MGB’s Suspension on Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation (MMDC) Mining Operations in Surigao Del Sur

The order of Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) Director Leo L. Jasareno suspending MarcVentures Mining and Development Corporation (MMDC) mining operations in Cantilan and Carrascal, Surigao del Sur is a very welcome development for our people not only in Cantilan but in the entire Province of Surigao del Sur.

“We are very happy to hear MGB’s action although we expected the suspension to be imposed last year after the Multi-Disciplinary Team assessment on MMDC’s mining operations in Barangay Cabangahan (Cantilan) and Sitio Pili, Panikian (Carrascal), this province.”

We commend Director Jasareno for taking this difficult stand against MMDC, a big mining firm, which is backed-up by strong politicians in our area.

To us, the suspension concretely shows that the Aquino Administration’s Matuwid Na Daan has a place in our province. For a while, our people thought it is just an illusion and they seem to lose their faith with this administration.

However, with the findings by the Multi-Disciplinary Team of major violations committed by the company, we believe that MGB should impose heavier sanctions than just suspending MMDC.

We further seek for the cancellation of the Mineral Product Sharing Agreement (MPSA) of MMDC and indemnification for the damages it caused to the environment and our people.

This is the only assurance for us that MMDC will no longer be a serious threat to the integrity of God’s creation in our area especially in the Watershed Forest Reserves proclaimed under PP1747.

Reference:
CHITO U. TRILLANES
SPOKESPERSON
Vicariate of CARCANMADCARLANPAR- Social Action Center
Mobile number: 09199625131/ E-mail ad: chitotrillanes@yahoo.com.ph

PRESS RELEASE
May 2, 2014

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.