By DEFEND ILOCOS AGAINST MINING PLUNDER

March 3, 2014

Despite all the praises and promotion by the government and mining industry of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 as a “world class” environmental legislation, the overwhelming truth remains that for the past 19 years, the law has legitimized the plunder of our mineral resources, the destruction of our environment and displacement of communities.

One of the first Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) approved under the law is Didipio Gold Project in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, now under the operation of Oceana Gold Philippines Incorporated (OGPI). The dismal state of human rights, livelihood and environment in the communities affected by the operation of OGPI is a testament of flawed mining policy of the government and the continuing state and corporate aggression against communities for profit and investment.

The law has utterly failed to jump-start national industrialization and be linked with genuine agrarian program. In reality, mining and quarrying provide very small contribution to our economy. The sector only accounts 0.70% of our National Gross Product and 0.60% to the total employment.

In line with the Aquino III regime’s program, the Mines & Geosciences Bureau in the region intensified its mineral development campaign in partnership with local government units and mining companies especially in 2012 and 2013, the same period when opposition against mining operations became active in the region. As of December 2013, there are 125 approved mining permits, another 18 are for renewal and 99 more are under process covering 343, 203.07 hectares. Top mineral commodities under major mining tenements include magnetite sand, limestone, gold and copper. However, from 2010-2012, total production was valued at P2.05 billion but generated only P132.83 million in local revenues or a mere 6.48% of the total production value. Its actual value adding capacity in terms of Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) remains to be dismal with a mere 1.5-1.7 percent in the said period.

Political warlords and their corporate partners manipulated, coerced and threatened communities to pave way for massive extraction of magnetite sand in the coastal areas; and install processing plant for copper in the upland communities of Ilocos Sur. No amount of media releases by government agencies and local officials can cover up the relentless extraction of magnetite in Ilocos. Offshore extraction as well as onshore processing continue under the guise of river dredging.

Transnational mining companies known for grave abuses of human rights and environmental negligence such as Freeport McMoran and Nickel Asia are also determined to operate along the boundaries of Ilocos and the Cordillera. Areas covered by exploration and application of the companies where opposition is present have been under sustained military operations since November 2013.

Government agencies such as the MGB and the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) have become mouthpiece and apologist for mining companies. The cases filed against the Chinese companies who operated the illegal facilities in Metro Vigan are snail-paced. Worst, no charges have been filed against the local officials who allowed and condoned the destructive mining operation; and no rehabilitation of abandoned mine sites has been done as of this time.

There is no doubt that the continuing implementation of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 will only amplify the region’s vulnerability to climate change and geological disasters; compromise environmental security, public safety and livelihood; and facilitate more attacks against human rights. There is no other solution but for the people to unite to scrap this mining law and assert for a people’s mining policy that would cater national industrialization and genuine agrarian development.

Today, is GREEN FLAG DAY. Today, we stand with the entire nation as different organizations call for the repeal of the 1995 Mining Law. Today, we unite in demanding compensation and rehabilitation from mining companies. Today and everyday, we will continue to seek justice and accountability from the government and its officials for the destruction of our land, life and livelihood.

Scrap the Mining Act of 1995! Pass the peoples Mining Bill!

Expose,oppose and prosecute local politicians supporting mining operations!

Hold the Aquino government accountable for the continuing sale of our national patrimony!# nordis.net