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.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
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-
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