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UPDATES FROM THE MINING SITE OF STRUGGLE
The plan of two provincial Local Government Units (South Cotabato and Nueva Vizcaya) to restudy the operation of two of biggest mining companies in the country is commendable. As the operations of mining progressed various unwanted effects are becoming visible to the host communities. In Nueva Vizcaya, non-payment of local taxes and other fees is the issue against Oceana Gold Philippines Inc., while in South Cotabato, it is grave ecological damage brought by open-pit mining and many other bad effects against Sagittarius Mines Inc. and Xstrata Cooper.
This kind of awakening is inevitable for we always believe that “responsible mining” in this regime will not happen so long that profit is of prime concern and people remain at the sidelines. Patriotism, or for this matter love of thy neighbor comes to fore when foreign exploiter comes in. This has been taught to us by history. But let's not leave our post for this is momentary. We are also known for changing minds every now and then, especially our politicians. Recent history tells us.
Speaking of standing-on-their-guard, the 16 Site-of-Struggles (SoS) of Philippine Misereor Partnership – Mining Advocacy Project are always on the red since the number of priority mining sites has grown from 23 to 32. This is besides the mushrooming small scale mining. We have always heard about, Rapurapu, Didipio, Tampakan and Canatuan. Hundreds out there are always wary that anytime bulldozers will wreak their farms, houses and holy grounds. Rice fields to be submerged by tailings dams, watersheds to be wiped out, rivers and creeks going parched and dead.
In Samar , environmentalists are again on their guard because 42 mining applications are in the offing; some are in an advanced exploration stage. Concerned citizens of Daram, an island municipality of Samar , called our attention asking for intervention. Manganese extraction is now alleged to be explored in this tiny island which sits at the midst of Maqueda Bay . Frequently visited by typhoon and redtide, Maqueda Bay gives life to already impoverished thousands of Samareños. Mining the island will be the last blow to its very fragile ecosystems.
The leaders of the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar who once were thought to be progressive and into preservation of its last remaining forests have now a change of mind. Echoing the pitch of Malacañang, they see mining as their salvation from the economic pit. The municipal leadership of the host town of Homonhon and Manicani mining is hellbent on pushing for the approval of extending the MPSA of its tenement holder, never minding the possible obliteration of these historic islands in the map. Pockets come first?
CARAGA as had been witnessed by the latest visit of Ms. Japs Hatta of Christian Aid is in a “very alarming and deplorable state”. If the site has crushed the heart of an outsider, imagine how it must have trampled on the lives of the communities around especially those most vulnerable like the Mamanwa Tribe who were forced to accept mining in exchange of the 1% share to the gross income of the miners. I've seen the place and saw how its people literally eat dust and children swim in the murky rivers, and smell the putrid raw metallic ore in the air.
But these communities found another ally in the person of Bishop Broderick Pabillo. The new Chair of NASSA is standing before his flock like a gentle and brave shepherd. Facing the DENR Secretary Joselito Atienza, along with SoS delegates and national partners in a dialogue last April 24, Bishop Pabillo stood firm and reiterated that welfare of the host communities should come first. The DENR Secretary, like a good Catholic asked the reverend Bishop to help in monitoring the erring government officials and mining companies in the process of mining operations. This he also addressed to the SoS delegates. The Secretary put up an open line to the bishop in any event unwarranted cases arise. This has been tried when the demolition was to be enforced in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.
It's just a year and a half away to the next election and we have witnessed how mining money and influence play in the past two elections. Of the recent food crisis and the never-ending inflation, if we are to believe of the thrust of the national government, mining will go on, come what may. It is a gloomy scenario for the environmental defenders and for the country. God forbid. ### OJ Acaba