Stench of Fuel Hangs over Philippine Marine Park
August 17, 2006 � By Dolly Aglay, Reuters
TAKLONG ISLAND, Philippines � The waters of the Taklong marine reserve in the central Philippines glisten in the sunlight but stink of fuel as thick sludge washes ashore.
As disaster workers and residents of nearby villages tried again on Thursday to contain last week's oil spill from a sunken tanker off the island of Guimaras, worries were growing about the impact on fish, plants, people and tourism in the area.
"My fear is all the mangrove trees will die," Joseph Gajo, a caretaker at the 1,143-hectare marine reserve (2,857 acres), told Reuters. "If the mangroves and coral die, this will affect fishermen."
The mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds of Taklong, on the southern tip of Guimaras island, serve as a feeding and nursery ground for 144 species of fish and other sea creatures.
Along the coastline, men were putting up nets to try to keep the spill from washing ashore. In another area, rubber boats were being used as barriers.
The provincial government declared Guimaras a disaster zone after the spill of about 200,000 litres of bunker oil on Friday.
Chartered by Petron Corp., the largest oil refiner in the Philippines, the tanker was carrying about 2 million litres of the industrial fuel when it sank in rough seas.
Officials have warned that the pollution could take three years to clean up, with more than 15,000 people and 200 km (120 miles) of coastline affected.
"We have no catch, we are leaving now. We can't stand the smell of bunker oil," one of two fisherman shouted as they paddled a small boat near the marine reserve.
MORE OIL IN SHIP
The spill of about 200 tonnes of oil is the worst to hit the Philippines but pales against the world's biggest accident, the 1979 collision between the Atlantic Empress and another vessel that leaked 287,000 tonnes into the sea off Tobago.
Still, Philippine officials fear a wider disaster if the estimated 1,800 tonnes still inside the sunken tanker seep out.
"The ship is divided into 10 tanks. Each tank contains 200,000 litres," Arthur Gosingan, head of the Coast Guard, told Reuters. "We hope none of the remaining tanks will rupture."
Some families have moved away from the shores of Guimaras, about 470 km south of Manila, as the fuel washes up on beaches, staining sand and trees.
Health officials have advised residents not to eat anything from the contaminated waters but some people, dependent on the sea for food, have ignored the warning.
Environmental group Greenpeace said the Philippines must hold Petron and its partners accountable for the damage.
"We will go after those who may be found responsible and liable for this environmental catastrophe," said Ignacio Bunye, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's spokesman.
"In the meantime, let us focus our energies and resources on a fast clean-up to prevent the spread of pollution." (With reporting by Karen Lema)
Source: Reuters
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Environmental group lobbies to UK Parliamentarian Clare Short to help stop rights violations in mining communities
August 1, 2006
Environmental group lobbies to UK Parliamentarian Clare Short to help stop rights violations in mining communities
United Kingdom Member of the Parliament and Human Rights advocate Clare Short met with the environmental activist group Kalikasan-People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE) and Batasan 5 legislators today to discuss the mining situation and debilitating human rights situation in the country.
Clare Short is visiting the country to get first hand information on the operation of foreign mining companies in the country. She is currently a United Kingdom Member of the Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood and was the Secretary of State for International Development from 1997 to 2003. She is also known as an advocate for peace and women's rights.
Clare Short gained international prominence when she resigned as international department secretary of the Blair Government in May 2003 over broken promises of British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the future of Iraq. She similarly led calls for the British Prime Minister to step down.
"The participation of Clare Short in the mining campaign will greatly help in educating the people in United Kingdom and Europe on the social impacts, economic dislocations and environmental destruction brought about by the operations of transnational mining companies (mining TNCs) in here," says Clemente Bautista Jr., national coordinator of Kalikasan-PNE.
There are at least four European mining companies involved in the 24 priorities large-scale mining projects of the Arroyo administration. Three of these are from UK, namely, BHP Billiton, Toledo Copper Plc. of London, Queensland Nickel Inc, and Crew Minerals AS Norway.
"One of the negative social impacts of mining TNCs operations is the high incidence of human rights violations in mining-affected communities. Particular cases include the forced dislocation of Subanon families, an indigenous people in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte to clear the way for the operation of Canadian-owned Toronto Venture Inc., and the killings of environmental activists in Mindoro Oriental which is related to the nickel mining project of Crew Minerals."
"Our records show that already 13 anti-mining activists and leaders have been killed under the Arroyo administration. Eight of them were killed in 2005 to 2006. In addition to these are the forced disappearance of Joey Estriber of Aurora Province and the attempted murder of Fr. Allan Caparro of Leyte Province, who at that time of the incidents, are both active in the campaign against foreign large-scale mining."
"These human rights violations are results of the Arroyo administration's all out support to foreign mining TNCs. Military and the police act to protect the investments of mining TNCs. Mining companies are encouraged to employ private armies by the government."
"We hope that through Ms Short's watchful concern on the local mining issues, the affected communities may get a reprieve on the problems they face and the struggle in the country will gain more supporters from the international community," Mr. Bautista ends. ###
Environmental group lobbies to UK Parliamentarian Clare Short to help stop rights violations in mining communities
United Kingdom Member of the Parliament and Human Rights advocate Clare Short met with the environmental activist group Kalikasan-People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE) and Batasan 5 legislators today to discuss the mining situation and debilitating human rights situation in the country.
Clare Short is visiting the country to get first hand information on the operation of foreign mining companies in the country. She is currently a United Kingdom Member of the Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood and was the Secretary of State for International Development from 1997 to 2003. She is also known as an advocate for peace and women's rights.
Clare Short gained international prominence when she resigned as international department secretary of the Blair Government in May 2003 over broken promises of British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the future of Iraq. She similarly led calls for the British Prime Minister to step down.
"The participation of Clare Short in the mining campaign will greatly help in educating the people in United Kingdom and Europe on the social impacts, economic dislocations and environmental destruction brought about by the operations of transnational mining companies (mining TNCs) in here," says Clemente Bautista Jr., national coordinator of Kalikasan-PNE.
There are at least four European mining companies involved in the 24 priorities large-scale mining projects of the Arroyo administration. Three of these are from UK, namely, BHP Billiton, Toledo Copper Plc. of London, Queensland Nickel Inc, and Crew Minerals AS Norway.
"One of the negative social impacts of mining TNCs operations is the high incidence of human rights violations in mining-affected communities. Particular cases include the forced dislocation of Subanon families, an indigenous people in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte to clear the way for the operation of Canadian-owned Toronto Venture Inc., and the killings of environmental activists in Mindoro Oriental which is related to the nickel mining project of Crew Minerals."
"Our records show that already 13 anti-mining activists and leaders have been killed under the Arroyo administration. Eight of them were killed in 2005 to 2006. In addition to these are the forced disappearance of Joey Estriber of Aurora Province and the attempted murder of Fr. Allan Caparro of Leyte Province, who at that time of the incidents, are both active in the campaign against foreign large-scale mining."
"These human rights violations are results of the Arroyo administration's all out support to foreign mining TNCs. Military and the police act to protect the investments of mining TNCs. Mining companies are encouraged to employ private armies by the government."
"We hope that through Ms Short's watchful concern on the local mining issues, the affected communities may get a reprieve on the problems they face and the struggle in the country will gain more supporters from the international community," Mr. Bautista ends. ###
Monday, July 24, 2006
Big Three Cars Emit 230 Million Tons of Greenhouse Gas
Big Three Cars Emit 230 Million Tons of Greenhouse Gas
June 29, 2006 — By Deborah Zabarenko, Reuters
WASHINGTON — Cars built by the Big Three automakers gave off 230 million metric tons of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the United States in a year, more than the biggest U.S. electric utility, environmental researchers said Wednesday.
General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler cars and light trucks emitted nearly three-fourths of all carbon dioxide from vehicles on U.S. roads in 2004, the year for which statistics were available, according to the watchdog group Environmental Defense.
Nine other car manufacturers with vehicles on the U.S. market accounted for an additional 84 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, bringing the total for all cars and light trucks in operation in 2004 to 314 million metric tons, the report found.
General Motors vehicles gave off 99 million metric tons or 31 percent of the total; Ford vehicles emitted 80 million metric tons or 25 percent and DaimlerChrysler vehicles emitted 51 million metric tons or 16 percent, according to the report.
By comparison, the largest U.S. electric utility, American Electric Power, had emissions of 41 million metric tons.
Greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide, contribute to global warming, which in turn has been blamed for more severe hurricanes, rising seas and other environmental ills. Though greenhouse gas emissions have most frequently been associated with coal-fired power plants, the new report aims to point up comparable emissions from automobiles.
"The image of the power plant, with a smokestack and stuff billowing out of it, creates that sense of a lot of pollution in one place," John DeCicco, co-author of the report, said by telephone. "People don't necessarily understand that the millions of vehicles are part of the problem that is a really comparable scale."
He stressed a shared responsibility among consumers, auto manufacturers and policy makers.
"It's hard to pin just on General Motors the responsibility for that 20-year-old Chevy that's putting carbon up into the air," DeCicco said.
With just 5 percent of the world's population, the United States has 30 percent of the world's automobiles and produces 45 percent of the world's automotive carbon dioxide emissions, the report said. U.S. cars are driven more and burn more fuel per mile than the international average.
Source: Reuters
June 29, 2006 — By Deborah Zabarenko, Reuters
WASHINGTON — Cars built by the Big Three automakers gave off 230 million metric tons of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the United States in a year, more than the biggest U.S. electric utility, environmental researchers said Wednesday.
General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler cars and light trucks emitted nearly three-fourths of all carbon dioxide from vehicles on U.S. roads in 2004, the year for which statistics were available, according to the watchdog group Environmental Defense.
Nine other car manufacturers with vehicles on the U.S. market accounted for an additional 84 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, bringing the total for all cars and light trucks in operation in 2004 to 314 million metric tons, the report found.
General Motors vehicles gave off 99 million metric tons or 31 percent of the total; Ford vehicles emitted 80 million metric tons or 25 percent and DaimlerChrysler vehicles emitted 51 million metric tons or 16 percent, according to the report.
By comparison, the largest U.S. electric utility, American Electric Power, had emissions of 41 million metric tons.
Greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide, contribute to global warming, which in turn has been blamed for more severe hurricanes, rising seas and other environmental ills. Though greenhouse gas emissions have most frequently been associated with coal-fired power plants, the new report aims to point up comparable emissions from automobiles.
"The image of the power plant, with a smokestack and stuff billowing out of it, creates that sense of a lot of pollution in one place," John DeCicco, co-author of the report, said by telephone. "People don't necessarily understand that the millions of vehicles are part of the problem that is a really comparable scale."
He stressed a shared responsibility among consumers, auto manufacturers and policy makers.
"It's hard to pin just on General Motors the responsibility for that 20-year-old Chevy that's putting carbon up into the air," DeCicco said.
With just 5 percent of the world's population, the United States has 30 percent of the world's automobiles and produces 45 percent of the world's automotive carbon dioxide emissions, the report said. U.S. cars are driven more and burn more fuel per mile than the international average.
Source: Reuters
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Bicolanos, Environmental activists file case against Lafayette, DENR
July 20, 2006
Bicolanos, Environmental activists file case against Lafayette, DENR
In a new bid to stop the polymetallic mining project in Rapurapu, residents of the island, Sorsogon and Albay, environmental activist groups, fisher folk organizations, church people, militant organizations and television personalities filed a class suit against Lafayette Philippines, Inc., an Australian mining firm, and DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes today at the Makati Regional Trial Court today.
The suit sought to halt the 30-day test run granted by the DENR Secretary to Lafayette, on June 13, 2006. It similarly petitioned for the permanent injunction of the Lafayette mining operation, as it demanded compensation for the damages the company has done to the environment and the surrounding communities.
"We filed a case because we want to stop the destruction La Fayette is causing in our island, in our environment, our future and our children's future. (Sumama po kami sa pagasampa ng kaso upang mapigilan ang ginagawang pagsira ng Lafayette di lamang sa aming kapaligiran kundi sa aming kinabukasan at ng aming mga anak)," says Nenita Cotorno, a 60-year old grandmother of 7 and a local resident of Rapu-rapu.
Another Bicolana and international Beauty Queen Miriam Quiambao also signed as a petitioner. "It is a shame that people's lives and the environment are being put at risk for the sake of the mining operation. I hope that people in the government will make decisions that will be beneficial to more people than a few. Lives, especially
people's lives, are too precious.
Television personalities, musicians and environmentalists like Chin-chin Gutierrez, Gary Granada, Chickoy Pura and Roy Alvarez are also petitioners of the suit.
"We are not against mining. We are against how mining is being done in this country, without regard for our people, our environment, and our country's future. The cannot guarantee Rapurapu Island's preservation and barely provides enough for the economic, social or cultural sustainability of the present generation. Why should people and
the environment always have to pay the cost to benefit the few?" averred Chin-chin Gutierrez.
"The petitioners, who are both residents and non-residents of Rapurapu, share a common concern for the environmental, economic and health-related problems caused by the mining operations in the island. They are invoking their constitutionally guaranteed right to a balanced and healthful ecology as well as their right to health," explains Atty. Howard Calleja, one of the lawyers who filed the case.
"The most compelling reason to restrain Lafayette's mining operation is the occurrence of acid mine drainage (AMD). This environmental concern is something that even the DENR admits Lafayette could not control," added Calleja.
"Rapurapu should be immediately rehabilitated. The acid mine drainage and its effects in the island should be addressed, not exacerbated by allowing the island to be mined further by Lafayette," said Frances Quimpo of the Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines.
"It is very difficult to understand how the government can allow Lafayette to continue mining when it has already seen how Lafayette violated our laws, cheated the government of taxes, undermined the safety of the communities, and caused irreversible damages to our environment," pointed out Antonio Casetas, Head Servant of Sagip Isla, Sagip Kapwa, an island-wide environmental organization in Rapurapu.
"We have remained vigilant and have continued to protest in the streets, in spite the fact that the island is now being militarized, because this is the only way we can express our position. Our once peaceful island is not only being destroyed, it is now wrapped in apprehension and fear. We hope Lafayette and the government will let us be, " averred Ariel Arieto, leader of Lambat-Bicol, a fisherfok federation in the Bicol region.
Meanwhile, Defend Patrimony Spokesperson Trixie Concepcion asserted that Lafayette's operations in Rapu-rapu are still rife with irregularities, including under-declared revenues and falsification of public documents. "We are asking the Court to stop what DENR itself further affirmed as a grossly unfavorable mining project to the government," adds Concepcion.
"The mining issue in Rapu-Rapu is a matter of public interest in view of the environmental hazards and adverse health impacts that Lafayette mining operation poses. The people of Sorsogon are supporting the class suit, and we hope we can get justice," says Bishop Aruturo Bastes who headed the defunct Rapu-rapu Fact-Finding Commission.
"We do not trust that the Arroyo Administration, including the DENR, will heed our demands. She has after all already demonstrated her bias for the Australian mining firm and has intransigently clung to her mining liberalization policy to protect the interest of foreign transnational mining," said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE.
"This class suit is a fight not only against Lafayette but also a fight in defense of our patrimony," added Bautista. ###
Bicolanos, Environmental activists file case against Lafayette, DENR
In a new bid to stop the polymetallic mining project in Rapurapu, residents of the island, Sorsogon and Albay, environmental activist groups, fisher folk organizations, church people, militant organizations and television personalities filed a class suit against Lafayette Philippines, Inc., an Australian mining firm, and DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes today at the Makati Regional Trial Court today.
The suit sought to halt the 30-day test run granted by the DENR Secretary to Lafayette, on June 13, 2006. It similarly petitioned for the permanent injunction of the Lafayette mining operation, as it demanded compensation for the damages the company has done to the environment and the surrounding communities.
"We filed a case because we want to stop the destruction La Fayette is causing in our island, in our environment, our future and our children's future. (Sumama po kami sa pagasampa ng kaso upang mapigilan ang ginagawang pagsira ng Lafayette di lamang sa aming kapaligiran kundi sa aming kinabukasan at ng aming mga anak)," says Nenita Cotorno, a 60-year old grandmother of 7 and a local resident of Rapu-rapu.
Another Bicolana and international Beauty Queen Miriam Quiambao also signed as a petitioner. "It is a shame that people's lives and the environment are being put at risk for the sake of the mining operation. I hope that people in the government will make decisions that will be beneficial to more people than a few. Lives, especially
people's lives, are too precious.
Television personalities, musicians and environmentalists like Chin-chin Gutierrez, Gary Granada, Chickoy Pura and Roy Alvarez are also petitioners of the suit.
"We are not against mining. We are against how mining is being done in this country, without regard for our people, our environment, and our country's future. The cannot guarantee Rapurapu Island's preservation and barely provides enough for the economic, social or cultural sustainability of the present generation. Why should people and
the environment always have to pay the cost to benefit the few?" averred Chin-chin Gutierrez.
"The petitioners, who are both residents and non-residents of Rapurapu, share a common concern for the environmental, economic and health-related problems caused by the mining operations in the island. They are invoking their constitutionally guaranteed right to a balanced and healthful ecology as well as their right to health," explains Atty. Howard Calleja, one of the lawyers who filed the case.
"The most compelling reason to restrain Lafayette's mining operation is the occurrence of acid mine drainage (AMD). This environmental concern is something that even the DENR admits Lafayette could not control," added Calleja.
"Rapurapu should be immediately rehabilitated. The acid mine drainage and its effects in the island should be addressed, not exacerbated by allowing the island to be mined further by Lafayette," said Frances Quimpo of the Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines.
"It is very difficult to understand how the government can allow Lafayette to continue mining when it has already seen how Lafayette violated our laws, cheated the government of taxes, undermined the safety of the communities, and caused irreversible damages to our environment," pointed out Antonio Casetas, Head Servant of Sagip Isla, Sagip Kapwa, an island-wide environmental organization in Rapurapu.
"We have remained vigilant and have continued to protest in the streets, in spite the fact that the island is now being militarized, because this is the only way we can express our position. Our once peaceful island is not only being destroyed, it is now wrapped in apprehension and fear. We hope Lafayette and the government will let us be, " averred Ariel Arieto, leader of Lambat-Bicol, a fisherfok federation in the Bicol region.
Meanwhile, Defend Patrimony Spokesperson Trixie Concepcion asserted that Lafayette's operations in Rapu-rapu are still rife with irregularities, including under-declared revenues and falsification of public documents. "We are asking the Court to stop what DENR itself further affirmed as a grossly unfavorable mining project to the government," adds Concepcion.
"The mining issue in Rapu-Rapu is a matter of public interest in view of the environmental hazards and adverse health impacts that Lafayette mining operation poses. The people of Sorsogon are supporting the class suit, and we hope we can get justice," says Bishop Aruturo Bastes who headed the defunct Rapu-rapu Fact-Finding Commission.
"We do not trust that the Arroyo Administration, including the DENR, will heed our demands. She has after all already demonstrated her bias for the Australian mining firm and has intransigently clung to her mining liberalization policy to protect the interest of foreign transnational mining," said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE.
"This class suit is a fight not only against Lafayette but also a fight in defense of our patrimony," added Bautista. ###
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Church people on reopening of Lafayette: A Disastrous Decision
June 16, 2006
A Disastrous Decision
The Stewards of Creation, a national network of church people for environmental protection, shares the disappointment of Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes over the government's decision allowing Lafayette Philippines Inc. (LPI), to do a test-run of its zinc and copper mining operation.
The Rapu-rapu Fact-finding Commission (RFFC) chaired by Bishop Bastes did a very thorough and credible study of the effects of the operations of Lafayette Philippines Inc. in Rapu-rapu and made sound recommendations based on its findings. The government admitted, albeit grudgingly that the Bastes Report had merit. The decision of DENR Sec. Angelo Reyes disregarded the hard work of the members of the Bastes Commission.
While the DENR decision is a setback for environmentalists, it is hardly surprising given the fact that even the RFFC cited in its report that the said agency has been noticeably consistent in allowing LPI to violate the environmental protection requirements of its approved Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) and Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). Sec. Reyes' decision is also very consistent with the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Mining Revitalization Program. Given this propensity for siding with TNCs, it won't be a joke to call the DENR the Department for the Eradication of our Natural Resources.
This is a very unfortunate, considering our experiences with mining: that TNCs gain the profits while the people suffer the consequences. Moreover, as proven by Rapu-rapu, promised jobs were only for a few; the livelihoods of the people were not spared; health and safety were ignored; and, human rights violations were aggravated. Worse, the military paid by people's taxes was used to secure the interest of these TNCs.
We thus call on Sec. Reyes to reconsider his decision and heed the recommendations of the Bastes Commission. We also reiterate our challenge to the Arroyo government to immediately repeal the Mining Act of 1995 in favor of a more pro-people and environmentally sound policy, cancel all permits for large-scale mining and render justice to all victims of mining disasters.
Bishop Solito K. Toquero
Resident Bishop
United Methodist Church - Manila Episcopal Area (tel.523-02-97)
Convenor - Stewards of Creation (A National Network of Church People for Environmental Protection)
NCCP Press Statement
June 16, 2006
Live Up To The Vision of Our National Heroes, Do Not Sell Our Patrimony
(On DENR's Decision to Re-open Mining in Rapu-rapu)
In her Independence Day speech, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stated that the "choice is for us to make whether we continue to live up to the vision of our national heroes or continue to watch helplessly while our political system degenerates and our economy is trapped in the mire of uncertainty". The good President must have forgotten what our national heroes lived and died for. Their blood, sweat and tears were for a country free from plundering invaders�an economy that serves the best interests of the Filipinos. Our heroes would be turning in their graves if they had any knowledge about the infamous plans of the President through Charter Change.
President Arroyo and Sec. Angelo Reyes of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have turned their backs on the vision of our heroes by deciding in favor of Lafayette Philippines Inc. to reopen their mining operation in Rapu-rapu Island. They have allowed the interests of a transnational corporation to prevail over the interests of the people and the environment. Defend Patrimony is right on track when it declares that the DENR decision is "environmental treason". It clearly shows where government priorities lie.
The recommendations of the Bastes Commission are crystal clear and are backed with evidences: an end to the operations of Lafayette, a moratorium on mining in Rapu-rapu and a review of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. How can we sideline these recommendations when they resonate with the people's demands.
In the face of massive destruction, we will be remiss in our responsibility as stewards of God's gifts if we do not raise a strong voice against this travesty. We thus reiterate our call to uphold the recommendations of the Bastes Commission and to repeal the Mining Act of 1995.
Our national heroes deserve no less.
MS. SHARON ROSE JOY RUIZ-DUREMDES
General Secretary - NCCP
A Disastrous Decision
The Stewards of Creation, a national network of church people for environmental protection, shares the disappointment of Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes over the government's decision allowing Lafayette Philippines Inc. (LPI), to do a test-run of its zinc and copper mining operation.
The Rapu-rapu Fact-finding Commission (RFFC) chaired by Bishop Bastes did a very thorough and credible study of the effects of the operations of Lafayette Philippines Inc. in Rapu-rapu and made sound recommendations based on its findings. The government admitted, albeit grudgingly that the Bastes Report had merit. The decision of DENR Sec. Angelo Reyes disregarded the hard work of the members of the Bastes Commission.
While the DENR decision is a setback for environmentalists, it is hardly surprising given the fact that even the RFFC cited in its report that the said agency has been noticeably consistent in allowing LPI to violate the environmental protection requirements of its approved Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) and Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). Sec. Reyes' decision is also very consistent with the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Mining Revitalization Program. Given this propensity for siding with TNCs, it won't be a joke to call the DENR the Department for the Eradication of our Natural Resources.
This is a very unfortunate, considering our experiences with mining: that TNCs gain the profits while the people suffer the consequences. Moreover, as proven by Rapu-rapu, promised jobs were only for a few; the livelihoods of the people were not spared; health and safety were ignored; and, human rights violations were aggravated. Worse, the military paid by people's taxes was used to secure the interest of these TNCs.
We thus call on Sec. Reyes to reconsider his decision and heed the recommendations of the Bastes Commission. We also reiterate our challenge to the Arroyo government to immediately repeal the Mining Act of 1995 in favor of a more pro-people and environmentally sound policy, cancel all permits for large-scale mining and render justice to all victims of mining disasters.
Bishop Solito K. Toquero
Resident Bishop
United Methodist Church - Manila Episcopal Area (tel.523-02-97)
Convenor - Stewards of Creation (A National Network of Church People for Environmental Protection)
NCCP Press Statement
June 16, 2006
Live Up To The Vision of Our National Heroes, Do Not Sell Our Patrimony
(On DENR's Decision to Re-open Mining in Rapu-rapu)
In her Independence Day speech, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stated that the "choice is for us to make whether we continue to live up to the vision of our national heroes or continue to watch helplessly while our political system degenerates and our economy is trapped in the mire of uncertainty". The good President must have forgotten what our national heroes lived and died for. Their blood, sweat and tears were for a country free from plundering invaders�an economy that serves the best interests of the Filipinos. Our heroes would be turning in their graves if they had any knowledge about the infamous plans of the President through Charter Change.
President Arroyo and Sec. Angelo Reyes of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have turned their backs on the vision of our heroes by deciding in favor of Lafayette Philippines Inc. to reopen their mining operation in Rapu-rapu Island. They have allowed the interests of a transnational corporation to prevail over the interests of the people and the environment. Defend Patrimony is right on track when it declares that the DENR decision is "environmental treason". It clearly shows where government priorities lie.
The recommendations of the Bastes Commission are crystal clear and are backed with evidences: an end to the operations of Lafayette, a moratorium on mining in Rapu-rapu and a review of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. How can we sideline these recommendations when they resonate with the people's demands.
In the face of massive destruction, we will be remiss in our responsibility as stewards of God's gifts if we do not raise a strong voice against this travesty. We thus reiterate our call to uphold the recommendations of the Bastes Commission and to repeal the Mining Act of 1995.
Our national heroes deserve no less.
MS. SHARON ROSE JOY RUIZ-DUREMDES
General Secretary - NCCP
Friday, June 16, 2006
SCIENTISTS ON DENR DECISION TO RE-OPEN LAFAYETTE: UNSCIENTIFIC, UNSOUND AND ILLOGICAL
June 16, 2006
SCIENTISTS ON DENR DECISION TO RE-OPEN LAFAYETTE: UNSCIENTIFIC, UNSOUND AND ILLOGICAL
According to its very own summary of findings, the DENR found that:
a) The mine spills in Rapu-rapu were preventable;
b) Lafayette was guilty of lapses;
c) Lafayette does not measure up to standards of a responsible miner;
d) The DENR failed to adequately monitor the Rapu-Rapu operations; and
e) The sharing of benefits from the mining operations is grossly unfavorable to the Philippine government
Despite such negative findings, the DENR makes the illogical decision of allowing a 30-day test-run of mining in Rapu-rapu Island.
”It is a brazen example of how unscientific and illogical our government can be” according to activists scientists from AGHAM.
”How can Malacañang and Secretary Angelo Reyes reach a decision to allow Lafayette to operate when they themselves, from their very own findings, have pointed out long-term and substantial defects in LPI's operation?”, asks Dr. Giovanni Tapang, National Chairperson of AGHAM.
”Clearly the decision to allow the resumption of mining was not based on the technical findings of the Bastes Commission which was concurred to by many experts from different scientific disciplines.The decision to allow the resumption of mining in the Island was a result of political kowtowing to foreign interests and ignoring the clear and comprehensive scientific evidence from the Commission”, adds Dr. Tapang.
”If the decision-making process in government was trully scientific and democratic, Lafayette Philippines Inc., would not be allowed to operate”, says Ricarido Saturay, Jr. geologist at the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences and AGHAM member. ”This kind of unscientific policy making is what lowers the morale of scientists who are frustrated over unsound decision making process of the national government which often ignore scientific evidences that do not conform with its political agenda.
”Given the Marinduque mine spill of ten years ago, it is our conclusion that when it is the interest of the many versus the interest of a few foreign corporations like Lafayette or Marcopper, the government almost always sides with the foreign plunderers”, conlcudes Saturay.
”For us, the decision to allow Lafayette Philippines to operate is a lose-lose solution for the people. This unscientific, unsound and illogical reasoning allows for the continued destruction and plunder of our environment to the detriment of local peoples and the entire country”, declared Dr. Tapang###
SCIENTISTS ON DENR DECISION TO RE-OPEN LAFAYETTE: UNSCIENTIFIC, UNSOUND AND ILLOGICAL
According to its very own summary of findings, the DENR found that:
a) The mine spills in Rapu-rapu were preventable;
b) Lafayette was guilty of lapses;
c) Lafayette does not measure up to standards of a responsible miner;
d) The DENR failed to adequately monitor the Rapu-Rapu operations; and
e) The sharing of benefits from the mining operations is grossly unfavorable to the Philippine government
Despite such negative findings, the DENR makes the illogical decision of allowing a 30-day test-run of mining in Rapu-rapu Island.
”It is a brazen example of how unscientific and illogical our government can be” according to activists scientists from AGHAM.
”How can Malacañang and Secretary Angelo Reyes reach a decision to allow Lafayette to operate when they themselves, from their very own findings, have pointed out long-term and substantial defects in LPI's operation?”, asks Dr. Giovanni Tapang, National Chairperson of AGHAM.
”Clearly the decision to allow the resumption of mining was not based on the technical findings of the Bastes Commission which was concurred to by many experts from different scientific disciplines.The decision to allow the resumption of mining in the Island was a result of political kowtowing to foreign interests and ignoring the clear and comprehensive scientific evidence from the Commission”, adds Dr. Tapang.
”If the decision-making process in government was trully scientific and democratic, Lafayette Philippines Inc., would not be allowed to operate”, says Ricarido Saturay, Jr. geologist at the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences and AGHAM member. ”This kind of unscientific policy making is what lowers the morale of scientists who are frustrated over unsound decision making process of the national government which often ignore scientific evidences that do not conform with its political agenda.
”Given the Marinduque mine spill of ten years ago, it is our conclusion that when it is the interest of the many versus the interest of a few foreign corporations like Lafayette or Marcopper, the government almost always sides with the foreign plunderers”, conlcudes Saturay.
”For us, the decision to allow Lafayette Philippines to operate is a lose-lose solution for the people. This unscientific, unsound and illogical reasoning allows for the continued destruction and plunder of our environment to the detriment of local peoples and the entire country”, declared Dr. Tapang###
Environmental activists' slay linked to ODA review
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jun16/metro3.htm
June 16, 2006
MALAYA
Environmental activists' slay linked to ODA review
INTERNATIONAL environmental groups are set to raise the issue of environmental activists' slaying during the quarterly meeting in Tokyo on June 19 between the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and non-government organizations.
The environmentalists said they will bring up the issue with Japanese authorities when the latter review their support and funding for projects under the Official Development Assistance (ODA), especially in areas where such killings have taken place.
Hozue Hatae, Friends of the Earth-Japan campaigner, said environmental compliance and social acceptability are requirements in reviewing such projects. Hatae noted that 61 percent of the ODA loans to the Philippines come from Japan.
Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the environmental group Kalikasan-PNE said 15 of the almost 700 victims of killings since President Arroyo came to power in 2001 are environmental activists. "They actively campaigned against environmentally destructive projects such as large-scale mining, commercial logging and mega dam project," he said.
Bautista said the most recent victims were environmental activist Marcus Bangit of the Cordillera People's Alliance who campaigned against large-scale mining in Kalinga Province; and peasant leader Jose Doton who opposed the San Roque multi-purpose dam project and the Agno River integrated irrigation project at the boundary of Pangasinan-Benguet.
The International Rivers Network, a US-based NGO that opposes destructive dam projects, said the international community of NGOs is very concerned with the rise on human rights violations against political activists, media people and environmental workers in the Philippines. – Reinir Padua
June 16, 2006
MALAYA
Environmental activists' slay linked to ODA review
INTERNATIONAL environmental groups are set to raise the issue of environmental activists' slaying during the quarterly meeting in Tokyo on June 19 between the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and non-government organizations.
The environmentalists said they will bring up the issue with Japanese authorities when the latter review their support and funding for projects under the Official Development Assistance (ODA), especially in areas where such killings have taken place.
Hozue Hatae, Friends of the Earth-Japan campaigner, said environmental compliance and social acceptability are requirements in reviewing such projects. Hatae noted that 61 percent of the ODA loans to the Philippines come from Japan.
Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the environmental group Kalikasan-PNE said 15 of the almost 700 victims of killings since President Arroyo came to power in 2001 are environmental activists. "They actively campaigned against environmentally destructive projects such as large-scale mining, commercial logging and mega dam project," he said.
Bautista said the most recent victims were environmental activist Marcus Bangit of the Cordillera People's Alliance who campaigned against large-scale mining in Kalinga Province; and peasant leader Jose Doton who opposed the San Roque multi-purpose dam project and the Agno River integrated irrigation project at the boundary of Pangasinan-Benguet.
The International Rivers Network, a US-based NGO that opposes destructive dam projects, said the international community of NGOs is very concerned with the rise on human rights violations against political activists, media people and environmental workers in the Philippines. – Reinir Padua
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