects, said the international community of NGOs is very concerned with the rise on human rights violations against political activists, media people and environmental workers in the Philippines. – Reinir Padua
June 16, 2006
MALAYA
Environmental activists' slay linked to ODA review
INTERNATIONAL environmental groups are set to raise the issue of environmental activists' slaying during the quarterly meeting in Tokyo on June 19 between the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and non-government organizations.
The environmentalists said they will bring up the issue with Japanese authorities when the latter review their support and funding for projects under the Official Development Assistance (ODA), especially in areas where such killings have taken place.
Hozue Hatae, Friends of the Earth-Japan campaigner, said environmental compliance and social acceptability are requirements in reviewing such projects. Hatae noted that 61 percent of the ODA loans to the Philippines come from Japan.
Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the environmental group Kalikasan-PNE said 15 of the almost 700 victims of killings since President Arroyo came to power in 2001 are environmental activists. "They actively campaigned against environmentally destructive projects such as large-scale mining, commercial logging and mega dam project," he said.
Bautista said the most recent victims were environmental activist Marcus Bangit of the Cordillera People's Alliance who campaigned against large-scale mining in Kalinga Province; and peasant leader Jose Doton who opposed the San Roque multi-purpose dam project and the Agno River integrated irrigation project at the boundary of Pangasinan-Benguet.
The International Rivers Network, a US-based NGO that opposes destructive dam projects, said the international community of NGOs is very concerned with the rise on human rights violations against political activists, media people and environmental workers in the Philippines. – Reinir Padua
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Bayan Muna condemns DENR order to resume large-scale mining in Rapu-rapu
June 14, 2006
Bayan Muna condemns DENR order to resume large-scale mining in Rapu-rapu
Bayan Muna Rep. Joel Virador condemned the recent government decision to allow Australian-backed Lafayette Philippines to resume large scale mining operations in Rapu-rapu island in Albay province.
"The decision of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Angelo Reyes allowing Lafayette Phils Inc. (LPI) to resume large-scale mining operations in Rapu-rapu Island is a high crime against the environment. This decision sacrifices the people�s health and welfare in favor of foreign mining companies," Rep. Virador said.
"The DENR decision signals President Arroyo's bias toward foreign companies that will plunder our resources, destroy our rivers and seas, and violate national and international environmental laws," he added.
DENR Sec. Reyes announced yesterday the decision to allow LPI to resume open pit mining operations "with stringent monitoring by the DENR" in Rapu-rapu Island, Albay.
LPI was suspended in November 2005 due to the two spill incidents that resulted to cyanide contamination and fish kills.
Sec. Reyes issued a 30-day temporary lifting of its suspension order though it validated that Lafayette is guilty of technical, management and operational lapses that violate "responsible mining" standards.
"The Arroyo government has totally ignored the recommendations of the Rapu-rapu Fact-Finding Commission (RFFC). In fact, the Commission cited the DENR has been consistent in allowing LPI to violate the environmental protection requirements of its approved Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) and Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). This shows that the decision actually favors Lafayette," Virador said.
The RFFC found out that the government stands to receive a two 2 percent (2%) production share in Lafayette�s large-scale mining operation in the form of excise tax.
"The RFFC revealed that government only received P2.086 million in excise tax collections out of Lafayette�s gross revenues of P134.4 million in 2005. Government also greatly reduced its total expected tax revenues from Lafayette from US$20.48 million to US$8.68 million due to the tax incentives and economic privileges that it granted to the Australian company under the 1995 Mining Act and the Philippine Export Zone Authority. Essentially, government and Lafayette are deceiving the public that billions of investments will be lost if mining is stopped. Rapu-rapu is expected to produce copper, gold, silver and zinc valued at only US$350 million over six years," Virador said.
"We continue to support the RFFC recommendation to cancel Lafayette's ECC, a moratorium on mining in Rapu-rapu and even work for the immediate repeal of the 1995 Mining Act," he added.
The militant solon is principal author of House Bill 3846 repealing the 1995 Mining Act as a "definitive first step to stop the far-reaching consequences of foreign exploitation of the nation�s natural resources."
The Catholic Bishops� Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), environment groups, people�s organizations and lawmakers have been calling for the scrapping of the Mining Act of 1995 and cancellation of all pending applications for mining permits.
"Foreign corporations in large-scale mining operations will never help the economy progress nor will they accede to our spotty justice system. The 1995 Mining Act will only bring a fleeting upsurge in a few indicators, unstable seasonal jobs and the massive degradation of the environment," Virador ended. #
Bayan Muna condemns DENR order to resume large-scale mining in Rapu-rapu
Bayan Muna Rep. Joel Virador condemned the recent government decision to allow Australian-backed Lafayette Philippines to resume large scale mining operations in Rapu-rapu island in Albay province.
"The decision of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Angelo Reyes allowing Lafayette Phils Inc. (LPI) to resume large-scale mining operations in Rapu-rapu Island is a high crime against the environment. This decision sacrifices the people�s health and welfare in favor of foreign mining companies," Rep. Virador said.
"The DENR decision signals President Arroyo's bias toward foreign companies that will plunder our resources, destroy our rivers and seas, and violate national and international environmental laws," he added.
DENR Sec. Reyes announced yesterday the decision to allow LPI to resume open pit mining operations "with stringent monitoring by the DENR" in Rapu-rapu Island, Albay.
LPI was suspended in November 2005 due to the two spill incidents that resulted to cyanide contamination and fish kills.
Sec. Reyes issued a 30-day temporary lifting of its suspension order though it validated that Lafayette is guilty of technical, management and operational lapses that violate "responsible mining" standards.
"The Arroyo government has totally ignored the recommendations of the Rapu-rapu Fact-Finding Commission (RFFC). In fact, the Commission cited the DENR has been consistent in allowing LPI to violate the environmental protection requirements of its approved Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) and Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). This shows that the decision actually favors Lafayette," Virador said.
The RFFC found out that the government stands to receive a two 2 percent (2%) production share in Lafayette�s large-scale mining operation in the form of excise tax.
"The RFFC revealed that government only received P2.086 million in excise tax collections out of Lafayette�s gross revenues of P134.4 million in 2005. Government also greatly reduced its total expected tax revenues from Lafayette from US$20.48 million to US$8.68 million due to the tax incentives and economic privileges that it granted to the Australian company under the 1995 Mining Act and the Philippine Export Zone Authority. Essentially, government and Lafayette are deceiving the public that billions of investments will be lost if mining is stopped. Rapu-rapu is expected to produce copper, gold, silver and zinc valued at only US$350 million over six years," Virador said.
"We continue to support the RFFC recommendation to cancel Lafayette's ECC, a moratorium on mining in Rapu-rapu and even work for the immediate repeal of the 1995 Mining Act," he added.
The militant solon is principal author of House Bill 3846 repealing the 1995 Mining Act as a "definitive first step to stop the far-reaching consequences of foreign exploitation of the nation�s natural resources."
The Catholic Bishops� Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), environment groups, people�s organizations and lawmakers have been calling for the scrapping of the Mining Act of 1995 and cancellation of all pending applications for mining permits.
"Foreign corporations in large-scale mining operations will never help the economy progress nor will they accede to our spotty justice system. The 1995 Mining Act will only bring a fleeting upsurge in a few indicators, unstable seasonal jobs and the massive degradation of the environment," Virador ended. #
International Environmental Groups echo calls for RP government to stop HRVs and summary executions
June 15, 2006
International Environmental Groups echo calls for RP government to stop HRVs and summary executions
"We, from the international community of non-government organizations are very concerned with the alarming rise of human rights violations and the spate of killings of political activists, media people, and, lately, of environmental workers in the Philippines," says Aviva Imhof, Campaign Director of International Rivers Network (IRN), in a press conference along with representatives from international environmental organization from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. IRN is a US-based international non-government organization (NGO) that opposes destructive dam projects in the world.
"Of the almost 700 activist-victims of political killings since President Arroyo came to power in 2001, _15 are known environmental activists. They have actively campaigned against environmentally destructive projects such as large-scale mining, commercial logging and mega dam projects," reports Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE (People's Network for the Environment)
The most recent environmental activist killed is Marcus Bangit of Cordillera People's Alliance (CPA), who at the time of his death was campaigning against the entry of large-scale mining project in Kalinga province, and Jose Doton, a peasant leader who opposed to the San Roque Multipurpose Dam Project (SRMDP) and the Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project in the boundary of Pangasinan-Benguet. The two were assassinated by unidentified armed men last June 8 and May 16, 2006, respectively.
"As a representative of IRN which actively supports the campaign of people's organizations for the protection of rivers in the Philippines and the rights
of riverine communities, we share the grief of losing fellow environmental workers, some of whom I have personally met in the past. We extend our solidarity in the quest for justice of those they have left behind. We are asking President Arroyo and the Philippine government to decisively act on the issue of human rights violations and extend support to the victims' families. We regret that the human rights situation has deteriorated badly in this country which threatens its international image as a champion of people power and democracy," Ms. Imhof adds.
Ms. Hozue Hatae a campaigner of Friends of the Earth – Japan (FoE-Japan) which is currently monitoring the environmental compliance and social acceptability of Japanese funded projects in the Philippines said that the human rights situation in the Philippines is very volatile and serious. "In spite of the promises of the Philippine government to solve the human rights violations and the formation of many task forces to investigate these, killings continue unabated. We fear that these human rights violations could undermine the affected communities to freely express their position which is a necessay for the social acceptability of any Japanese-funded project."
"In projects funded by the Japanese government and financial institutions, our organization has continuously paid attention on HRVs at the local level. We have documented, that the local communities point to the military, police, and private security forces tasked or employed to secure these projects, as the perpetrators of harassments and other form of human rights violations. The people who opposed these projects are often vilified as leftists and communist terrorists by the authorities. One particular case is Mr. Jose Doton, whose local organization has closely worked with Japanese NGOs on the issue of San Roque Multipurpose Dam project. Before he was assassinated, his organization TIMMAWA was identified by the authorities as front of communist terrorists in the area," Ms Hatae recounts.
"The death of Mr. Doton, gave a great shock to the Japanese public and made them aware of the spate of killings happening now in the country. We are now raising the issue of human rights to the responsible Japanese government agencies and institutions as basis for reviewing their support and funding to identified mega dam, energy and mining projects."
The FoE-Japan documented several HRV incidences, based on testimonies of local communities, in Bohol Irrigation Project Phase II (Bohol), Northern Negros Geo-thermal Power Plant Project (Negros Occidental), San Roque Multi-purpose Dam Project (Pangasinan), Mindanao Coal-fired Power Plant Project (Misamis Oriental), and Coral Bay Nickel Process Plant Project (Palawan).
"There is an increasing trend of killings of environmental activists. Based on our documentation, most of the killings of environmental workers (11 of the 15 victims) are related to mining issues or occurred in areas where there is strong opposition to the priority mining projects of the government. These are in Mindoro Oriental, Palawan, Samar Provinces, Cordillera Region and Sultan Kudarat. We suspect that these killings, harassments or human rights violations are part of the Arroyo government policy to silence opposition to its implementation of the 'Mining Revitalization Program' or its so-called 'developmental projects" such as mega dams and coal power plants," Mr. Bautista explains.
"The Arroyo administration deserves the strongest condemnation possible from all sectors of our society. We will expose and oppose her anti-environment and fascist policy here and abroad. We will continue to campaign for international support to denounce here as the most fascist and worst human rights violator president of the Philippines" stated by Santos Mero of Cordillera People's Alliance.
Representatives from Korean-Asian NGO Center and Yon Ghe Community University of Taiwan also expressed their condemnation on the human rights violations and killings of activists in the Philippines.###
International Environmental Groups echo calls for RP government to stop HRVs and summary executions
"We, from the international community of non-government organizations are very concerned with the alarming rise of human rights violations and the spate of killings of political activists, media people, and, lately, of environmental workers in the Philippines," says Aviva Imhof, Campaign Director of International Rivers Network (IRN), in a press conference along with representatives from international environmental organization from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. IRN is a US-based international non-government organization (NGO) that opposes destructive dam projects in the world.
"Of the almost 700 activist-victims of political killings since President Arroyo came to power in 2001, _15 are known environmental activists. They have actively campaigned against environmentally destructive projects such as large-scale mining, commercial logging and mega dam projects," reports Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE (People's Network for the Environment)
The most recent environmental activist killed is Marcus Bangit of Cordillera People's Alliance (CPA), who at the time of his death was campaigning against the entry of large-scale mining project in Kalinga province, and Jose Doton, a peasant leader who opposed to the San Roque Multipurpose Dam Project (SRMDP) and the Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project in the boundary of Pangasinan-Benguet. The two were assassinated by unidentified armed men last June 8 and May 16, 2006, respectively.
"As a representative of IRN which actively supports the campaign of people's organizations for the protection of rivers in the Philippines and the rights
of riverine communities, we share the grief of losing fellow environmental workers, some of whom I have personally met in the past. We extend our solidarity in the quest for justice of those they have left behind. We are asking President Arroyo and the Philippine government to decisively act on the issue of human rights violations and extend support to the victims' families. We regret that the human rights situation has deteriorated badly in this country which threatens its international image as a champion of people power and democracy," Ms. Imhof adds.
Ms. Hozue Hatae a campaigner of Friends of the Earth – Japan (FoE-Japan) which is currently monitoring the environmental compliance and social acceptability of Japanese funded projects in the Philippines said that the human rights situation in the Philippines is very volatile and serious. "In spite of the promises of the Philippine government to solve the human rights violations and the formation of many task forces to investigate these, killings continue unabated. We fear that these human rights violations could undermine the affected communities to freely express their position which is a necessay for the social acceptability of any Japanese-funded project."
"In projects funded by the Japanese government and financial institutions, our organization has continuously paid attention on HRVs at the local level. We have documented, that the local communities point to the military, police, and private security forces tasked or employed to secure these projects, as the perpetrators of harassments and other form of human rights violations. The people who opposed these projects are often vilified as leftists and communist terrorists by the authorities. One particular case is Mr. Jose Doton, whose local organization has closely worked with Japanese NGOs on the issue of San Roque Multipurpose Dam project. Before he was assassinated, his organization TIMMAWA was identified by the authorities as front of communist terrorists in the area," Ms Hatae recounts.
"The death of Mr. Doton, gave a great shock to the Japanese public and made them aware of the spate of killings happening now in the country. We are now raising the issue of human rights to the responsible Japanese government agencies and institutions as basis for reviewing their support and funding to identified mega dam, energy and mining projects."
The FoE-Japan documented several HRV incidences, based on testimonies of local communities, in Bohol Irrigation Project Phase II (Bohol), Northern Negros Geo-thermal Power Plant Project (Negros Occidental), San Roque Multi-purpose Dam Project (Pangasinan), Mindanao Coal-fired Power Plant Project (Misamis Oriental), and Coral Bay Nickel Process Plant Project (Palawan).
"There is an increasing trend of killings of environmental activists. Based on our documentation, most of the killings of environmental workers (11 of the 15 victims) are related to mining issues or occurred in areas where there is strong opposition to the priority mining projects of the government. These are in Mindoro Oriental, Palawan, Samar Provinces, Cordillera Region and Sultan Kudarat. We suspect that these killings, harassments or human rights violations are part of the Arroyo government policy to silence opposition to its implementation of the 'Mining Revitalization Program' or its so-called 'developmental projects" such as mega dams and coal power plants," Mr. Bautista explains.
"The Arroyo administration deserves the strongest condemnation possible from all sectors of our society. We will expose and oppose her anti-environment and fascist policy here and abroad. We will continue to campaign for international support to denounce here as the most fascist and worst human rights violator president of the Philippines" stated by Santos Mero of Cordillera People's Alliance.
Representatives from Korean-Asian NGO Center and Yon Ghe Community University of Taiwan also expressed their condemnation on the human rights violations and killings of activists in the Philippines.###
Environmentalists assail Rapu-Rapu mine re-opening
Environmentalists assail Rapu-Rapu mine re-opening
Malaya
June 15, 2006
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jun15/news8.htm
ENVIRONMENTAL groups yesterday stormed the main office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Quezon City over its decision Tuesday to allow mining firm Lafayette Philippines, Inc. to conduct a 30-day test-run of its facilities on Rapu-Rapu island in Albay.
Defend Patrimony, an alliance of anti-large scale mining advocates, pelted the DENR office with rotten tomatoes and spray painted the vicinity with "DENR and Lafayette cohorts and plunderers!"
Greenpeace activists wore head gear resembling whale shark (butanding) to signify the marine life which they said would continue to be threatened by mining on Rapu-Rapu.
The fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya (Pamalakaya) said it will contest the decision of Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes anytime this week through a petition for a temporary restraining order to be filed before an "appropriate" court.
The DENR on Tuesday lifted the cease-and-desist order imposed on Lafayette's operations in December after two mine tailings spills last October.
The DENR order ignored a recommendation of the Rapu-Rapu Fact-Finding Commission (RRFFC) headed by Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes to recall the environmental compliance certificate issued to the mining firm and a moratorium on mining operations on Rapu-Rapu.
Reyes defended the decision, saying it was the "best option" and that the temporary lifting order would be guided by "stringent conditions."
Defend Patrimony spokeswoman Trixie Concepcion said Reyes' decision was inconsistent and biased in favor of foreign interest.
"His decision shows how incapable he is in managing our resources and protecting our environment," she said.
Concepcion said the DENR has in fact said that "Lafayette project does not appear to measure up to the standards of responsible mining" and that the DENR found the company guilty of operational and management lapses.
Greenpeace Southeast Asia Campaign Director Von Hernandez said President Arroyo must reverse the decision and heed the recommendations of the RRFFC which she created.
Greenpeace said the waters of the Albay Gulf where Rapu Rapu is located is a high priority site for sea turtle conservation, being home to five out of the seven known marine turtle species.
The group said the area is also an acknowledged migration path for whale sharks which are often sighted by local fishermen.
Pamalakaya said the 30-day test run would be challenged "not only in the parliament of the streets and in the court of public opinion, but also in any appropriate court."
"Secretary Reyes' penchant for environmental tragedy and unparalleled puppetry to mining giants is displayed with his latest decision. The test-run officially announces the unwarranted comeback of a destroying giant," said Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap.
Malacañang backed the decision of Reyes.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said Reyes' decision was "sound" and will lead to a "win-win" situation.
"We are confident that the DENR will closely scrutinize the test-run by Lafayette to enable the government to come up with a more definitive decision on this issue under the standards of full transparency and accountability to all stakeholders," Bunye said.
He said the one-month period is "reasonable."
— *Reinir Padua, Regina Bengco and Czeriza Valencia*
Malaya
June 15, 2006
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jun15/news8.htm
ENVIRONMENTAL groups yesterday stormed the main office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Quezon City over its decision Tuesday to allow mining firm Lafayette Philippines, Inc. to conduct a 30-day test-run of its facilities on Rapu-Rapu island in Albay.
Defend Patrimony, an alliance of anti-large scale mining advocates, pelted the DENR office with rotten tomatoes and spray painted the vicinity with "DENR and Lafayette cohorts and plunderers!"
Greenpeace activists wore head gear resembling whale shark (butanding) to signify the marine life which they said would continue to be threatened by mining on Rapu-Rapu.
The fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya (Pamalakaya) said it will contest the decision of Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes anytime this week through a petition for a temporary restraining order to be filed before an "appropriate" court.
The DENR on Tuesday lifted the cease-and-desist order imposed on Lafayette's operations in December after two mine tailings spills last October.
The DENR order ignored a recommendation of the Rapu-Rapu Fact-Finding Commission (RRFFC) headed by Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes to recall the environmental compliance certificate issued to the mining firm and a moratorium on mining operations on Rapu-Rapu.
Reyes defended the decision, saying it was the "best option" and that the temporary lifting order would be guided by "stringent conditions."
Defend Patrimony spokeswoman Trixie Concepcion said Reyes' decision was inconsistent and biased in favor of foreign interest.
"His decision shows how incapable he is in managing our resources and protecting our environment," she said.
Concepcion said the DENR has in fact said that "Lafayette project does not appear to measure up to the standards of responsible mining" and that the DENR found the company guilty of operational and management lapses.
Greenpeace Southeast Asia Campaign Director Von Hernandez said President Arroyo must reverse the decision and heed the recommendations of the RRFFC which she created.
Greenpeace said the waters of the Albay Gulf where Rapu Rapu is located is a high priority site for sea turtle conservation, being home to five out of the seven known marine turtle species.
The group said the area is also an acknowledged migration path for whale sharks which are often sighted by local fishermen.
Pamalakaya said the 30-day test run would be challenged "not only in the parliament of the streets and in the court of public opinion, but also in any appropriate court."
"Secretary Reyes' penchant for environmental tragedy and unparalleled puppetry to mining giants is displayed with his latest decision. The test-run officially announces the unwarranted comeback of a destroying giant," said Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap.
Malacañang backed the decision of Reyes.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said Reyes' decision was "sound" and will lead to a "win-win" situation.
"We are confident that the DENR will closely scrutinize the test-run by Lafayette to enable the government to come up with a more definitive decision on this issue under the standards of full transparency and accountability to all stakeholders," Bunye said.
He said the one-month period is "reasonable."
— *Reinir Padua, Regina Bengco and Czeriza Valencia*
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Sierra Madre violence strikes fear among environmental advocates
INSIDE PCIJ: Stories behind our stories
Sierra Madre violence strikes fear among environmental advocates
June 6, 2006 at 7:01 pm � Posted by Luz Rimban
Filed under General, Environment Issues
THE killings of activists and journalists have left a chill in the hearts of anti-logging advocates in the Sierra Madre area.
The Diocese of Infanta is worried over the safety of Fr. Pete Montallana, coordinator of the Diocese's indigenous peoples' apostolate. Fr. Pete works mainly with the Agta community and is an outspoken advocate against illegal logging in Quezon and Aurora where more than a thousand people died or went missing from flashfloods that hit
these two provinces in December 2004. Some environmentalists believe the flashfloods were caused by illegal logging.
Last April 22, Marilou Sanchez and Virgilio Rubio of General Nakar, were shot dead allegedly for being members of the New People's Army. They were killed, according to a report by the Asian Human Rights Commission, reportedly by members of the 16th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. The killings came in the wake of the still unsolved disappearance last March of environmental activist Joey Estriber who was believed abducted by armed men. Estriber was based in Baler, Aurora province.
A year ago, journalist Felipe Agustin of Dingalan in Aurora province was also shot dead. Agustin was the editor and publisher of the local paper Starline Times.
According to the Task Force Usig of the Philippine National Police, 122 members of party list organizations and 155 "militants" have been killed since 2001. The PNP also counts 42 journalists killed in the same period.
Today Fr. Pete sent journalists this letter:
Before I Become Just Part of Statistics�
May 25, 2006 there was a dialogue between the military and the local government officials, Church people led by the Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona, NGOs and peoples' organizations of Real, Infanta, and General Nakar. The outcome of the dialogue was good in the sense that there would be regular dialogue between the military and the group mentioned above. I was one of those who expressed concern about the actuations of the military. I also revealed to the group that the military has been telling people that I am an NPA.
May 27, 2006 there were propaganda materials distributed in Infanta and General Nakar accusing me as a communist: " a devil wearing a habit" who is spreading the "ideology of communism" and that I received 1 billion pesos from The Netherlands for the indigenous people. It asked why this was not used for the indigenous people instead of being used to fund a bloody revolution. The propaganda material was signed by National Alliance for Democracy (NAD).
By the way the same kind of paper and the same print was used in the propaganda material released by NAD last April 29, 2006 during the village assembly in Barangay Magsikap accusing the NPA as the killers of Marilou Sanchez and Virgilio Rubio last April 22, 2006. That accusation was questioned by a resident of Magsikap because no thorough investigation has yet been made. I supported the stance of that person. I said that there are two suspects: one, the military who also said that they are being blamed by the leftists; the other, the NPA according to the military.
Sotero Llamas who left the NPA was killed recently. He has become another statistic. Today 2 other people were killed in Samar. I know that with the propaganda against me, I could be next. My Bishop Roland Tria Tirona has advised to take precautions.
Thanks be to the grace from God I am not afraid to die � I am able to sleep soundly at night. I am aware that guns will not fire if it is not the will of the Father. I will continue in my mission with the Agtas and with those taken advantaged of. If the people behind the propaganda have plans, the Holy Spirit, the all powerful One, has also plans. I only ask for your prayers that I may made worthy when my time has come. Hopefully I can be of help to wake up all Filipinos to become brother-sister to one another especially to the poor. We have the duty to transform our country.
Fr. Pete Montallana
June 6, 2006
P.S. 2 or 3 years ago I presided over the funeral of my cousin, Jun Villanueva, a radio announcer in Albay espousing the cause of the poor, who was also killed by gunmen riding on motorcycle. It is alarming where our country is heading to.
Sierra Madre violence strikes fear among environmental advocates
June 6, 2006 at 7:01 pm � Posted by Luz Rimban
Filed under General, Environment Issues
THE killings of activists and journalists have left a chill in the hearts of anti-logging advocates in the Sierra Madre area.
The Diocese of Infanta is worried over the safety of Fr. Pete Montallana, coordinator of the Diocese's indigenous peoples' apostolate. Fr. Pete works mainly with the Agta community and is an outspoken advocate against illegal logging in Quezon and Aurora where more than a thousand people died or went missing from flashfloods that hit
these two provinces in December 2004. Some environmentalists believe the flashfloods were caused by illegal logging.
Last April 22, Marilou Sanchez and Virgilio Rubio of General Nakar, were shot dead allegedly for being members of the New People's Army. They were killed, according to a report by the Asian Human Rights Commission, reportedly by members of the 16th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. The killings came in the wake of the still unsolved disappearance last March of environmental activist Joey Estriber who was believed abducted by armed men. Estriber was based in Baler, Aurora province.
A year ago, journalist Felipe Agustin of Dingalan in Aurora province was also shot dead. Agustin was the editor and publisher of the local paper Starline Times.
According to the Task Force Usig of the Philippine National Police, 122 members of party list organizations and 155 "militants" have been killed since 2001. The PNP also counts 42 journalists killed in the same period.
Today Fr. Pete sent journalists this letter:
Before I Become Just Part of Statistics�
May 25, 2006 there was a dialogue between the military and the local government officials, Church people led by the Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona, NGOs and peoples' organizations of Real, Infanta, and General Nakar. The outcome of the dialogue was good in the sense that there would be regular dialogue between the military and the group mentioned above. I was one of those who expressed concern about the actuations of the military. I also revealed to the group that the military has been telling people that I am an NPA.
May 27, 2006 there were propaganda materials distributed in Infanta and General Nakar accusing me as a communist: " a devil wearing a habit" who is spreading the "ideology of communism" and that I received 1 billion pesos from The Netherlands for the indigenous people. It asked why this was not used for the indigenous people instead of being used to fund a bloody revolution. The propaganda material was signed by National Alliance for Democracy (NAD).
By the way the same kind of paper and the same print was used in the propaganda material released by NAD last April 29, 2006 during the village assembly in Barangay Magsikap accusing the NPA as the killers of Marilou Sanchez and Virgilio Rubio last April 22, 2006. That accusation was questioned by a resident of Magsikap because no thorough investigation has yet been made. I supported the stance of that person. I said that there are two suspects: one, the military who also said that they are being blamed by the leftists; the other, the NPA according to the military.
Sotero Llamas who left the NPA was killed recently. He has become another statistic. Today 2 other people were killed in Samar. I know that with the propaganda against me, I could be next. My Bishop Roland Tria Tirona has advised to take precautions.
Thanks be to the grace from God I am not afraid to die � I am able to sleep soundly at night. I am aware that guns will not fire if it is not the will of the Father. I will continue in my mission with the Agtas and with those taken advantaged of. If the people behind the propaganda have plans, the Holy Spirit, the all powerful One, has also plans. I only ask for your prayers that I may made worthy when my time has come. Hopefully I can be of help to wake up all Filipinos to become brother-sister to one another especially to the poor. We have the duty to transform our country.
Fr. Pete Montallana
June 6, 2006
P.S. 2 or 3 years ago I presided over the funeral of my cousin, Jun Villanueva, a radio announcer in Albay espousing the cause of the poor, who was also killed by gunmen riding on motorcycle. It is alarming where our country is heading to.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
NewFangledGreen.com, the latest in alternative energy news and technology
An entry in a the blog NewFangledGreen.com dated April 15, 2006, says:
Browsing through the blog entries exposes one to various alternative energy issues including wind turbines, solar cell, batteries, energy-minimizing utility vehicles, U.S. energy programs and problems, generators, enhanced petroleum-based fuel, hydrogen fuel, transportation technologies, and so on.
Let's see how this less-than-2-month-old project of Evan Williams et al, (Ev Williams is the father of Blogger.com, the host of Pinoy Kalikasan blog) evolve and how we can benefit from the information they're giving out. Whether the things here are really newfangled or not and whether they're really "green" and not "blue" nor "red", see for yourself.
Half-day later
Kim,
My name is Craig Kohtz, co-founder of NewFangledGreen.com. I went and looked at your post about NewFangledGreen and read "Let's see how this less-than-2-month-old project of Evan Williams et al, (Ev Williams is the father of Blogger.com, the host of Pinoy Kalikasan blog) evolve and how we can benefit from the information they're giving out."
Our blog actually has nothing to do with Evan. He simply posted a link to our site on his blog after I sent him an email telling him about it. Evan and I went to high school and some college together. We also did some work together when he still lived in Lincoln, NE. But this project is totally independent of him.
Sorry for any confusion. I would have replied to the post on your web site with this explanation but it doesn't allow for anonymous posts, and my blogger account points to an old web site of mine that no longer exists.
Thanks,
Craig
Thanks Craig for the clarification!
Welcome to NewFangledGreen, a new blog dedicated to the latest in alternative energy news and technology.
Although we have the word “Green” in our name, this isn’t really an environmentalists web site. We’re more like two guys who are interested in new technology, tired of high gas prices, and want to be oil independent. It just so happens that using more efficient technologies and renewable energy sources IS good for the environment, which we really like too.
Thanks for stopping by and we hope you come back often!
Browsing through the blog entries exposes one to various alternative energy issues including wind turbines, solar cell, batteries, energy-minimizing utility vehicles, U.S. energy programs and problems, generators, enhanced petroleum-based fuel, hydrogen fuel, transportation technologies, and so on.
Let's see how this less-than-2-month-old project of Evan Williams et al, (Ev Williams is the father of Blogger.com, the host of Pinoy Kalikasan blog) evolve and how we can benefit from the information they're giving out. Whether the things here are really newfangled or not and whether they're really "green" and not "blue" nor "red", see for yourself.
Half-day later
Kim,
My name is Craig Kohtz, co-founder of NewFangledGreen.com. I went and looked at your post about NewFangledGreen and read "Let's see how this less-than-2-month-old project of Evan Williams et al, (Ev Williams is the father of Blogger.com, the host of Pinoy Kalikasan blog) evolve and how we can benefit from the information they're giving out."
Our blog actually has nothing to do with Evan. He simply posted a link to our site on his blog after I sent him an email telling him about it. Evan and I went to high school and some college together. We also did some work together when he still lived in Lincoln, NE. But this project is totally independent of him.
Sorry for any confusion. I would have replied to the post on your web site with this explanation but it doesn't allow for anonymous posts, and my blogger account points to an old web site of mine that no longer exists.
Thanks,
Craig
Thanks Craig for the clarification!
Anti-mining liberalization coalition firm against resumption of mining operations in Rapu-rapu, warns Reyes against absolving mining company
5 June 2006
Anti-mining liberalization coalition firm against resumption of mining operations in Rapu-rapu, warns Reyes against absolving mining company in Lafayette spill
The anti-mining liberalization group Defend Patrimony! stand firm in its opposition against the resumption of the operations of the Lafayette Philippines Inc. in Rapu-Rapu Island. The group, composed of scientists, church groups, indigenous communities, environmental activists, expressed anew its stand following continued government inaction on the Bastes Commission report, warning that LPI may even be found faultless in the Lafayette spill.
"We have reason to believe that DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes is poised to decide in favor of the resumption of large-scale mining operations in Rapu-Rapu Island in the face of unresolved issues," Kalikasan-PNE National Coordinator Clemente Bautista said.
According to Bautista, the government has consistently demonstrated its disposition to yield to the interest of the Australian mining company since the spill occurred in October 2005. He cites the following basis of his group's claim:
1. A few days after the first mining spill, LPI was allowed to operate again despite the absence of a full assessment of the effects. At the time, the company has neither complied with provisions of it's ECC nor completed its facilities and equipment to ensure safe operation
2. DENR allowed LPI to start operation with the tailings dam built below the ECC-specified height.
3. DENR allowed LPI to use the events pond, a safety feature designed only for emergency purposes, during normal operation.
4. DENR allowed LPI to use the events pond without any back-up pump.
5. MGB only verified the initial reports of the 1st spill 2 days after the event
6. DENR allowed LPI to resume operation after the 1st tailings incident even with minimal accomplishment of the recommended measures to prevent another spill
7. After the 2nd incident, DENR accepted LPI's proposal to raise the dam to a height that is STILL below the ECC-required height
8. The EMB had very limited technical capability to monitor the LPI's operation, considering the mine's status as a flagship project that would make or break the mining revitalization program
9. DENR did not cancel LPI's ECC despite violation of 11 out of 29 conditions stipulated in the ECC
10. The tailings incidents were not due to unavoidable accidents, but were obviously due to conscious negligence on the part of LPI and DENR.
Ricarido Saturay Jr. , a geologist and AGHAM member, also expressed concern about the "official inaction" on the Bastes Report regarding the criminal liabilities of LPI.
Saturay also criticized the light treatment Sec. Reyes is giving to critical issues being raised by the Bastes Report and some experts. A DENR-sponsored forum last May31, supposedly to highlight LPI's technology to address acid mine drainage (AMD), however raised more questions than answers. Scientist-reactors put into question the firm's capability and commitment to prevent an environmental catastrophe in their operations:
1. The Bastes Commission, however, was not given the same privilege as the LPI to discuss its report.
2. Dr. Baes and Dr. David clearly pointed out that LPI has yet to accomplish all the recommendations of various regulatory bodies with regard to the LPI's tailings incident, contrary to LPI's claim during that forum.
3. Drs. Barril and Rodriguez, the chemists in the panel raised serious doubts about the viability of LPI's technology for AMD prevention and control in Rapu-rapu
4. Dr. Saldivar-Sali pointed out the weaknesses of the LPI's dam design such as the inappropriate use of rainfall data for flood prediction and the insufficient freeboard height of the dam.
5. Engr. Morales likewise questioned why vertical acceleration due to earthquakes was not considered in the design despite being an important factor in dam stability
6. The reactor-experts generally questioned why LPI was allowed in the first place to start its operations given the serious problems that the reactors pointed out.
Despite the report of the Bastes Commission and the questions raised by the reactors during the forum, the DENR secretary's response to the audience' questions about the culpability of LPI in the incident remain vague and seemingly inconclusive. This bolstered the belief of concerned groups that the government will overlook these serious issues and re-open the mine.
"The combination of an inept government, through the DENR, incapable of monitoring large scale mining operations and an irresponsible mining company such as Lafayette equals the whole scale destruction of the environment", says Trixie Concepcion of Defend Patrimony!
"It is ironic that on the occasion of the World Environment Day on June 5, the Philippine Government is poised to allow continued environmental destruction courtesy of the mining industry. The operations of Lafayette Mining must be stopped. The company must be made criminally liable for the tailings spill last October 2005, the economic dislocation it caused to communities, and its attempt to cheat the government in taxes and other fees", concludes Concepcion.
References:
Trixie Concepcion, ricarido Saturay, Jr, AGHAM
Clemente Bautista, Kalikasan-People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE)
No.26 Matulungin St. Bgy, Central, Quezon City, Philippines 1100
Tel. No. +63-2-9248756 Fax No. +63-2-9209099
Email: kalikasan.pne@gmail.com
Anti-mining liberalization coalition firm against resumption of mining operations in Rapu-rapu, warns Reyes against absolving mining company in Lafayette spill
The anti-mining liberalization group Defend Patrimony! stand firm in its opposition against the resumption of the operations of the Lafayette Philippines Inc. in Rapu-Rapu Island. The group, composed of scientists, church groups, indigenous communities, environmental activists, expressed anew its stand following continued government inaction on the Bastes Commission report, warning that LPI may even be found faultless in the Lafayette spill.
"We have reason to believe that DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes is poised to decide in favor of the resumption of large-scale mining operations in Rapu-Rapu Island in the face of unresolved issues," Kalikasan-PNE National Coordinator Clemente Bautista said.
According to Bautista, the government has consistently demonstrated its disposition to yield to the interest of the Australian mining company since the spill occurred in October 2005. He cites the following basis of his group's claim:
1. A few days after the first mining spill, LPI was allowed to operate again despite the absence of a full assessment of the effects. At the time, the company has neither complied with provisions of it's ECC nor completed its facilities and equipment to ensure safe operation
2. DENR allowed LPI to start operation with the tailings dam built below the ECC-specified height.
3. DENR allowed LPI to use the events pond, a safety feature designed only for emergency purposes, during normal operation.
4. DENR allowed LPI to use the events pond without any back-up pump.
5. MGB only verified the initial reports of the 1st spill 2 days after the event
6. DENR allowed LPI to resume operation after the 1st tailings incident even with minimal accomplishment of the recommended measures to prevent another spill
7. After the 2nd incident, DENR accepted LPI's proposal to raise the dam to a height that is STILL below the ECC-required height
8. The EMB had very limited technical capability to monitor the LPI's operation, considering the mine's status as a flagship project that would make or break the mining revitalization program
9. DENR did not cancel LPI's ECC despite violation of 11 out of 29 conditions stipulated in the ECC
10. The tailings incidents were not due to unavoidable accidents, but were obviously due to conscious negligence on the part of LPI and DENR.
Ricarido Saturay Jr. , a geologist and AGHAM member, also expressed concern about the "official inaction" on the Bastes Report regarding the criminal liabilities of LPI.
Saturay also criticized the light treatment Sec. Reyes is giving to critical issues being raised by the Bastes Report and some experts. A DENR-sponsored forum last May31, supposedly to highlight LPI's technology to address acid mine drainage (AMD), however raised more questions than answers. Scientist-reactors put into question the firm's capability and commitment to prevent an environmental catastrophe in their operations:
1. The Bastes Commission, however, was not given the same privilege as the LPI to discuss its report.
2. Dr. Baes and Dr. David clearly pointed out that LPI has yet to accomplish all the recommendations of various regulatory bodies with regard to the LPI's tailings incident, contrary to LPI's claim during that forum.
3. Drs. Barril and Rodriguez, the chemists in the panel raised serious doubts about the viability of LPI's technology for AMD prevention and control in Rapu-rapu
4. Dr. Saldivar-Sali pointed out the weaknesses of the LPI's dam design such as the inappropriate use of rainfall data for flood prediction and the insufficient freeboard height of the dam.
5. Engr. Morales likewise questioned why vertical acceleration due to earthquakes was not considered in the design despite being an important factor in dam stability
6. The reactor-experts generally questioned why LPI was allowed in the first place to start its operations given the serious problems that the reactors pointed out.
Despite the report of the Bastes Commission and the questions raised by the reactors during the forum, the DENR secretary's response to the audience' questions about the culpability of LPI in the incident remain vague and seemingly inconclusive. This bolstered the belief of concerned groups that the government will overlook these serious issues and re-open the mine.
"The combination of an inept government, through the DENR, incapable of monitoring large scale mining operations and an irresponsible mining company such as Lafayette equals the whole scale destruction of the environment", says Trixie Concepcion of Defend Patrimony!
"It is ironic that on the occasion of the World Environment Day on June 5, the Philippine Government is poised to allow continued environmental destruction courtesy of the mining industry. The operations of Lafayette Mining must be stopped. The company must be made criminally liable for the tailings spill last October 2005, the economic dislocation it caused to communities, and its attempt to cheat the government in taxes and other fees", concludes Concepcion.
References:
Trixie Concepcion, ricarido Saturay, Jr, AGHAM
Clemente Bautista, Kalikasan-People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE)
No.26 Matulungin St. Bgy, Central, Quezon City, Philippines 1100
Tel. No. +63-2-9248756 Fax No. +63-2-9209099
Email: kalikasan.pne@gmail.com
Experts Say Lafayette’s Compliance ‘All for Show’
Experts Say Lafayette’s Compliance ‘All for Show’
DENR to decide on mining in Rapu-Rapu mid-June
A mining company presented its alleged compliance with the requirements to prove that they are committed to protecting the environment. Experts attending a recent forum, however, agreed that this was all just for show and that they have not actually done anything to correct the past mistakes in their mining operation.
BY AUBREY SC MAKILAN
http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-17/6-17-denr.htm
Seven experts that comprised the panel of reactors in a forum May 31 on the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic project hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) criticized the presentation of the Lafayette Processing, Inc. (LPI) officials. They agreed that it was just “for show.”
“Sa dami ng gusto nilang gawin maaaring ma-impress ang marami pero this is all for show,” (With all the things they want to do, many could be impressed but this is all for show.) said Dr. Aloysius Baes, a commissioner of the Rapu-Rapu Fact Finding Commission (RRFFC), also known as the Bastes Commission, and former chairman of the board of the Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC)-Philippines. He referred to Lafayette officials’ presentation on the company’s compliance status to its commitments.
Senior scientist Dr. Carlito Barril of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños’ Institute of Chemistry said that “they (Lafayette) are trying to take care of everything...but there are still doubts (on my mind).”
Most of the experts in the panel of reactors also noticed the insufficiency of information on acid mine drainage (AMD). It is acidic runoff derived from the oxidation of sulfides─with iron sulfides, pyrite and pyrrhotite as the dominant sulfide minerals, based on Lafayette’s presentation─in tailings, waste rocks or mine workings. Pyrite occurs in the Rapu-Rapu ore body, it added.
Baes said that he has not heard of the initiation of AMD in the open pit, in the tailings and run-off of pyretic materials.
“Once AMD is initiated, it is difficult to control,” he said. “And they never mentioned if it started already.”
The role of microbiological aspect has not been addressed as well, said Barril, stressing that microbial and bacterial elements could accelerate reaction with AMD.
“I do not believe that Lafayette could not determine how much pyrite is present in the island that they resorted to exposing the area,” said Dr. Myrna Rodriguez, also of UP-Los Baños’ Institute of Chemistry. “AMD is continuing and that its effects if felt by its surrounding.”
Most awaited decision
The Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project is the flagship of the country's revived mining industry and one of the 24 priority large-scale mining projects included in the president’s 10-point program from 2004 to 2010.
The Bastes commission recommended the cancellation of the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) of Lafayette, a moratorium on mining in Rapu-Rapu, and a review of the Mining Act of 1995, which allows foreign companies to fully own and control mining projects in the country.
DENR secretary Angelo Reyes said that the decision on the recommendations of the commission report will be released mid-June. This will include, he said, itemized report on the problems, including the errors and lapses of the DENR.
Meanwhile, the forum, Reyes said, was intended to be a venue where he could hear all sides.
But Charlie Avila, RRFFC commissioner, complained that the forum did not even include the presentation of the commission report while Lafayette was the first to present their side and allowed to do it for about 45 minutes. He said that he has noticed the non-inclusion of the commission report presentation even in the invitations sent out for the activity.
To appease the angry commissioner, the moderator gave him a 15-minute presentation of their report. Avila, however, did not present it well as he was rushing in reading some points based on a PowerPoint presentation to comply with the 15-minute time limit.
But from the start, everyone had an idea of how the DENR’s crucial rule would go. At the start of the forum, Reyes said the activity will try to achieve a “win-win” scenario where “nobody loses.”
Below standards
Lafayette’s Carmelita Pacis presented their compliance status to the conditions set by the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC). The MRFC set nine conditions due to the October 11 mine spill and another six conditions as a result of yet another Oct. 31 mine spill. Aside from these, there were also six conditions by the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB).
Reacting to Lafayette’s presentation, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Dr. Graciano Yumul said, “I did not understand it because it was not specified what are the plans and what have been implemented.”
Even the things the company supposed to have complied with turned out to be below the DENR standards.
What the company referred to as encapsulation of mine wastes was, for Baes, just “trapping it (wastes) in between clay materials.” The danger in this, he said, is that “it (AMD) will find its way out of your clay materials” if it has already started and like a shot gun, “it will blow its way out.”
Baes also criticized the wetland, which is supposed to provide water quality improvement. He said that the picture of the wetland Lafayette is constructing seemed to be small.
Even the dam, Sali said, “would not stand the 100-year flood index” of the country. “It could work in Canada but not in the tropical Philippines,” he said.
Dr. Carlo Primo David, associate professor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) in UP-Diliman, agreed, saying that the dam should be 145-160 meters in height to contain the rainfall event.
With Lafayette’s dam only 130 meters high, David said “Lafayette should not have been allowed to operate.”
Sali said that 30 percent of deaths are due to overflow in dams. But if the dam ruptures, “it could be another catastrophic event that would have more effect on the environment and the people,” he said.
Even the flood design “is very inadequate,” he also said. He called for an investigation of the free pond, catchment area, and other facilities.
Meanwhile, detoxification did not bring good news to the reactors.
Barril said that the use of limestone in the chemical treatment of AMD is not effective. “Limestone may be the cheapest of alkali materials but it is also the least effective” because of slow reaction, he said.
David also said that creeks maintained a ph higher than 10, but the DENR standards for ph in water range from 6.5 to 8.5 only.
Even the cyanide testing is done by a Manila-based group. Engineer Emilio Morales, a fellow of the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, said that the cyanide’s presence is very critical and that they should have a monitoring team in the area.
Compliance not completed
Aside from substandard measures, the experts also said that they did not include some important matters like rain gauges and the geological map or background in their presentation.
According to Arthur Saldivar Sali, president of the consultancy firm Geotechnica Corp. and recipient of the 1996 National Engineering Excellence Award, rain gauges are important to calculate the flooding potential and that “the DENR should be asking them what their basis is” for such gauge.
On the other hand, Yumul said that geogenic values were not talked about when the DENR should be asking for this information.
Aside from this, Yumul advised the company to “take care of the southwest monsoon,” the dominant wind pattern from June to February, where almost all typhoons are coming from the Philippine Sea. Before a typhoon and during its progress, there are indications that the southwest monsoon current was persistently strong and that this was the strongest of all the air currents moving toward the disturbance center.
Dr. Rolando Cuaño, president of the BMP Environment & Community Care, Inc. working for Lafayette said that insufficient information was due to limited presentation.
Regardless of the reason, David said that “they have not successfully completed all the parameters.” David also believed that the DENR has its shortcomings when Lafayette was allowed to operate when all the requirements are yet to be accomplished.
“How come it operated when all these were not met?” asked Barril.
Yumul, on the other hand, said that the DENR has the technical capacity to monitor mining operations and that it respects the socio-political aspect it requires.
ECC cancellation
Because of the two mine spill incidents, the DENR PAB released a cease and desist order (CDO) from causing discharge of water wastes of the company.
Among the conditions for the lifting of the CDO were the implementation of the environmental management system (EMS) and a comprehensive pollution control program. Pacis said that these are being met by the company.
Baes said that the Lafayette president has previous statements that they could comply with what the law requires but with no commitment. With this, “the company failed already at hindi pwedeng i-lift ang CDO,” (the CDO cannot be lifted) he said.
“Any company could claim they have it (EMS)” but the third party or multipartite monitoring team “is very difficult to get,” he said.
According to Barril, the multipartite monitoring team is important and a basic requirement of the ECC. It gives “protection and assurance that somebody is watching the company” and reflected in a monthly or quarterly report to the DENR.
Yumul agreed, saying that the ECC is a contract between the company and the government and the presence of the monitoring team will ensure that the contract is being followed.
For David, monitoring is “the only way to catch impending events, even before it happens.”
No affected fisherfolk?
One condition by the MRFC was the compensation of affected fisherfolk. But Pacis said they obtained a barangay (village) certification saying “no individual fisherfolk complained…that they are claiming for compensation on the illegal fish kill.”
The audience booed her.
“There’s nothing new with their statement. They are so arrogant!” said Fr. Felino Bugauisan, assistant parish priest of the Sta. Florentina Parish in Rapu-Rapu and consultant of Sagip-Isla, a multi-sectoral organization committed to oppose the operations of the mining company Lafayette Philippines, Inc. and other mining activities on the island.
In a separate interview with Bugauisan, he denied that no fisherman has been affected by the mine spills that allegedly caused the fish kills.
Actually, “there is no need to complain because we do not need their money,” he said. “The level is so superficial that you complain and they pay you. It’s about life.”
“We need their termination,” the priest said. Bulatlat
DENR to decide on mining in Rapu-Rapu mid-June
A mining company presented its alleged compliance with the requirements to prove that they are committed to protecting the environment. Experts attending a recent forum, however, agreed that this was all just for show and that they have not actually done anything to correct the past mistakes in their mining operation.
BY AUBREY SC MAKILAN
http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-17/6-17-denr.htm
Seven experts that comprised the panel of reactors in a forum May 31 on the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic project hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) criticized the presentation of the Lafayette Processing, Inc. (LPI) officials. They agreed that it was just “for show.”
“Sa dami ng gusto nilang gawin maaaring ma-impress ang marami pero this is all for show,” (With all the things they want to do, many could be impressed but this is all for show.) said Dr. Aloysius Baes, a commissioner of the Rapu-Rapu Fact Finding Commission (RRFFC), also known as the Bastes Commission, and former chairman of the board of the Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC)-Philippines. He referred to Lafayette officials’ presentation on the company’s compliance status to its commitments.
Senior scientist Dr. Carlito Barril of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños’ Institute of Chemistry said that “they (Lafayette) are trying to take care of everything...but there are still doubts (on my mind).”
Most of the experts in the panel of reactors also noticed the insufficiency of information on acid mine drainage (AMD). It is acidic runoff derived from the oxidation of sulfides─with iron sulfides, pyrite and pyrrhotite as the dominant sulfide minerals, based on Lafayette’s presentation─in tailings, waste rocks or mine workings. Pyrite occurs in the Rapu-Rapu ore body, it added.
Baes said that he has not heard of the initiation of AMD in the open pit, in the tailings and run-off of pyretic materials.
“Once AMD is initiated, it is difficult to control,” he said. “And they never mentioned if it started already.”
The role of microbiological aspect has not been addressed as well, said Barril, stressing that microbial and bacterial elements could accelerate reaction with AMD.
“I do not believe that Lafayette could not determine how much pyrite is present in the island that they resorted to exposing the area,” said Dr. Myrna Rodriguez, also of UP-Los Baños’ Institute of Chemistry. “AMD is continuing and that its effects if felt by its surrounding.”
Most awaited decision
The Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project is the flagship of the country's revived mining industry and one of the 24 priority large-scale mining projects included in the president’s 10-point program from 2004 to 2010.
The Bastes commission recommended the cancellation of the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) of Lafayette, a moratorium on mining in Rapu-Rapu, and a review of the Mining Act of 1995, which allows foreign companies to fully own and control mining projects in the country.
DENR secretary Angelo Reyes said that the decision on the recommendations of the commission report will be released mid-June. This will include, he said, itemized report on the problems, including the errors and lapses of the DENR.
Meanwhile, the forum, Reyes said, was intended to be a venue where he could hear all sides.
But Charlie Avila, RRFFC commissioner, complained that the forum did not even include the presentation of the commission report while Lafayette was the first to present their side and allowed to do it for about 45 minutes. He said that he has noticed the non-inclusion of the commission report presentation even in the invitations sent out for the activity.
To appease the angry commissioner, the moderator gave him a 15-minute presentation of their report. Avila, however, did not present it well as he was rushing in reading some points based on a PowerPoint presentation to comply with the 15-minute time limit.
But from the start, everyone had an idea of how the DENR’s crucial rule would go. At the start of the forum, Reyes said the activity will try to achieve a “win-win” scenario where “nobody loses.”
Below standards
Lafayette’s Carmelita Pacis presented their compliance status to the conditions set by the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC). The MRFC set nine conditions due to the October 11 mine spill and another six conditions as a result of yet another Oct. 31 mine spill. Aside from these, there were also six conditions by the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB).
Reacting to Lafayette’s presentation, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Dr. Graciano Yumul said, “I did not understand it because it was not specified what are the plans and what have been implemented.”
Even the things the company supposed to have complied with turned out to be below the DENR standards.
What the company referred to as encapsulation of mine wastes was, for Baes, just “trapping it (wastes) in between clay materials.” The danger in this, he said, is that “it (AMD) will find its way out of your clay materials” if it has already started and like a shot gun, “it will blow its way out.”
Baes also criticized the wetland, which is supposed to provide water quality improvement. He said that the picture of the wetland Lafayette is constructing seemed to be small.
Even the dam, Sali said, “would not stand the 100-year flood index” of the country. “It could work in Canada but not in the tropical Philippines,” he said.
Dr. Carlo Primo David, associate professor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) in UP-Diliman, agreed, saying that the dam should be 145-160 meters in height to contain the rainfall event.
With Lafayette’s dam only 130 meters high, David said “Lafayette should not have been allowed to operate.”
Sali said that 30 percent of deaths are due to overflow in dams. But if the dam ruptures, “it could be another catastrophic event that would have more effect on the environment and the people,” he said.
Even the flood design “is very inadequate,” he also said. He called for an investigation of the free pond, catchment area, and other facilities.
Meanwhile, detoxification did not bring good news to the reactors.
Barril said that the use of limestone in the chemical treatment of AMD is not effective. “Limestone may be the cheapest of alkali materials but it is also the least effective” because of slow reaction, he said.
David also said that creeks maintained a ph higher than 10, but the DENR standards for ph in water range from 6.5 to 8.5 only.
Even the cyanide testing is done by a Manila-based group. Engineer Emilio Morales, a fellow of the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, said that the cyanide’s presence is very critical and that they should have a monitoring team in the area.
Compliance not completed
Aside from substandard measures, the experts also said that they did not include some important matters like rain gauges and the geological map or background in their presentation.
According to Arthur Saldivar Sali, president of the consultancy firm Geotechnica Corp. and recipient of the 1996 National Engineering Excellence Award, rain gauges are important to calculate the flooding potential and that “the DENR should be asking them what their basis is” for such gauge.
On the other hand, Yumul said that geogenic values were not talked about when the DENR should be asking for this information.
Aside from this, Yumul advised the company to “take care of the southwest monsoon,” the dominant wind pattern from June to February, where almost all typhoons are coming from the Philippine Sea. Before a typhoon and during its progress, there are indications that the southwest monsoon current was persistently strong and that this was the strongest of all the air currents moving toward the disturbance center.
Dr. Rolando Cuaño, president of the BMP Environment & Community Care, Inc. working for Lafayette said that insufficient information was due to limited presentation.
Regardless of the reason, David said that “they have not successfully completed all the parameters.” David also believed that the DENR has its shortcomings when Lafayette was allowed to operate when all the requirements are yet to be accomplished.
“How come it operated when all these were not met?” asked Barril.
Yumul, on the other hand, said that the DENR has the technical capacity to monitor mining operations and that it respects the socio-political aspect it requires.
ECC cancellation
Because of the two mine spill incidents, the DENR PAB released a cease and desist order (CDO) from causing discharge of water wastes of the company.
Among the conditions for the lifting of the CDO were the implementation of the environmental management system (EMS) and a comprehensive pollution control program. Pacis said that these are being met by the company.
Baes said that the Lafayette president has previous statements that they could comply with what the law requires but with no commitment. With this, “the company failed already at hindi pwedeng i-lift ang CDO,” (the CDO cannot be lifted) he said.
“Any company could claim they have it (EMS)” but the third party or multipartite monitoring team “is very difficult to get,” he said.
According to Barril, the multipartite monitoring team is important and a basic requirement of the ECC. It gives “protection and assurance that somebody is watching the company” and reflected in a monthly or quarterly report to the DENR.
Yumul agreed, saying that the ECC is a contract between the company and the government and the presence of the monitoring team will ensure that the contract is being followed.
For David, monitoring is “the only way to catch impending events, even before it happens.”
No affected fisherfolk?
One condition by the MRFC was the compensation of affected fisherfolk. But Pacis said they obtained a barangay (village) certification saying “no individual fisherfolk complained…that they are claiming for compensation on the illegal fish kill.”
The audience booed her.
“There’s nothing new with their statement. They are so arrogant!” said Fr. Felino Bugauisan, assistant parish priest of the Sta. Florentina Parish in Rapu-Rapu and consultant of Sagip-Isla, a multi-sectoral organization committed to oppose the operations of the mining company Lafayette Philippines, Inc. and other mining activities on the island.
In a separate interview with Bugauisan, he denied that no fisherman has been affected by the mine spills that allegedly caused the fish kills.
Actually, “there is no need to complain because we do not need their money,” he said. “The level is so superficial that you complain and they pay you. It’s about life.”
“We need their termination,” the priest said. Bulatlat
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Technology will not stop foreign plunder under the Mining Act of 1995
May 31, 2006
CLOSE LAFAYETTE! MORATORIUM ON MINING IN RAPU-RAPU!
Technology will not stop foreign plunder under the Mining Act of 1995
The activist scientist group AGHAM (or Advocates of Science and Technology for the People) reiterated its call to Malacañang to read and heed the recommendation of the Rapu-Rapu Fact Finding Commission headed by Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes to close Lafayette and have a moratorium on mining in Rapu-Rapu.
"A recidivist like Lafayette Philippines should not be allowed to operate further in the country. *It is clear from the commission's report that Lafayette has caused environmental damage and has broken environmental laws", pointed out AGHAM member Ricarido Saturay Jr., geologist at the National Institute of Geological Sciences at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
"If the governtment allows Lafayette to continue its operations, it is telling the world and the peole that it doesn't care that a mining TNCs may foul up our environment, violate laws, falsify legal documents, understate their revenues and taxes, deceive the people about their mining operations, and yet continue to plunder our mineral wealth without much retribution", lamented Saturay.
"No amount of improvement of technology can erase that record", he added. Standards and safeguards cannot stop foreign plunder while a policy such as the Mining Act of 1995 is in place. The Mining Act allows plunder of raw materials through export and liberalization of the industry*, Saturay clarified.
"Although technology is an indispensable driving force of development, it is only secondary to the government policy or program on the development of the mineral industry. Government policy determines for whom the mining activities serve: the interest of the people or the profit of the large foreign mining firm's", Saturay pointed out.
"What the Filipino people demand is a mining policy that will lead the country into its much needed industrialization, where extracted minerals will be used primarily based on our domestic requirements", said Saturay. The scientist group further noted that large scale transnational mining has not contributed to national development mainly due to its extractive and export oriented nature and has caused environmental damage and economic dislocation of the people in most mining areas in the country.
"Together with the poor people in the rural mining communities of the country, AGHAM condemns . GMA and her policy of allowing wholesale plunder of mineral resources through the Mining Act. Recidivist like Lafayette, GMA's proposed charter change would further worsen the wanton destruction and plunder of our patrimony", Saturay concluded.###
CLOSE LAFAYETTE! MORATORIUM ON MINING IN RAPU-RAPU!
Technology will not stop foreign plunder under the Mining Act of 1995
The activist scientist group AGHAM (or Advocates of Science and Technology for the People) reiterated its call to Malacañang to read and heed the recommendation of the Rapu-Rapu Fact Finding Commission headed by Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes to close Lafayette and have a moratorium on mining in Rapu-Rapu.
"A recidivist like Lafayette Philippines should not be allowed to operate further in the country. *It is clear from the commission's report that Lafayette has caused environmental damage and has broken environmental laws", pointed out AGHAM member Ricarido Saturay Jr., geologist at the National Institute of Geological Sciences at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
"If the governtment allows Lafayette to continue its operations, it is telling the world and the peole that it doesn't care that a mining TNCs may foul up our environment, violate laws, falsify legal documents, understate their revenues and taxes, deceive the people about their mining operations, and yet continue to plunder our mineral wealth without much retribution", lamented Saturay.
"No amount of improvement of technology can erase that record", he added. Standards and safeguards cannot stop foreign plunder while a policy such as the Mining Act of 1995 is in place. The Mining Act allows plunder of raw materials through export and liberalization of the industry*, Saturay clarified.
"Although technology is an indispensable driving force of development, it is only secondary to the government policy or program on the development of the mineral industry. Government policy determines for whom the mining activities serve: the interest of the people or the profit of the large foreign mining firm's", Saturay pointed out.
"What the Filipino people demand is a mining policy that will lead the country into its much needed industrialization, where extracted minerals will be used primarily based on our domestic requirements", said Saturay. The scientist group further noted that large scale transnational mining has not contributed to national development mainly due to its extractive and export oriented nature and has caused environmental damage and economic dislocation of the people in most mining areas in the country.
"Together with the poor people in the rural mining communities of the country, AGHAM condemns . GMA and her policy of allowing wholesale plunder of mineral resources through the Mining Act. Recidivist like Lafayette, GMA's proposed charter change would further worsen the wanton destruction and plunder of our patrimony", Saturay concluded.###
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Charges to Be Filed Vs LGU Officials in Lafayette MoA
Charges to Be Filed Vs LGU Officials in Lafayette MoA
Fr. Felino Bugauisan, assistant parish priest of Rapu-Rapu and chair of Sagip-Isla (Save the island), a multi-sectoral organization opposed to mining operations in the island off Legazpi City in Albay, threatened to file charges against LGU officials who allegedly accepted P100,000 in exchange for their signature to the MoA with Lafayette Philippines, Inc.
BY AUBREY MAKILAN
Bulatlat
The sole priest in Rapu-Rapu island, Albay (449 kms. south of Manila) threatened to file charges against local government officials who signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Lafayette Philippines, Inc.
During his May 25 homily at Sta. Florentina Parish in Rapu-Rapu, assistant parish priest Fr. Felino Bugauisan announced that Sagip-Isla (Save the Island) will file criminal and administrative charges against local officials who would be found guilty of allegedly accepting P100,000 ($ 1,894.65 at $1 = P 52.78) in exchange for their signature to the MoA with Lafayette Philippines. Bugauisan is the consultant of Sagip-Isla, a multi-sectoral organization committed to oppose the operations of the mining company Lafayette Philippines, Inc. and other mining activities on the island.
Sudden turnaround
Bugauisan added that municipal officials surprisingly now favored the mining company.
The municipal council asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to allow the Australian mining firm to stay and extract the island’s mineral resources.
In fact, the municipal council passed a resolution on May 8, signed by eight of its 10 members. It was submitted by Councilor Marino Barranda Jr. to Environment Secretary Angelo T. Reyes on March 23. Barranda said the municipal government changed its stand on the mining project after dialogues with new Lafayette officials last month.
In an interview with Bulatlat, Bugauisan said that after his announcement, an aide of Mayor Dick Galicia approached him and denied that the mayor signed the MoA.
“Maski bigyan ako ng P1 million ($18,946.57), hindi ko ipagbibili ang isla,” Bugauisan said, “Masaya ako kung maipapakulong ko sila (mga tiwali).” (Even if they offered me P 1 million, I would not sell the island. I would be happy to have all corrupt officials imprisoned.)
Continuing violations
The Rapu-Rapu Fact Finding Commission (RRFFC), formed by President Arroyo, recommended the cancellation of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) of Lafayette, a moratorium on mining in Rapu-Rapu, and a review of the Mining Act of 1995, which allows foreign companies to fully own and control mining projects in the country.
“Pero inilalako pa rin ni DENR secretary Angelo Reyes ang bansa sa labas,” said Bayan Muna (People First) Party-list Representative Joel Virador in a forum on the RRFFC report on May 26 in Quezon City.
Dr. Aloysius Baes, RRFFC commissioner, revealed that even the DENR’s November order for Lafayette to stop discharging mining wastes has not been followed. The order was precipitated by two mine spills that occurred in October.
Baes said the commission learned that as late as February, the mining company has been discharging its wastes.
“This alone is enough to call for ECC cancellation,” he said. “Palasak talaga ang kasinungalingan nito, huli mo na ayaw pang umamin,” (They keep on lying. There were already caught red-handed and still they refused to admit it.) said Baes.
Health hazards
The RRFFC report was criticized by Carlos G. Dominguez, who heads the company’s new Filipino management, saying that the report was unscientific.
The commission recommended that the ore content of the island be analyzed to prove their findings. But Dominguez allegedly argued there was no need for that.
Ricardo Saturay Jr, a geology instructor at the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UP-Diliman) and a member of the Samahan ng Nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Sambayanan (Agham or Organization of Scientists Promoting Science and Technology for the People) explained that it is important to analyze the ore content of the island to check for chemical imbalances in other minerals. He said that mining operations can activate the toxicity of other minerals even if it has not been contaminated by toxins yet.
Meanwhile, Dr. Romy Quijano, a professor at the College of Medicine in UP Manila, said that there is no exception to the hazards mining operations like that in Rapu-Rapu bring.
“Ang tanong na lang ay kung gaano kalala ang epekto nito,” (The question merely is how bad are the effects of these.) he said.
He added that simple pulverization of rocks causes a health hazard, much more in mining, which uses toxic heavy metals like lead and arsenic.
He also said that the ill effects of mining on the people need not be proven by laboratory tests. Prolonged exposure to mining operations causes certain illnesses even if mining companies refuse to acknowledge it.
“Gaano man kalalim ang tailings pond nila, mapupuno at aapaw ‘yun at gaya ng lahat ng nangyayari sa halos lahat ng mga minahan sa bansa,” (No matter how deep their tailing ponds are. It will eventually be filled up and will overflow as what happens in almost all mining operations in the country.) he said.
Dim prospects
Unfortunately, there is no hope if the people relies on the legislative branch to pursue their struggle against mining companies, said Virador.
“Walang batas ang naipapasa na di certified ng Executive branch,” (No law are passed without the certification of the executive branch.) he said, adding that the prospect of having the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 repealed in Congress is dim because the current administration favors mining companies.
“Whatever the thrust of the Executive, the Legislative branch will implement,” he lamented.
Virador called on the people to expand their arena of struggle by lobbying against mining operations in their own localities.
Legitimate fight
Instead of calling for the repeal of the mining law, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said that what should be done is to think “how we can develop mining to provide jobs and income for our people.”
For Bugauisan, this reveals where the sympathy of government officials lies.
“They will say something good of course at dito lalabas kung para kanino ba sila,” he said, “They are not for the people... actually, sila ang nakikinabang.” (What they say reveals who they favor. They are not for the people…actually they benefit from these mining operations.)
Bugauisan said that they will continue the fight against mining operations even if all government officials favor mining companies.
“Sinasabi ng iba na pilay na ang Lafayette pero lulumpuhin pa natin s’ya,” the priest said, “Ang laban dito ay legitimate kaya no compromise at all.” (They say that we have crippled Lafayette but will totally disable it. Our struggle is legitimate and there is no room for compromises.) Bulatlat
http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-16/6-16-moa.htm
Fr. Felino Bugauisan, assistant parish priest of Rapu-Rapu and chair of Sagip-Isla (Save the island), a multi-sectoral organization opposed to mining operations in the island off Legazpi City in Albay, threatened to file charges against LGU officials who allegedly accepted P100,000 in exchange for their signature to the MoA with Lafayette Philippines, Inc.
BY AUBREY MAKILAN
Bulatlat
The sole priest in Rapu-Rapu island, Albay (449 kms. south of Manila) threatened to file charges against local government officials who signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Lafayette Philippines, Inc.
During his May 25 homily at Sta. Florentina Parish in Rapu-Rapu, assistant parish priest Fr. Felino Bugauisan announced that Sagip-Isla (Save the Island) will file criminal and administrative charges against local officials who would be found guilty of allegedly accepting P100,000 ($ 1,894.65 at $1 = P 52.78) in exchange for their signature to the MoA with Lafayette Philippines. Bugauisan is the consultant of Sagip-Isla, a multi-sectoral organization committed to oppose the operations of the mining company Lafayette Philippines, Inc. and other mining activities on the island.
Sudden turnaround
Bugauisan added that municipal officials surprisingly now favored the mining company.
The municipal council asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to allow the Australian mining firm to stay and extract the island’s mineral resources.
In fact, the municipal council passed a resolution on May 8, signed by eight of its 10 members. It was submitted by Councilor Marino Barranda Jr. to Environment Secretary Angelo T. Reyes on March 23. Barranda said the municipal government changed its stand on the mining project after dialogues with new Lafayette officials last month.
In an interview with Bulatlat, Bugauisan said that after his announcement, an aide of Mayor Dick Galicia approached him and denied that the mayor signed the MoA.
“Maski bigyan ako ng P1 million ($18,946.57), hindi ko ipagbibili ang isla,” Bugauisan said, “Masaya ako kung maipapakulong ko sila (mga tiwali).” (Even if they offered me P 1 million, I would not sell the island. I would be happy to have all corrupt officials imprisoned.)
Continuing violations
The Rapu-Rapu Fact Finding Commission (RRFFC), formed by President Arroyo, recommended the cancellation of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) of Lafayette, a moratorium on mining in Rapu-Rapu, and a review of the Mining Act of 1995, which allows foreign companies to fully own and control mining projects in the country.
“Pero inilalako pa rin ni DENR secretary Angelo Reyes ang bansa sa labas,” said Bayan Muna (People First) Party-list Representative Joel Virador in a forum on the RRFFC report on May 26 in Quezon City.
Dr. Aloysius Baes, RRFFC commissioner, revealed that even the DENR’s November order for Lafayette to stop discharging mining wastes has not been followed. The order was precipitated by two mine spills that occurred in October.
Baes said the commission learned that as late as February, the mining company has been discharging its wastes.
“This alone is enough to call for ECC cancellation,” he said. “Palasak talaga ang kasinungalingan nito, huli mo na ayaw pang umamin,” (They keep on lying. There were already caught red-handed and still they refused to admit it.) said Baes.
Health hazards
The RRFFC report was criticized by Carlos G. Dominguez, who heads the company’s new Filipino management, saying that the report was unscientific.
The commission recommended that the ore content of the island be analyzed to prove their findings. But Dominguez allegedly argued there was no need for that.
Ricardo Saturay Jr, a geology instructor at the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UP-Diliman) and a member of the Samahan ng Nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Sambayanan (Agham or Organization of Scientists Promoting Science and Technology for the People) explained that it is important to analyze the ore content of the island to check for chemical imbalances in other minerals. He said that mining operations can activate the toxicity of other minerals even if it has not been contaminated by toxins yet.
Meanwhile, Dr. Romy Quijano, a professor at the College of Medicine in UP Manila, said that there is no exception to the hazards mining operations like that in Rapu-Rapu bring.
“Ang tanong na lang ay kung gaano kalala ang epekto nito,” (The question merely is how bad are the effects of these.) he said.
He added that simple pulverization of rocks causes a health hazard, much more in mining, which uses toxic heavy metals like lead and arsenic.
He also said that the ill effects of mining on the people need not be proven by laboratory tests. Prolonged exposure to mining operations causes certain illnesses even if mining companies refuse to acknowledge it.
“Gaano man kalalim ang tailings pond nila, mapupuno at aapaw ‘yun at gaya ng lahat ng nangyayari sa halos lahat ng mga minahan sa bansa,” (No matter how deep their tailing ponds are. It will eventually be filled up and will overflow as what happens in almost all mining operations in the country.) he said.
Dim prospects
Unfortunately, there is no hope if the people relies on the legislative branch to pursue their struggle against mining companies, said Virador.
“Walang batas ang naipapasa na di certified ng Executive branch,” (No law are passed without the certification of the executive branch.) he said, adding that the prospect of having the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 repealed in Congress is dim because the current administration favors mining companies.
“Whatever the thrust of the Executive, the Legislative branch will implement,” he lamented.
Virador called on the people to expand their arena of struggle by lobbying against mining operations in their own localities.
Legitimate fight
Instead of calling for the repeal of the mining law, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said that what should be done is to think “how we can develop mining to provide jobs and income for our people.”
For Bugauisan, this reveals where the sympathy of government officials lies.
“They will say something good of course at dito lalabas kung para kanino ba sila,” he said, “They are not for the people... actually, sila ang nakikinabang.” (What they say reveals who they favor. They are not for the people…actually they benefit from these mining operations.)
Bugauisan said that they will continue the fight against mining operations even if all government officials favor mining companies.
“Sinasabi ng iba na pilay na ang Lafayette pero lulumpuhin pa natin s’ya,” the priest said, “Ang laban dito ay legitimate kaya no compromise at all.” (They say that we have crippled Lafayette but will totally disable it. Our struggle is legitimate and there is no room for compromises.) Bulatlat
http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-16/6-16-moa.htm
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Former village official joins call for aerial spraying ban
Interface Development Interventions, Inc.
Contact Person: Jeffrey Tupas, 2994552
22 May 2006
Former village official joins call for aerial spraying ban
DAVAO CITY. A FORMER councilor from the village of Dacudao in Calinan District has joined the clamor against aerial spraying, a method widely criticized by many groups of farmers and environmentalists for its harmful effects to the environment and the health of people.
Saying she herself was a victim of the effects of the deadly synthetic chemicals used in the process, Cecilia Moran joined a group of farmers demanding the banning of aerial spraying. In a recent forum held in barangay Wangan in Calinan, Moran lambasted the banana plantation owners for their seeming disregard to the environment and people and likewise called on the authorities to hear the people�s pleas.
The government, she said, should realize that if they allow aerial spraying to continue, they identically allow the gradual killing of people living close to banana plantations who get wet by the deadly shower at least twice a week.
An emotional Moran said she personally experienced the potentially deadly effects of the yellow-colored chemicals sprinkled by the low-flying air planes. In one instance, she said, she went unconscious after practically bathing in the synthetic chemical.
"I don't know what our local leaders are thinking. My experience was already a manifestation that people exposed to the deadly chemicals used in aerial spraying are not safe. I collapsed after I was exposed to it and I was brought to the hospital," she said.
"With this I would no longer be surprised if one day, the residents of Dacudao will all wake up with serious illnesses because of the neglect and disregard of the officials whom we put to office because we thought they could help us," Moran said.
One member of Moran's family was diagnosed as having prostate cancer and the former village official could not think of anything to blame about the occurrence of the disease but aerial spraying.
"What else but the (synthetic) chemical that the company is using" said Moran who from being a councilor is now into farming.
Moran said their backyard would turn from its natural color to yellow every after aerial spraying that would also leave the whole place with sickening stench of chemical. Some of their crops were also damaged because of the practice.
"The stench and chemical drift are literally invading us, threatening us," Moran said.
Aerial spraying is a method used by commercial banana plantations all over the world to eliminate Sigatoka, a fungus that affects the production of banana plants. It is haunted by criticisms and oppositions because of the chemical drift that lands on streams, rivers, and houses and people living close to the plantations.
Aerial spraying would more often than not send residents, especially children, scampering for safety or else bath literally in poisonous chemical. The synthetic chemical usually used in the process is Mancozeb (with the trade name Dithane), a chemical banned by other countries for its ill effects to human and animals.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that the Mancozeb, with Ethylenethiourea (ETU) as its primary metabolite, is not safe for human because it is carcinogenic. The major routes of exposure to mancozeb are through the skin or from inhalation.
Coconut farmers from many villages of Toril, Calinan and Baguio Districts are now actively demanding for an immediate stoppage of aerial spraying after they have observed its effects to their crops and the threat it poses to the environment.
Various position papers and barangay ordinances have been passed just to support the impending passage of a proposed ordinance seeking for the total ban of aerial spraying being pushed by councilor Nenen Orcullo in the city council.
Backing Orcullo�s fight in the city council are the Panaghoy sa Kinaiyahan-Coalition for Mother Earth (Panaghoy); Interface Development Interventions, Inc (Idis); Bantay Kalikasan at Kabuhayan (Bakkal); Mamamayang Ayaw sa Aerial Spraying (Maas) and the group of international Filipino preacher pastor Apollo Quiboloy. -30-
Contact Person: Jeffrey Tupas, 2994552
22 May 2006
Former village official joins call for aerial spraying ban
DAVAO CITY. A FORMER councilor from the village of Dacudao in Calinan District has joined the clamor against aerial spraying, a method widely criticized by many groups of farmers and environmentalists for its harmful effects to the environment and the health of people.
Saying she herself was a victim of the effects of the deadly synthetic chemicals used in the process, Cecilia Moran joined a group of farmers demanding the banning of aerial spraying. In a recent forum held in barangay Wangan in Calinan, Moran lambasted the banana plantation owners for their seeming disregard to the environment and people and likewise called on the authorities to hear the people�s pleas.
The government, she said, should realize that if they allow aerial spraying to continue, they identically allow the gradual killing of people living close to banana plantations who get wet by the deadly shower at least twice a week.
An emotional Moran said she personally experienced the potentially deadly effects of the yellow-colored chemicals sprinkled by the low-flying air planes. In one instance, she said, she went unconscious after practically bathing in the synthetic chemical.
"I don't know what our local leaders are thinking. My experience was already a manifestation that people exposed to the deadly chemicals used in aerial spraying are not safe. I collapsed after I was exposed to it and I was brought to the hospital," she said.
"With this I would no longer be surprised if one day, the residents of Dacudao will all wake up with serious illnesses because of the neglect and disregard of the officials whom we put to office because we thought they could help us," Moran said.
One member of Moran's family was diagnosed as having prostate cancer and the former village official could not think of anything to blame about the occurrence of the disease but aerial spraying.
"What else but the (synthetic) chemical that the company is using" said Moran who from being a councilor is now into farming.
Moran said their backyard would turn from its natural color to yellow every after aerial spraying that would also leave the whole place with sickening stench of chemical. Some of their crops were also damaged because of the practice.
"The stench and chemical drift are literally invading us, threatening us," Moran said.
Aerial spraying is a method used by commercial banana plantations all over the world to eliminate Sigatoka, a fungus that affects the production of banana plants. It is haunted by criticisms and oppositions because of the chemical drift that lands on streams, rivers, and houses and people living close to the plantations.
Aerial spraying would more often than not send residents, especially children, scampering for safety or else bath literally in poisonous chemical. The synthetic chemical usually used in the process is Mancozeb (with the trade name Dithane), a chemical banned by other countries for its ill effects to human and animals.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that the Mancozeb, with Ethylenethiourea (ETU) as its primary metabolite, is not safe for human because it is carcinogenic. The major routes of exposure to mancozeb are through the skin or from inhalation.
Coconut farmers from many villages of Toril, Calinan and Baguio Districts are now actively demanding for an immediate stoppage of aerial spraying after they have observed its effects to their crops and the threat it poses to the environment.
Various position papers and barangay ordinances have been passed just to support the impending passage of a proposed ordinance seeking for the total ban of aerial spraying being pushed by councilor Nenen Orcullo in the city council.
Backing Orcullo�s fight in the city council are the Panaghoy sa Kinaiyahan-Coalition for Mother Earth (Panaghoy); Interface Development Interventions, Inc (Idis); Bantay Kalikasan at Kabuhayan (Bakkal); Mamamayang Ayaw sa Aerial Spraying (Maas) and the group of international Filipino preacher pastor Apollo Quiboloy. -30-
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Back Bastes Commission; put forward an alternative mining policy
May 23. 2006
Defend Patrimony
Press Release
Legislators, Church and environmental groups back Bastes Commission; put forward an alternative mining policy
Environmental groups, Church people and legislators held a press conference today to show support to the Rapu-rapu Fact Finding Commission (RFFC) headed by Bishop Arturo Bastes and press for the implementation of the Commission's recommendations.
"The recommendation to permanently close Lafayette mining, rehabilitate the local ecosystem, compensate mining victims, and impose moratorium in Rapu-rapu is a significant gain for the people's struggle against mining plunder. For almost a decade now, we have been campaigning to assert these concerns," says Trixie Concepcion spokesperson of Defend Patrimony (DP). DP is a broad multisectoral alliance campaigning against mining liberalization.
"The Commission report further strengthened our call to scrap the pro-foreign transnational mining corporations (mining TNCs) and anti-environment Mining Act of 1995. It resounded our call to stop all the destructive large-scale mining projects of mining TNCs in the country. There is a great possibility that the mining tragedy happening now in in Rapu-rapu will occur in other government priority mining projects, but they will not have as much projection as the Rapu-rapu case, added Concepcion."
"President Gloria Arroyo and DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes should immediately implement the Commission's recommendations. The government should stop its dillydallying because the delay of its implementation further endangers the health and lives of the local communities," Ms. Concepcion demanded.
Repeal the Mining Act
Minority Floor Leader and Representative of 1st District of Sorsogon Francis Escudero and Bayan Muna Partylist Representative Joel Virador also voiced their support to the recommendations of Rapu-rapu Commission. Congressman Francis Escudero reiterated his call for the pull-out of Lafayette in Rapu-rapu and the call to Malacanang to listen to the Commission.
"We will use the findings of the RFFC in the on-going review of Mining Act. The RFFC has shown us more reasons to push for its repeal," says Bayan Muna Congressman Joel Virador. "With the mining liberalization framework of the Mining Act, and its intense pursuit by the Arroyo government, Lafayette has been allowed to hastily and unsafely operate on the mines in Rapu-rapu. Not only did they violate environmental laws but also tried to cheat the government of additional income and taxes, this in spite of several economic incentives and privileges given to them. If Lafayette is the government mining showcase, how then is the performance of its other priority projects?"
Alternative Mining Policy
The DP is also lobbying for an alternative mining policy framework to replace the "mining revitalization" of the Mining Act. The group earlier submitted their "People's Mining Policy" to the Lower House. This was said to be a result of a series of national and regional consultations conferences, involving indigenous peoples, mining-affected communities, mine workers, church people, scientists and environmentalists. "We are forwarding an alternative mining policy framework to replace the current mining liberalization. We believe this will ensure the protection of the environment and will surely lead to economic development. This alternative policy framework will not ban foreign investments but their operations will be strictly regulated and made to conform with a strategic plan of the government to industrialize the nation. Mining and National Industrialization will be primarily oriented towards meeting domestic needs and economic development instead of the needs of the international market," explained Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE.
Local livelihood and mining campaign
The groups also belie the claim of Lafayette that there will be a big economic backlash on the local communities when the company totally shuts down.
"There is no truth that Lafayette now is employing 1,000 people. Currently there is less than 700 people that were hired by the company and most of them are contractual and construction workers. After the construction, only 280 people will be hired by the company. Fishing and farming are still the primary livelihood and source of income of the local populace," says by Antonio Casetas, Chairman of Sagip Isla, local organization in Rapu-rapu islands opposing the operation of Lafayette.
"Mas maginhawa ang aming kabuhayan noong wala pa ang Lafayette at siguradong kaya naming maghanapbuhay kung sila ay mapapalayas, kasama na ang pagkawala lasong kanilang ikinalat. Nagpapasalamat kami sa Commission sa kanilang pakikinig sa amin at paglalabas ng katotohanan hinggil sa pagmimina ng Lafayette. Hindi kami uurong sa aming pakikibaka. Palalakasin pa namin ang aming kampanya hanggang tuluyan mapaalis ang Lafayette at sagipin ang aming isla sa pagkawasak, (Life was better before Lafayette came to the island. Surely, we can survive without them and the pollution they created. We are thankful to the Commission in exposing the truth about Lafayette entry and operation in our island. We will not waver in our struggle. We will further intensify our campaign to realize the pull-out of Lafayette and save our island and communities from destruction.) " concluded Mr. Casetas.###
Defend Patrimony
Press Release
Legislators, Church and environmental groups back Bastes Commission; put forward an alternative mining policy
Environmental groups, Church people and legislators held a press conference today to show support to the Rapu-rapu Fact Finding Commission (RFFC) headed by Bishop Arturo Bastes and press for the implementation of the Commission's recommendations.
"The recommendation to permanently close Lafayette mining, rehabilitate the local ecosystem, compensate mining victims, and impose moratorium in Rapu-rapu is a significant gain for the people's struggle against mining plunder. For almost a decade now, we have been campaigning to assert these concerns," says Trixie Concepcion spokesperson of Defend Patrimony (DP). DP is a broad multisectoral alliance campaigning against mining liberalization.
"The Commission report further strengthened our call to scrap the pro-foreign transnational mining corporations (mining TNCs) and anti-environment Mining Act of 1995. It resounded our call to stop all the destructive large-scale mining projects of mining TNCs in the country. There is a great possibility that the mining tragedy happening now in in Rapu-rapu will occur in other government priority mining projects, but they will not have as much projection as the Rapu-rapu case, added Concepcion."
"President Gloria Arroyo and DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes should immediately implement the Commission's recommendations. The government should stop its dillydallying because the delay of its implementation further endangers the health and lives of the local communities," Ms. Concepcion demanded.
Repeal the Mining Act
Minority Floor Leader and Representative of 1st District of Sorsogon Francis Escudero and Bayan Muna Partylist Representative Joel Virador also voiced their support to the recommendations of Rapu-rapu Commission. Congressman Francis Escudero reiterated his call for the pull-out of Lafayette in Rapu-rapu and the call to Malacanang to listen to the Commission.
"We will use the findings of the RFFC in the on-going review of Mining Act. The RFFC has shown us more reasons to push for its repeal," says Bayan Muna Congressman Joel Virador. "With the mining liberalization framework of the Mining Act, and its intense pursuit by the Arroyo government, Lafayette has been allowed to hastily and unsafely operate on the mines in Rapu-rapu. Not only did they violate environmental laws but also tried to cheat the government of additional income and taxes, this in spite of several economic incentives and privileges given to them. If Lafayette is the government mining showcase, how then is the performance of its other priority projects?"
Alternative Mining Policy
The DP is also lobbying for an alternative mining policy framework to replace the "mining revitalization" of the Mining Act. The group earlier submitted their "People's Mining Policy" to the Lower House. This was said to be a result of a series of national and regional consultations conferences, involving indigenous peoples, mining-affected communities, mine workers, church people, scientists and environmentalists. "We are forwarding an alternative mining policy framework to replace the current mining liberalization. We believe this will ensure the protection of the environment and will surely lead to economic development. This alternative policy framework will not ban foreign investments but their operations will be strictly regulated and made to conform with a strategic plan of the government to industrialize the nation. Mining and National Industrialization will be primarily oriented towards meeting domestic needs and economic development instead of the needs of the international market," explained Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE.
Local livelihood and mining campaign
The groups also belie the claim of Lafayette that there will be a big economic backlash on the local communities when the company totally shuts down.
"There is no truth that Lafayette now is employing 1,000 people. Currently there is less than 700 people that were hired by the company and most of them are contractual and construction workers. After the construction, only 280 people will be hired by the company. Fishing and farming are still the primary livelihood and source of income of the local populace," says by Antonio Casetas, Chairman of Sagip Isla, local organization in Rapu-rapu islands opposing the operation of Lafayette.
"Mas maginhawa ang aming kabuhayan noong wala pa ang Lafayette at siguradong kaya naming maghanapbuhay kung sila ay mapapalayas, kasama na ang pagkawala lasong kanilang ikinalat. Nagpapasalamat kami sa Commission sa kanilang pakikinig sa amin at paglalabas ng katotohanan hinggil sa pagmimina ng Lafayette. Hindi kami uurong sa aming pakikibaka. Palalakasin pa namin ang aming kampanya hanggang tuluyan mapaalis ang Lafayette at sagipin ang aming isla sa pagkawasak, (Life was better before Lafayette came to the island. Surely, we can survive without them and the pollution they created. We are thankful to the Commission in exposing the truth about Lafayette entry and operation in our island. We will not waver in our struggle. We will further intensify our campaign to realize the pull-out of Lafayette and save our island and communities from destruction.) " concluded Mr. Casetas.###
Activists groups press for the implementation Rapu-rapu Commission's recommendations
May 22. 2006
Defend Patrimony
Press Release
Activists groups press for the implementation Rapu-rapu Commission's recommendations
"Malacanang will be doing a greater disservice to the country if it would not swiftly implement the recommendations of the Rapu-rapu Fact Finding Commission. By issuing statements negating the findings and conclusions of the Commission, it exposes itself to be a mere lackey of Lafayette Philippines Inc (LPI) and other transnational mining companies in the country," says Trixie Concepcion, spokesperson of Defend Patrimony (DP). DP is a broad multisectoral alliance campaigning against the large-scale mining projects of the government.it should not dilly-dally on the mining issue in Rapu-rapu island.
The Commission interviewed key officials of the mining company, the government, academe and NGOs. It scrutinized the mining related studies of the UP-Natural Science Research Institute (NSRI), the Center for Environmental Concerns- Philippines (CEC), the Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC), the UP-PGH Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic resources (BFAR), the Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research (INECAR), Department of Health and other government agencies.
"What is it in the report that is unscientific and without basis? Is it not enough for the Arroyo administration that Lafayette was found willfully violating environmental safety standards, falsifying legal documents and cheating the government of taxes to revoke their mining agreement?," asked Concepcion.
"The anomalies the Commission discovered in the operations of Lafayette Mining, is enough grounds to review the Mining Act of 1995. The commission is not out of bounds in its recommendation to review the law. It is in fact, another reminder for it to finally make real the public commitment made by President Arroyo, House Speaker Jose de Venecia, and Executive Secretary Michael Defensor to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) last February. The fact that the Mining Act's 11-years of implementation failed to revive the ailing industry, rehabilitate and or prevent several mining disasters like in Marinduque, Negros, and Rapu-rapu is a basis not only for its review but for scrapping it," says Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE.
"The permanent closure of Lafayette and moratorium of mining in Rapu-rapu will eliminate the "clear and present" danger obtaining in the island. It is high time for the government to put first the welfare of the environment and the people before the interest of foreign mining companies. It should likewise put into motion the other recommendations of the Commission, particularly, setting up of a People's Health and Environmental Protection Fund, conducting comprehensive health impact assessment, compensating the mining disaster victims, and rehabilitating the island ecosystem, added Bautista," ###
Reference:
Trixie Concepcion, Clemente Bautista
Kalikasan-People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE)
No.26 Matulungin St. Bgy, Central, Quezon City, Philippines 1100
Tel. No. +63-2-9248756 Fax No. +63-2-9209099
Defend Patrimony
Press Release
Activists groups press for the implementation Rapu-rapu Commission's recommendations
"Malacanang will be doing a greater disservice to the country if it would not swiftly implement the recommendations of the Rapu-rapu Fact Finding Commission. By issuing statements negating the findings and conclusions of the Commission, it exposes itself to be a mere lackey of Lafayette Philippines Inc (LPI) and other transnational mining companies in the country," says Trixie Concepcion, spokesperson of Defend Patrimony (DP). DP is a broad multisectoral alliance campaigning against the large-scale mining projects of the government.it should not dilly-dally on the mining issue in Rapu-rapu island.
The Commission interviewed key officials of the mining company, the government, academe and NGOs. It scrutinized the mining related studies of the UP-Natural Science Research Institute (NSRI), the Center for Environmental Concerns- Philippines (CEC), the Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC), the UP-PGH Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic resources (BFAR), the Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research (INECAR), Department of Health and other government agencies.
"What is it in the report that is unscientific and without basis? Is it not enough for the Arroyo administration that Lafayette was found willfully violating environmental safety standards, falsifying legal documents and cheating the government of taxes to revoke their mining agreement?," asked Concepcion.
"The anomalies the Commission discovered in the operations of Lafayette Mining, is enough grounds to review the Mining Act of 1995. The commission is not out of bounds in its recommendation to review the law. It is in fact, another reminder for it to finally make real the public commitment made by President Arroyo, House Speaker Jose de Venecia, and Executive Secretary Michael Defensor to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) last February. The fact that the Mining Act's 11-years of implementation failed to revive the ailing industry, rehabilitate and or prevent several mining disasters like in Marinduque, Negros, and Rapu-rapu is a basis not only for its review but for scrapping it," says Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE.
"The permanent closure of Lafayette and moratorium of mining in Rapu-rapu will eliminate the "clear and present" danger obtaining in the island. It is high time for the government to put first the welfare of the environment and the people before the interest of foreign mining companies. It should likewise put into motion the other recommendations of the Commission, particularly, setting up of a People's Health and Environmental Protection Fund, conducting comprehensive health impact assessment, compensating the mining disaster victims, and rehabilitating the island ecosystem, added Bautista," ###
Reference:
Trixie Concepcion, Clemente Bautista
Kalikasan-People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE)
No.26 Matulungin St. Bgy, Central, Quezon City, Philippines 1100
Tel. No. +63-2-9248756 Fax No. +63-2-9209099
Colet Mines Presents 'Clear and Present Danger'
Colet Mines Presents 'Clear and Present Danger,' Mining Engineer Says
Contrary to its statement two weeks ago, Colet Mining and Development Corp. (CMDC) exploration and eventual mining operations present a "clear and present danger" to communities and the environment of Sipalay, Negros Occidental, asserts Efren Fabila, a long-time mining engineer and convenor of Defend Patrimony, a broad alliance against large-scale mining.
BY KARL G. OMBION, Bulatlat, Vol. VI, No. 13
May 7-13, 2006
BACOLOD CITY - Contrary to its statement two weeks ago, Colet Mining and Development Corp. (CMDC) exploration and eventual mining operations present a "clear and present danger" to communities and the environment of Sipalay, Negros Occidental, asserts Efren Fabila, a long-time mining engineer and convenor of Defend Patrimony, a broad alliance against large-scale mining.
"It is typical for consultants like Mr. Lincoln Drilon who have not made a thorough field investigation of the situation to easily dismiss the findings of the Environmental Investigation Mission (EIM) conducted by Defend Patrimony in the area," Fabila said.
Fabila explained that the water from these two creeks registers a high acidity pH of 3.2. The upstream water of Sipalay River on the other hand where the two creeks meet registers a basic pH of 8. These waters flow along the same rich mineral area, yet there is a big difference in the pH reading. Fabila said it is because Mantuboy and Caiwanan Creeks are active depository sites of CMDC's drillings.
Fabila also said rich mineral deposits in their natural state do not cause high water acidity. The phenomenon of acid mine drainage happens when sulfide ores are exposed - in this case, allegedly due to extensive earthworks activities by Colet - and oxidized. The leaching process then starts and the water turns acidic.
The Mantuboy and Caiwanan Creeks exemplify biologically dead creeks with no living aquatic organisms and the wilting of coconut trees along the creeks indicates a high level of water pollution of the waters, Fabila added.
Fabila also said the construction of road networks and drill pads by CMDC has resulted in massive land slide and bank erosion in some sections, which became the source of silt. In a flooding early this year, a one-hectare paddy downstream owned by a certain "Geori" was devastated due to silt deposition. The sediment ponds constructed by CMDC in their drilling sites are inadequate to mitigate siltation as most of the structures are already full which renders it a useless system, he said.
Defend Patrimony viewed CMDC's "reforestation project" as a "hypocritical public relations gimmick" which attempts to "soften the impact" of destruction, while projecting a "benevolent" corporate image of itself. The photographs taken around the area during the ocular survey indicate that reforestation was not extensive enough to effectively decrease the runoff in directly affected areas. Large track of open and barren lands still dominate the area.
"CMDC should have recognized that the value of reforestation lies in the reduction of runoffs and consequently mitigation of flashfloods," Defend Patrimony added. "It should aim to reforest 100 percent of the disturbed areas including the road network established. A high percentage reforestation of the total disturbed areas should have reflected the company's sincerity to protect the people downstream against expected catastrophe.
It also said that Drilon's claim that only 100 hectares out of the more than 2,000 hectares of the company's mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) is polluted is "not enough assurance" to dispel the apprehensions of affected downstream populations.
"Mining pollution knows no boundaries," Defend Patrimony said. "(The) CMDC plans to use the open-pit mining method which will generate large volume of mine wastes. Assuming for the sake of discourse that once it operates, mine waste generated will reach 104 MMT, excluding mine tailings. Where will these mine wastes and tailings go? Certainly, the impacts will not be limited to 100 hectares."
The engineer further said that the Sipalay River is the major drainage way of the area in question. "It steadily drains into the alluvial fans and floodplains of Sipalay, outstretching towards the river delta which it finally settles, and eventually into the coastal areas," he said. "In fact, the delta and coast is the last most effective deposition area of sediments coming from the upstream section of Sipalay River."
"As the phenomenon of periodic river bed loading occurs in succession, surface soils are buried with silt and in parts colluvial material that hardens and renders agricultural lands a desolate landscape," he said. "In any eventuality, we are looking at a future cropland and wetland ecosystem of compacted sediments."
Fabila stressed that the construction of siltation and tailings pond does not guarantee that sediment deposits in the low lying areas can be mitigated, as exemplified by previous experiences of dike failure such as breaching and overtopping. "Drilon should learn from the experience of Maricalum Mining, which experienced dam failures way back in 1982 and 1996, of which the environmental and social impacts remain until today a legacy to the affected communities," he said.
Finally, Fabila said, the claim of CMDC allocating 10 percent of the $20-million investment for its environmental program has remained to be seen concretely. Mining companies are notorious for not paying the required fees. Maricalum mining for instance still owes the Sipalay City government more than P20 million ($388,274.12 based on a $1:P51.51 exchange rate as of May 5) in tax arrears and unsettled financial obligations to its terminated workers.
Fabila said mining operations, once decommissioned, leave behind unpaid financial liabilities to the workers, local government units and the national government, while the communities bear the brunt of social and environmental havoc caused by their mining operations.
The Mining Act of 1995 allows 100 percent repatriation of profits to foreign investors. Under such liberalized policy, mining companies tend to make super profits and leave immediately when situations get tougher. Placer Dome of Canada divested its share and interests in the Philippines right after the Marinduque mining disaster in 1996.
Contrary to its statement two weeks ago, Colet Mining and Development Corp. (CMDC) exploration and eventual mining operations present a "clear and present danger" to communities and the environment of Sipalay, Negros Occidental, asserts Efren Fabila, a long-time mining engineer and convenor of Defend Patrimony, a broad alliance against large-scale mining.
BY KARL G. OMBION, Bulatlat, Vol. VI, No. 13
May 7-13, 2006
BACOLOD CITY - Contrary to its statement two weeks ago, Colet Mining and Development Corp. (CMDC) exploration and eventual mining operations present a "clear and present danger" to communities and the environment of Sipalay, Negros Occidental, asserts Efren Fabila, a long-time mining engineer and convenor of Defend Patrimony, a broad alliance against large-scale mining.
"It is typical for consultants like Mr. Lincoln Drilon who have not made a thorough field investigation of the situation to easily dismiss the findings of the Environmental Investigation Mission (EIM) conducted by Defend Patrimony in the area," Fabila said.
Fabila explained that the water from these two creeks registers a high acidity pH of 3.2. The upstream water of Sipalay River on the other hand where the two creeks meet registers a basic pH of 8. These waters flow along the same rich mineral area, yet there is a big difference in the pH reading. Fabila said it is because Mantuboy and Caiwanan Creeks are active depository sites of CMDC's drillings.
Fabila also said rich mineral deposits in their natural state do not cause high water acidity. The phenomenon of acid mine drainage happens when sulfide ores are exposed - in this case, allegedly due to extensive earthworks activities by Colet - and oxidized. The leaching process then starts and the water turns acidic.
The Mantuboy and Caiwanan Creeks exemplify biologically dead creeks with no living aquatic organisms and the wilting of coconut trees along the creeks indicates a high level of water pollution of the waters, Fabila added.
Fabila also said the construction of road networks and drill pads by CMDC has resulted in massive land slide and bank erosion in some sections, which became the source of silt. In a flooding early this year, a one-hectare paddy downstream owned by a certain "Geori" was devastated due to silt deposition. The sediment ponds constructed by CMDC in their drilling sites are inadequate to mitigate siltation as most of the structures are already full which renders it a useless system, he said.
Defend Patrimony viewed CMDC's "reforestation project" as a "hypocritical public relations gimmick" which attempts to "soften the impact" of destruction, while projecting a "benevolent" corporate image of itself. The photographs taken around the area during the ocular survey indicate that reforestation was not extensive enough to effectively decrease the runoff in directly affected areas. Large track of open and barren lands still dominate the area.
"CMDC should have recognized that the value of reforestation lies in the reduction of runoffs and consequently mitigation of flashfloods," Defend Patrimony added. "It should aim to reforest 100 percent of the disturbed areas including the road network established. A high percentage reforestation of the total disturbed areas should have reflected the company's sincerity to protect the people downstream against expected catastrophe.
It also said that Drilon's claim that only 100 hectares out of the more than 2,000 hectares of the company's mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) is polluted is "not enough assurance" to dispel the apprehensions of affected downstream populations.
"Mining pollution knows no boundaries," Defend Patrimony said. "(The) CMDC plans to use the open-pit mining method which will generate large volume of mine wastes. Assuming for the sake of discourse that once it operates, mine waste generated will reach 104 MMT, excluding mine tailings. Where will these mine wastes and tailings go? Certainly, the impacts will not be limited to 100 hectares."
The engineer further said that the Sipalay River is the major drainage way of the area in question. "It steadily drains into the alluvial fans and floodplains of Sipalay, outstretching towards the river delta which it finally settles, and eventually into the coastal areas," he said. "In fact, the delta and coast is the last most effective deposition area of sediments coming from the upstream section of Sipalay River."
"As the phenomenon of periodic river bed loading occurs in succession, surface soils are buried with silt and in parts colluvial material that hardens and renders agricultural lands a desolate landscape," he said. "In any eventuality, we are looking at a future cropland and wetland ecosystem of compacted sediments."
Fabila stressed that the construction of siltation and tailings pond does not guarantee that sediment deposits in the low lying areas can be mitigated, as exemplified by previous experiences of dike failure such as breaching and overtopping. "Drilon should learn from the experience of Maricalum Mining, which experienced dam failures way back in 1982 and 1996, of which the environmental and social impacts remain until today a legacy to the affected communities," he said.
Finally, Fabila said, the claim of CMDC allocating 10 percent of the $20-million investment for its environmental program has remained to be seen concretely. Mining companies are notorious for not paying the required fees. Maricalum mining for instance still owes the Sipalay City government more than P20 million ($388,274.12 based on a $1:P51.51 exchange rate as of May 5) in tax arrears and unsettled financial obligations to its terminated workers.
Fabila said mining operations, once decommissioned, leave behind unpaid financial liabilities to the workers, local government units and the national government, while the communities bear the brunt of social and environmental havoc caused by their mining operations.
The Mining Act of 1995 allows 100 percent repatriation of profits to foreign investors. Under such liberalized policy, mining companies tend to make super profits and leave immediately when situations get tougher. Placer Dome of Canada divested its share and interests in the Philippines right after the Marinduque mining disaster in 1996.
“30 pieces of silver mentality”
Panalipdan! Mindanao
Press Statement
May 23, 2006
Government’s “30 pieces of silver mentality” on Rapu-rapu report gives nod to mining disasters across the country
We detest the Arroyo government’s rejection of the report of the independent commission investigating the Lafayette mine spills in Rapu-rapu island.
Blinded by the glare of mining investments, Arroyo is willing to sell out the environment and patrimony for “30 pieces of silver”. We fear that Arroyo’s message tells mining companies that they can do about their operations without regard for the environment because government acts as their guarantor for any kind of misconduct.
The Commission drew its findings from studies of various units of the University of the Philippines, non-government organizations with expertise on environmental cases, the Department of Health and other government agencies. It also reportedly interviewed key officials of Lafayette. Malacanang’s negation of the Commission’s findings renders futile all attempts to independently probe similar cases in the future since government can readily bail out these “mining companies in distress.”
This policy of ‘environmental impunity’ will most likely pervade the 11 priority mining projects in Mindanao, an island whose environment has already seen wanton destruction from massive logging, tree plantations, and agribusiness plantations.
Mining TNCs now doing operations in Mindanao are the first and the loudest to cheer Malacanang’s ‘no mining ban’ policy. They are TVI and Sagittarius Mines Inc. TVI is facing stiff opposition from the Subanen of Mt. Canatuan in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. SMI, the new face of the hated Western Mining Corporation, has been virtually condemned by the people of SOCSKARGEN led by 3 Catholic bishops. Clearly, Arroyo has just emboldened these companies to skirt the strong, serious, and legitimate environmental, health, human rights, ancestral land rights, and other social issues hurled by the peoples of Mindanao against these mining TNCs.
When Pres. Arroyo rejected the report of the commission led by Bishop Arturo Bastes, she made it clear to all that accountability of mining TNCs for environmental destruction can be subordinated to the hyped economic benefits they supposedly bring.
In truth, mining transnational corporations bring in little monetary benefits compared to the loss of patrimony, destruction to the environment, eviction of indigenous peoples from their ancestral domains, and the easing out of small scale miners.
Secretary Ignacio Bunye can not certainly make fools of us when he said that banning largescale mining would be “a disservice to our people if our full mineral potential is not realized as this is clearly a source of employment and development.” Our mining industry is extractive and export-oriented and does not meet our demands for genuine national development. So, the development that Bunye is referring to does not redound to the Filipino people; he means fattening the pockets of global mining giants.
What this government means to say with the negation of the Bastes report is that it shall never review nor scrap the Mining Act of 1995 because Arroyo can not simply abandon her servility to the interests of mining TNCs. Her “30 pieces of silver mentality” on the Bastes report marks this glaring treachery.#
Sr. Ma. Carmen Diane T. Cabasagan, RGS
Initiator
Panalipdan! Mindanao
(Defenders and Advocates for the Environment, Creation, and Patrimony)
Mobile No. 09209523604
Office Address:
Rm. 101, Kalinaw Center for Interfaith Resources
Francisco Avenue, Matina, 8000 Davao City
Tel. 082 299-4964
Press Statement
May 23, 2006
Government’s “30 pieces of silver mentality” on Rapu-rapu report gives nod to mining disasters across the country
We detest the Arroyo government’s rejection of the report of the independent commission investigating the Lafayette mine spills in Rapu-rapu island.
Blinded by the glare of mining investments, Arroyo is willing to sell out the environment and patrimony for “30 pieces of silver”. We fear that Arroyo’s message tells mining companies that they can do about their operations without regard for the environment because government acts as their guarantor for any kind of misconduct.
The Commission drew its findings from studies of various units of the University of the Philippines, non-government organizations with expertise on environmental cases, the Department of Health and other government agencies. It also reportedly interviewed key officials of Lafayette. Malacanang’s negation of the Commission’s findings renders futile all attempts to independently probe similar cases in the future since government can readily bail out these “mining companies in distress.”
This policy of ‘environmental impunity’ will most likely pervade the 11 priority mining projects in Mindanao, an island whose environment has already seen wanton destruction from massive logging, tree plantations, and agribusiness plantations.
Mining TNCs now doing operations in Mindanao are the first and the loudest to cheer Malacanang’s ‘no mining ban’ policy. They are TVI and Sagittarius Mines Inc. TVI is facing stiff opposition from the Subanen of Mt. Canatuan in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. SMI, the new face of the hated Western Mining Corporation, has been virtually condemned by the people of SOCSKARGEN led by 3 Catholic bishops. Clearly, Arroyo has just emboldened these companies to skirt the strong, serious, and legitimate environmental, health, human rights, ancestral land rights, and other social issues hurled by the peoples of Mindanao against these mining TNCs.
When Pres. Arroyo rejected the report of the commission led by Bishop Arturo Bastes, she made it clear to all that accountability of mining TNCs for environmental destruction can be subordinated to the hyped economic benefits they supposedly bring.
In truth, mining transnational corporations bring in little monetary benefits compared to the loss of patrimony, destruction to the environment, eviction of indigenous peoples from their ancestral domains, and the easing out of small scale miners.
Secretary Ignacio Bunye can not certainly make fools of us when he said that banning largescale mining would be “a disservice to our people if our full mineral potential is not realized as this is clearly a source of employment and development.” Our mining industry is extractive and export-oriented and does not meet our demands for genuine national development. So, the development that Bunye is referring to does not redound to the Filipino people; he means fattening the pockets of global mining giants.
What this government means to say with the negation of the Bastes report is that it shall never review nor scrap the Mining Act of 1995 because Arroyo can not simply abandon her servility to the interests of mining TNCs. Her “30 pieces of silver mentality” on the Bastes report marks this glaring treachery.#
Sr. Ma. Carmen Diane T. Cabasagan, RGS
Initiator
Panalipdan! Mindanao
(Defenders and Advocates for the Environment, Creation, and Patrimony)
Mobile No. 09209523604
Office Address:
Rm. 101, Kalinaw Center for Interfaith Resources
Francisco Avenue, Matina, 8000 Davao City
Tel. 082 299-4964
Friday, February 10, 2006
Predicting malaria epidemecs
Watching weather could predict malaria epidemics
Spraying insecticide to ward off malaria-carrying mosquitoes
Zablon Odhiambo
1 February 2006
Source: SciDev.Net
[NAIROBI] Malaria epidemics could be predicted up to five months ahead
using a special combination of climate models, say researchers.
In a study published by Nature today (1 February), Tim Palmer of the
UK-based European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts and
colleagues say the predictions could be used to strategically target
insecticides and drugs to regions at risk of an outbreak.
The study was based on an early-warning system developed by Botswana's
National Malaria Control Programme. The system uses information about
rainfall, health surveillance and the population's vulnerability to
malaria to detect unusual changes in seasonal patterns of disease.
By using a combination of climate models, Palmer's team eliminated
uncertainties in the system's predictions. To prove their new approach,
they tried retrospectively predicting malaria epidemics in Botswana from
1982 to 2002.
The method showed "very substantial levels of predictive skill", says
Palmer.
The team found that the risk of an epidemic in Botswana rises just
after a season of heavy rainfall and that temperature and rainfall drive
the abundance of both mosquitoes and parasites.
"This study demonstrates that judicious use of climate information is
an important factor in reducing the impact of this devastating disease,"
says Charles Delacollette of the WHO Global Malaria Programme.
Palmer points out that his team's method only applies to areas where
malaria occurs in climate-related epidemics and not in areas where the
disease is a year-round problem.
Although epidemic malaria accounts for only a small proportion of cases
worldwide, it can be important at a regional level, contributing to a
significant rise of cases and deaths.
Following Botswana's lead, other countries in sub-Saharan Africa are
now developing early-warning systems.
"My colleagues are developing our methods for Zimbabwe, South Africa,
Swaziland and Zimbabwe," says Palmer. "Some research is being done for
the more complex terrain of Kenya, though here the results are less well
developed."
Sam Ocholla, head of malaria control at the Kenyan health ministry,
says a system they are piloting can detect epidemics within two weeks of
their onset, but cannot make accurate predictions.
"We are yet to find a model that is 100 per cent effective," he told
SciDev.Net.
"The link between climate and malaria incidence is more complex in
Kenya than in Botswana," explains Palmer.
"In Kenya, both seasonal temperature and seasonal rainfall are
important, whereas in Botswana seasonal rainfall is the single most important
variable, and the effects of temperature are minimal."
Spraying insecticide to ward off malaria-carrying mosquitoes
Zablon Odhiambo
1 February 2006
Source: SciDev.Net
[NAIROBI] Malaria epidemics could be predicted up to five months ahead
using a special combination of climate models, say researchers.
In a study published by Nature today (1 February), Tim Palmer of the
UK-based European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts and
colleagues say the predictions could be used to strategically target
insecticides and drugs to regions at risk of an outbreak.
The study was based on an early-warning system developed by Botswana's
National Malaria Control Programme. The system uses information about
rainfall, health surveillance and the population's vulnerability to
malaria to detect unusual changes in seasonal patterns of disease.
By using a combination of climate models, Palmer's team eliminated
uncertainties in the system's predictions. To prove their new approach,
they tried retrospectively predicting malaria epidemics in Botswana from
1982 to 2002.
The method showed "very substantial levels of predictive skill", says
Palmer.
The team found that the risk of an epidemic in Botswana rises just
after a season of heavy rainfall and that temperature and rainfall drive
the abundance of both mosquitoes and parasites.
"This study demonstrates that judicious use of climate information is
an important factor in reducing the impact of this devastating disease,"
says Charles Delacollette of the WHO Global Malaria Programme.
Palmer points out that his team's method only applies to areas where
malaria occurs in climate-related epidemics and not in areas where the
disease is a year-round problem.
Although epidemic malaria accounts for only a small proportion of cases
worldwide, it can be important at a regional level, contributing to a
significant rise of cases and deaths.
Following Botswana's lead, other countries in sub-Saharan Africa are
now developing early-warning systems.
"My colleagues are developing our methods for Zimbabwe, South Africa,
Swaziland and Zimbabwe," says Palmer. "Some research is being done for
the more complex terrain of Kenya, though here the results are less well
developed."
Sam Ocholla, head of malaria control at the Kenyan health ministry,
says a system they are piloting can detect epidemics within two weeks of
their onset, but cannot make accurate predictions.
"We are yet to find a model that is 100 per cent effective," he told
SciDev.Net.
"The link between climate and malaria incidence is more complex in
Kenya than in Botswana," explains Palmer.
"In Kenya, both seasonal temperature and seasonal rainfall are
important, whereas in Botswana seasonal rainfall is the single most important
variable, and the effects of temperature are minimal."
Deforestation causes malaria
Amazon studies link malaria to deforestation
Both studies found that deforestation increases the risk of malaria
transmission
Luisa Massarani and Mike Shanahan
30 January 2006
Source: SciDev.Net
[RIO DE JANEIRO] Two studies in the Amazon rainforest have shown a link
between deforestation and an increased risk of malaria. The findings
have implications for health management and environmental policy in the
region.
According to research published today (30 January), the clearing of
trees in Brazil's Amazon region to create new settlements increases the
short-term risk of malaria by creating areas of standing water in which
mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
The study, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also
found that once agriculture and urban development are established in
frontier regions, this habitat declines and malaria transmission rates fall.
"Malaria mitigation strategies for frontier settlements require a
combination of preventive and curative methods and close collaboration
between the health and agricultural sectors," say the team led by Marcia
Caldas de Castro of the University of South Carolina, United States.
The study comes less than a month after one in neighbouring Peru showed
that malaria epidemics in the Amazon were linked to deforestation. The
findings appeared in January's issue of the American Journal of
Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
The study showed that the biting rate of Anopheles darlingi, the
Amazon's main malaria-spreading mosquito, was nearly 300 times greater in
cleared areas than forested ones.
"Most people think malaria is on the rise simply because the mosquito
feeds on the increasing numbers of humans in the rainforest. But our
results show that altering the landscape likely plays an even larger role
than people moving into the jungle", says lead researcher Jonathan
Patz, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
Patz says the fact that deforestation may affect the prevalence of a
disease like malaria raises some larger issues.
"I feel conservation policy is one and the same with public health
policy. It's probable that protected conservation areas may ultimately be
an important tool in our disease prevention strategies," he says.
Both studies found that deforestation increases the risk of malaria
transmission
Luisa Massarani and Mike Shanahan
30 January 2006
Source: SciDev.Net
[RIO DE JANEIRO] Two studies in the Amazon rainforest have shown a link
between deforestation and an increased risk of malaria. The findings
have implications for health management and environmental policy in the
region.
According to research published today (30 January), the clearing of
trees in Brazil's Amazon region to create new settlements increases the
short-term risk of malaria by creating areas of standing water in which
mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
The study, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also
found that once agriculture and urban development are established in
frontier regions, this habitat declines and malaria transmission rates fall.
"Malaria mitigation strategies for frontier settlements require a
combination of preventive and curative methods and close collaboration
between the health and agricultural sectors," say the team led by Marcia
Caldas de Castro of the University of South Carolina, United States.
The study comes less than a month after one in neighbouring Peru showed
that malaria epidemics in the Amazon were linked to deforestation. The
findings appeared in January's issue of the American Journal of
Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
The study showed that the biting rate of Anopheles darlingi, the
Amazon's main malaria-spreading mosquito, was nearly 300 times greater in
cleared areas than forested ones.
"Most people think malaria is on the rise simply because the mosquito
feeds on the increasing numbers of humans in the rainforest. But our
results show that altering the landscape likely plays an even larger role
than people moving into the jungle", says lead researcher Jonathan
Patz, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
Patz says the fact that deforestation may affect the prevalence of a
disease like malaria raises some larger issues.
"I feel conservation policy is one and the same with public health
policy. It's probable that protected conservation areas may ultimately be
an important tool in our disease prevention strategies," he says.
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