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.###
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
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
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