Human Rights Online Philippines

Various environmental groups led by local organizations in Nueva Vizcaya, expressed their strong opposition against the renewal of the mining contract of Ocean Gold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI).

Green group Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) supported the call of Didipio Earth Savers Multisectoral Alliance (DESAMA) and demanded the immediate cancellation of Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement No. 001(FTAA # 1) owned by OGPI, after learning about management change in the mining company.

ATM said that the transition of leadership from Joey Leviste to Mick Wilkes should not pave the way for the renewal of the FTAA. They reminded OGPI that management should respect the decision of the local government and the local communities of Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya, to stop the destructive mining operation in the area.

The province of Nueva Vizcaya passed Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 2019-3107 last June 17, 2019, actively opposing the extension of the mining contract.

Governor Carlos Padilla re-stated the position of the province, demanding the termination of the mining contract of OGPI. “This issue created political and social division and increased crime incidence in the region. The mine operations contaminated watershed. Its tailings do not only pollute Didipio but the entire Nueva Vizcaya. What has been destroyed by mining could not be repaired,” he said.

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