Advertisement MissioICN Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Philippines: campaigners protest against irresponsible mining


campaigners outside conference - photo by Rene Sandajan

campaigners outside conference - photo by Rene Sandajan

Environmental activists, indigenous people and Church workers are rallying outside a Manila hotel playing host to a three-day mining conference to protest against "irresponsible practices" and the "wholesale granting" of permits to foreign firms.

Hundreds of protesters made their way to the hotel in a caravan to dramatize their call for a moratorium on mining, and for the advancement of a "pro-people mining policy."

Many traveled to Metro Manila from Nueva Vizcaya and Cagayan for the protest, to highlight what they call destructive mining operations in their areas.

"While the nation's mining magnates and foreign corporations have gathered to talk shop, people have gathered here to advance a pro-people, pro-environment mining policy that would better benefit our economy and communities," said Clemente Bautista, convener of Defend Patrimony, a multi-sector network of 51 anti-mining alliances.

Around 500 local and foreign delegates are at the September 13-15 conference to discuss mining investments and opportunities in the country at a time when the mineral prices on the global market are very high.

Bautista said the protest is not in opposition to mining and foreign investment per se, but to foreign-dominated and export-oriented production of the industry.

"The Aquino government continues to offer vast areas of land to foreign and private corporations. This includes gold rich-areas with small-scale mining communities in Zamboanga del Norte, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Camarines Norte, Masbate, and Benguet," said Bautista.

Father Florentino Daynos from Nueva Vizcaya led hundreds of villagers and peasants to the rally to urge the government to stop indiscriminate granting of exploration permits to multi-nationals for large-scale mining projects in their province.

"We are appealing to President Aquino to look into the plight of residents who will be adversely affected by exploration in three culturally rich communities in Dupax del Norte," Fr Daynos said.

"Mr President, please stop the undue process of [granting] exploration permits to mining firms," he added.

President Aquino has previously promised to protect the investments of mining firms, citing their importance to gross domestic product, which has increased from $637 million in 2003 to $2.7 billion in 2009.

At least four Chinese firms signed separate memorandums of understanding with the Philippines during Aquino's recent visit to China last month.

Source: UCAN

Adverts

Little Flower

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon