Tag Archives: Alyansa Tigil Mina

[From the web] 𝐀𝐓𝐌 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑’𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐏𝐌𝐂

Posted on by Leave a comment

𝐀𝐓𝐌 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑’𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐏𝐌𝐂

(Published February 7 at ATM Social Media Accounts)

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) lauded the Sibuyan residents today for their victory over the illegal operations of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) after the DENR issued a Cease and Desist Order preventing the mining firm from the construction and operation of its causeway and stopping its transportation of nickel ore.

“The DENR Order suspending the current operations of APMC is a clear victory for the people of Sibuyan. Without the firm resistance of the Sibuyan residents and environmental defenders, we doubt if the DENR will lift a finger on the violations of the APMC,” said Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of ATM. “However, the struggle of the Sibuyanons is far from over as they are strongly demanding the revocation of APMC’s Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA),”

Read more

[From the web] 𝗦𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗥 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗣𝗠𝗖 | ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

ICYMI: 𝗦𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗥 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗣𝗠𝗖

Environmental defenders in Sibuyan, Romblon called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to issue a cease and desist order that would stop the operations of Altai Philippines Mining Company (APMC).
According to the DENR findings:

  1. APMC violated PD 1067 known as the Water Code of the Philippines- shore easement construction of structures
  2. APMC violated DAO 2004-24 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations – no foreshore lease agreement (Sec. 2c); salvage zone construction
  3. APMC violated Section 4 of PD 1586 – construction of causeway without Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)
  4. APMC violated Section 77 of PD 705 – cutting/clearing of trees without permit
    “Hinihihingi natin ang agarang aksyon ng DENR Secretary through MGB Regional Director to issue a cease and desist order. Ang mabagal na aksyon ng DENR ay magdudulot ng malawak na pinsala sa Isla ng Sibuyan at kapahamakan sa mga mamamayan, “ said Elizabeth Ibañez, Coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM).
Read more

[From the web] Sibuyanons barricade pier due to Altai Mining Company’s illegal operation | ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

Sibuyanons barricade pier due to Altai Mining Company’s illegal operation

Sibuyan residents set up a barricade in front of the pier being constructed by Altai Philippines Mining Company in Sitio Bato España, San Fernando, Romblon to oppose the illegal operations of the mining company, which have not secured the necessary permits and documents for their mining activities.

Elizabeth Ibañez, Coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM) and member of the Council of Leaders (COL) of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), said the illegal activities of the Altai Mining must be immediately investigated. “We demand swift action from the local governments of the province and municipalities, and the pertinent government agencies such as the DENR and BFAR to stop the mining operations of the company and hold them accountable for their illegal activities,” she said.

According to Ibañez, the protesters are demanding that the mining company produce the following documents: barangay clearance, municipal business permit, DENR foreshore lease contract, and PPA permit to construct a private port.

Read more

[From the web] Farmers in MacArthur Leyte demand stop to mining as main canal is destroyed | ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

Farmers in MacArthur Leyte demand stop to mining as main canal is destroyed

Farmers in MacArthur Leyte demanded that mining by MacArthur Iron Projects Corporation (MIPC) be stopped as they lamented how they lost their livelihood for a year now as the mining company destroyed the main canal and caused water to overflow in the farmlands.

The farmers testified before lawyers of the National Irrigation Authority who visited the mining site to inspect the canal, which the mining company earlier denied they destroyed.

Read more

[From the web] ATM, green groups back Baguilat, Hontiveros, Diokno, and de Lima senatorial bid

Posted on by Leave a comment

ATM, green groups back Baguilat, Hontiveros, Diokno, and de Lima senatorial bid

Alyansa Tigil Mina and allied environmental groups threw their support behind the senatorial bid of four green champions in an online green sortie where the groups publicly declared their endorsement of Cong. Teddy Baguilat, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Atty. Chel Diokno, and Senator Leila de Lima.

Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, said the four senators are the first senatoriables ATM is endorsing, as they have been known champions of green bills, particularly the Alternative Minerals Management Bill.

As incumbent legislators, Cong. Baguilat, Sen. Hontiveros, and Sen. De Lima have proposed the legislation of the AMMB, which aims to rationalize mining towards national development while protecting the rights and interests of communities.

Read more

[Press Release] Church, green groups unite in pushing for pro-people and pro-environment leaders in the May 2022 elections | ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

#HumanRights #Mining

Church, green groups unite in pushing for pro-people and pro-environment leaders in the May 2022 elections

Environmental human rights defenders announced in a press conference today that it will actively push for the election of pro-people and pro-environment leaders in the May 2022 elections, especially those who are already allies and champions of green bills. They also said they will engage in the elections by exposing corporate donors from the extractives industry who are funding candidates for electoral positions.

Jaybee Garganera, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) National Coordinator, said that “politicians funded by mining companies are already compromised.” He clarified that “when elected, these candidates will certainly repay their political debt and push for the agenda of large-scale mining at the expense of the public they are sworn to serve.”

Read more

[Event] Youth Against Destructive Mining: Cultural Night 2021 | ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

#HumanRights #Mining

ATM Youth Network invites you to watch the event “Youth Against Destructive Mining: Cultural Night 2021” at 8PM, October 26, 2021

The cultural night will provide an avenue for participants and relative networks to share each others’ sentiments with regards to mining in a fruitful yet informational entertainment event.

Read more

[Event] Launching of the ATM Mining Hell Week

Posted on by Leave a comment

#HumanRights #Environment

Launching of the ATM Mining Hell Week

Every March and September, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) embarks on a Mining Hell Week (MHW) to surface the issues surrounding destructive large-scale mining and its impact on mining-affected communities.

The March MHW is to denounce the continued implementation of the flawed Philippine Mining Act, while the September MHW is to counter the narrative of the mining industry led by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) to entice more investors and companies to dig minerals in the Philippines.

This September 2021, the COMP did not organize a mining conference. Nevertheless, ATM deems it crucial to counter the pro-mining stance of the Duterte regime and the agenda of the COMP in the coming elections. ATM will challenge the proposed continuity of exploiting the country’s natural resources at the expense of nature and marginalized communities.

Read more

[Statement] Passage of UN Human Rights Council (HRC) Resolution recognizing the right to a safe, healthy and sustainable environment | ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

#HumanRights #Environment

Passage of UN Human Rights Council (HRC) Resolution recognizing the right to a safe, healthy and sustainable environment

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) welcomes the recent passage of the UN Human Rights Council recognizing the right to a safe, health and sustainable environment, in Geneva.
While the resolution is not binding to all member-states, this sends a strong message to all countries on the urgency of addressing climate change impacts and listening to the demands of the most vulnerable countries as we face greater risks especially in the midst of this pandemic.

ATM believes that the Philippine government must immediately pass domestic laws and national policies that will subscribe and fulfill this mandate. It is necessary to recall that the 1987 Philippine Constitution already recognizes this under Article 2, Section 16 which states “The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature”.

Read more

[Off-the-shelf] 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗔 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗹𝗲𝘁 | ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗔 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗹𝗲𝘁

𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘴?

  1. It was a fall-back position after sustainable mining was discredited by environmental groups.
  2. Responsible mining has no legal definition, no parameters and is not measurable. Best practice is not enough.
  3. Mining must be done in the context of other Philippine laws. Responsible mining cannot merely be the implementation of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
  4. The current proposed model of responsible mining by the DENR or the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (CoMP) has never been completed in one single mine in the Philippines.
  5. It is only possible if given free, prior or informed consent (FPIC) by indigenous peoples or social acceptability by non-indigenous peoples.
Read more

[Statement] Lifting ban on new mining projects: another incompetent COVID-19 response from the government | atm

Posted on by Leave a comment

Lifting ban on new mining projects: another incompetent COVID-19 response from the government

Executive Order 130 only serves the business interests of few, not the Filipino people

Quezon City — Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) partners and members were devastated by the issuance of Executive Order (EO) 130 lifting the ban on new mining projects. The group stated in a press conference that the order is another incompetent COVID-19 response from the Duterte administration only serving the business interests of few in power, not the Filipino people.

One week before Earth Day, President Duterte issued EO130 citing the “significant economic benefits” of opening the country to new mining agreements. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) identified mining and river dredging as primary economic drivers of post-pandemic recovery.

Read more

[From the web] Clergy, scientists oppose seabed mining in Cagayan -ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

#HumanRights #Mining

Clergy, scientists oppose seabed mining in Cagayan

Quezon City – Local clergy and scientists involved in marine conservation expressed opposition against the reported seabed mining project in Cagayan that will start operations this month.

In a statement signed on January 8, 2021, the Cagayan Advocates for Integrity of Creation (CAIC) called on Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec. Roy Cimatu to re-consider decision to allow the offshore mining project, citing the potential decrease of fish-catch of the more than 37,000 registered fisherfolk in Cagayan Province.

CAIC also mentioned the negative effects the mining project might introduce to several endangered species in the area. “It is clear to us that the black sand is a God-given resource to protect the ecological integrity of the whole province. Removal of it will cause irreversible damages to the entire bio-network” according to the statement signed by at least nine priests and nuns based in Cagayan province.

JDVC, owner and operator of the offshore mining project has asserted that their operations will not disturb the environment and has been accepted by local residents.

In a separate position paper, 78 environmental organizations and science-experts detailed the documented impacts of offshore or seabed mining.

Read complete article @www.alyansatigilmina.net

Submit your contribution online through HRonlinePH@gmail.com
Include your full name, e-mail address, and contact number.

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.

[Press Release] Pandemics are linked to mining and climate change -ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

Pandemics are linked to mining and climate change

Quezon City – In this 25th anniversary of the Philippine Mining Act and in the middle of the COVID19 pandemic, we face bitter lessons on the links between mining, deforestation, climate change, and pandemics. Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is holding a Mining Hell Week from Sept. 24-Oct 2, 2020, to highlight these links and demand-responsive actions from the DENR and the mining industry. We stand with the many mining-affected communities and local governments that demand accountability from the DENR and from President Duterte to stop destructive large-scale mining operations in the Philippines.

To illustrate clearly the links between mining, climate change, and pandemics, we issued our briefing paper today “Mining and COVID19”. This paper explains how pandemics arise because of deforestation and permanent land-use change brought by mining. This in turn fuels climate change and eventually contributes to zoonosis and potentially drives pandemics.

Our alliance rejects the recommendation of DENR and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to open more mines as part of the economic stimulus and recovery program of the government as a response to COVID19. History and statistics inform us that the economic benefits of mining are minuscule in terms of employment, tax revenues, or contribution to Philippine GDP.

We also reject the plan of DENR-MGB to re-open nine mining operations that were ordered suspended or closed by former DENR Sec. Gina Lopez. Before re-opening any mining project, DENR must disclose and release any report that justifies such actions.

Equally disturbing is the priority of our national leaders that seem to be more concerned in “opening up the economy” at the expense of public health considerations. We re-echo the call of various stakeholders, we must listen to public health experts and the medical frontliners in crafting and implementing policies to address COVID19, and not put a premium on economic or business interests.

It is important to remind Pres. Duterte and his cabinet, there is no business in a dead planet, and if we proceed in the dangerous track of opening up more mines and destroy more forests and watersheds, we risk repeating the bitter lessons brought by COVID19.

We also remind Prs. Duterte to immediately issue an executive order to ban open-pit mining, a campaign promise that he made and repeated several times in his public statements. This single act of regulating destructive mining will probably reduce significantly our risks related to climate change and pandemics.

Submit your contribution online through HRonlinePH@gmail.com
Include your full name, e-mail address, and contact number.

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

[From the web] Green groups denounce DENR plan to mine and dredge rivers as economic stimulus: Mining will not stimulate economic recovery -ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

Green groups denounce DENR plan to mine and dredge rivers as economic stimulus: Mining will not stimulate economic recovery

QUEZON CITY – Alyansa Tigil Mina denounced the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) plan to push for more mining and river dredging to jumpstart economic recovery due to COVID19.

ATM said that the minuscule economic contribution of mining to the Philippine economy poses a bigger threat to rural and indigenous communities and the environment. The group urged the national government to find better, greener, and more sustainable solutions to contribute to stimulating the economy under a new normal.

Economic data from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) reveal that the mining industry contributes less than 1% to Philippine GDP and employs only about 0.4% of the total labor force of the country. Research by Bantay Kita also estimates more than Php 50 billion pesos of taxes are foregone by mining companies because of too many exceptions and incentives.

On June 10, 2020, DENR announced mining and river dredging as part of the country’s economic recovery response amid the coronavirus pandemic. DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu noted their plan to treat mining as an essential industry rather than a destructive activity.

This was strongly condemned by green activists. “Just because they want to ‘treat’ mining differently, does not eliminate the reality of environmental destruction, displacement, and its adverse impacts on agriculture and livelihood,” said Daipen Montes of Homonhon Environmental Rescuers Organization (HERO) from Homonhon Island, Eastern Samar.

“Another thing is the arrival of foreign vessels that loaded chromite from our island. We do not have a doctor nor a functioning hospital. It threatens the safety of our families during COVID19,” she added.

DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda clarified that they will be introducing responsible mining to resuscitate the economy; citing that the DENR will be stricter in the implementation of environmental policies on mining-activities.

ATM National Coordinator Jaybee Garganera however, criticized this claiming that, “responsible mining is fake news. It solely relies on the voluntary compliance of scale mining companies, there is no legal definition and therefore no parameters to monitor or measure compliance.”

While the country was under enhanced community quarantine in March, cargo ships allegedly staffed with Chinese crew operated in Homonhon Island, Eastern Samar. Additionally, mining companies in Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya; Brooke’s Point, Palawan; Aroroy, Masbate; and Macarthur, Leyte were also reported operating despite quarantine protocols.

“It is evident that DENR’s approach to mining is irrational. They allowed the continued operations of mining and further endangering the lives of mining-affected communities with possible exposure from

COVID19. Human rights violations have also become more unrestrained during the quarantine,” Garganera concluded.

“It is a disgrace that DENR is campaigning for what they call as responsible mining”, said Judy Pasimio, National Coordinator of LILAK-Purple Action for Indigenous Women. She accused DENR of turning a blind eye to people’s complaints against mining.

In April, OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI), together with about 100 elements from the Philippine National Police violently dispersed a peaceful sit-in protest of indigenous peoples in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. The protest was to prevent the entry of fuel tankers to the mine site whose mining contract has expired last June 2019. “It is laughable that DENR would call it “responsible” when human rights violations are rampant in mining-affected communities,” added Pasimio.

COVID-19 has multiplied the challenges faced by affected communities. Residents constantly fear for the health of their families, causing anxiety and sleepless nights especially to women who tend to the young and the sick. Livelihood and food security have also been affected. Similarly, areas with river dredging projects worry about the negative impacts of such extractive activity.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos City said, “The concept of river dredging can easily be used as a front for magnetite mining activities. Our rivers in Negros are rich in black sand minerals. Without achieving the level of transparency needed by host communities, we will continue to disapprove of this development on our island.”

Read complete article @www.alyansatigilmina.net

Submit your contribution online through HRonlinePH@gmail.com
Include your full name, e-mail address, and contact number.

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

[Statement] Alyansa Tigil Mina skeptical of mining company’s human rights policy

Posted on by Leave a comment

Alyansa Tigil Mina skeptical of mining company’s human rights policy

Oceana Gold must dutifully act and not simply pay lip service about human rights.

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is skeptical about OceanaGold’s commitment and sincerity to meaningfully respect human right in its mining operations. Our experience with their Philippine company OGPI (Oceana Gold Philippines, Inc.) has been a series of human rights abuse and lip-service to complaints of affected-communities.

On June 19, OceanaGold, the parent company of OGPI, released its human rights policy. The company stated that it’s committed to respecting all human rights that “includes respecting the human rights of our employees, individuals and groups in the communities where we operate, workers in our supply chain, and other stakeholders affected by our business activities.”

Based on the track record of OGPI in the province of Nueva Vizcaya, it had disregarded the community’s rights by disrespecting community consultations, disregarding LGU demands and impeding the rights of the local community. Last April 6, 2020, OGPI diesel tankers forcibly entered the mining site. This incident led to the violent dispersal of a peaceful sit-in protest that resulted in the illegal arrest of a local leader and injuring other community members.

Read complete statement @www.alyansatigilmina.net

Submit your contribution online through HRonlinePH@gmail.com
Include your full name, e-mail address, and contact number.

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

[From the web] Estado ng Kalikasan – Mayu Uno Virtual Rally – Pagbabahagi ng ATM/Kalipunan

Posted on by Leave a comment

Estado ng Kalikasan – Mayu Uno Virtual Rally – Pagbabahagi ng ATM/Kalipunan

1 Isang maka-kalikasan at mapag-palayang araw sa ating lahat. Nakiki-isa ang ATM at marami pang ibang maka-kalikasang grupo sa paggunita ng Araw ng Paggawa. Kasama rin po natin ang KALIPUNAN ng mga Masang Kilusan sa hanay natin ngayon.

2. Maganda ang paunang paliwanag kanina ni Kasamang Josua. Naniniwala kami na batay sa syensya at mga pag-aaral, malaki ang ugnayan ng pandemya at ng nagbabagong-klima. Ang mga mapanirang gawain ng kapitalista at tao – tulad ng pagmimina, pagto-troso at pag-gamit ng maduming enerhiya galing sa coal power plants – ang nagpapabilis at nagpapalala ng “climate change”. At dahil nauubos na ang mga puno, kalbo na ang gubat, madumi na ang mga katubigan at malala ang polusyon sa mga syudad, apektado ang mga hayop at insekto. Nagbabago ang kanilang mga gawi, kilos at biolohiya, at sila ay nagdadala ng mga bagong sakit tulad ng pandemyang ito.

3. Batid din natin na ang paglala ng air pollution ay masama para sa kalusugan ng mga manggagawa na araw-araw susuungin ang trapik at init at usok sa kalsada. Mas madali tayong makakapitan ng covid19 dahil sa lumalalang polusyon.

4. Ngayong COVID19 lockdown, nakakalungkot at nakakagalit ang sitwasyon ng ating kalikasan at likas-yaman:

a. Ilegal na pagmimina sa Homonhon, Leyte, Palawan at Nueva Vizcaya

b. sa Nueva Vizcaya kung saan ang isang mapayapang protesta ng mga katutubo ay marahas na na-disperse ng mahigit 100 pulis para lang makapasok ang mga diesel sa isang minahan

c. Ang paglo-load ng coal sa Semirara, kung saan Chinese shipping vessels ang pinigilan sana na maka-daong

d. Ang mga manggagawa sa mga minahan ay exposed sa sakit, at meron tayong alam na mga minahan na nagkaroon ng kaso ng COVID19, pero tuloy pa rin ang mga operasyon.

e. Batid din natin ang kalagayan ng mga simpleng manggagawa na mahirap ang karanasan ngayong COVID19 lockdown. Mga waste workers na walang PPE (kahit na nga patuloy ang pagkolekta ng mga basura kahit lockdown)

f. Lalong pagdami ng plastic pollution dahil sa disposable na PPEs, masks at plastic bags para sa relief goods.

g. Ang pag-payag ng DENR sa pag-gamit ng incineration o pagsusunog ng mga basura ng hospital. Ito ay malinaw na paglabag sa Clean Air Act.

5. Ang ilang sa ating mga panawagan:

a. Huwag maging bulag ang DENR sa mga banta na dulot ng mapanirang industriya at ng mga maling polisiya ngayong panahon ng Covid19 lockdown. Hindi essential economic activity ang pagmimina, kaya dapat itong itigil ngayong lockdown. Sa pagsasara ng mga minahan, dapat ay siguruhin ang lahat ng benepisyo para sa mga mine workers.

b. Pangalawa, siguruhin ang sapat na ayuda sa mga apektadong komunindad, lalo na ang mga katutubo at kababaihan, kasama na ang mga manggagawang apektado ng lockdown

c. Ayusin ang koordinasyon ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno para maging kumpleto at sapat ang ayuda sa lahat ng apektado ng lockdown dulot ng Covid19

6. Sa pagtatapos, gusto naming ipaalala sa lahat na ang “bagong normal” ay naririto na. Kaya naniniwala kami, na ito na ang tamang panahon para igiit natin ang isang bagong porma at anyo ng kaunlaran na hindi dikta ng kapitalista. Ito na ang tamang panahon para isulong ang kaunlaran na hindi sinisira at sinasakripisyo ang likas-yaman. Isang lipunan at kaunlaran na tao at kalikasan ang nasa gitna. At sa pangunguna ng mulat na uring manggagawa, sigurado kami na makakamit natin ang pangarap na lipunang ito.

Magandang araw po sa ating lahat at mabuhay ang uring manggagawa!

Source: www.alyansatigilmina.net

Submit your contribution online through HRonlinePH@gmail.com
Include your full name, e-mail address, and contact number.

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.

[Statement] Blinded by profit and greed, we must protect Mother Earth if we want to be healthy -ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

Blinded by profit and greed, we must protect Mother Earth if we want to be healthy
ATM Statement for Earth Day 2020

On this 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) strongly encourages the Filipino people to continue our efforts in safeguarding the environment from destructive large-scale mining operations and protecting the lives and livelihoods of mining-affected communities. It is during these difficult times that we must come together in solidarity. Because only by working together hand-in-hand can we end this pandemic and save our planet.

Various environmental groups and scientists have linked the emergence of the COVID-19 virus to the destruction of forests and essential ecosystems. The continued destruction of forests has led to the rise of temperatures, which in turn causes wildlife to change their eating and behavioral patterns. These behavioral changes lead to mutations that contribute to the rise of new diseases such as COVID-19. Allowing the continuous destruction of our planet for the sake of profit will only promote the cycle of climate change and pandemics.

However, in the past six weeks that the country has been under enhanced community quarantine, various mining companies continue to operate disregarding the health and welfare of their workers, and especially those of the mine-affected communities.

Mining companies continue to operate by bringing in heavy equipment and resuming construction activities in their sites, such as those documented by ATM in MacArthur, Leyte; Brooke’s Point in Palawan, and Brgy. Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. Others have continued to transport and load mineral ores for export, in the cases of Homonhon Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar; in Aroroy, Masbate, and in the CARAGA Region.

There continued operations are a persistent threat to the lives of the community. These mining companies continue to operate, knowing that they had caused the loss of the communities’ source of livelihood and food when they polluted and destroyed their irrigation, forest resources, water systems, and coastal areas.

Additionally, mining companies have also resorted to violence and intimidation. In the case of Didipio, in Kasibu town, Nueva Vizcaya, a violent dispersal occurred during a sit-down protest to stop the entry of diesel tankers in a mine owned by Oceana Gold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI). This violent dispersal resulted in injuring several members of the community as well as arresting the Chairperson of DESAMA.

In the case of MacArthur, Leyte, a local community leader, the President of UNLAD-BLFFA, a fisher and farmer organization, received threats because of their opposition to the reentry of a mining company.

The continued profit-seeking behaviors of large-scale mining companies are the same behaviors fueling intensified development aggression. These aggressive development practices for the sake of profit are leading to the destruction of our planet. The destruction of the Earth has contributed to the rise of COVID-19. Thus, we must put a stop to this behavior of acquiring individual gains; after all, no individual can weather the storm of the pandemic alone.

ATM calls on the national government and the respective line agencies responsible to put a stop to the continued operations of these large-scale mining companies. We demand that the DENR immediately stop all these mine operations, as mining is not an essential economic undertaking. The DENR and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau must not be blindsided by the pursuit of profit and revenues from mining.

We also insist that all and any permit or instructions from the government related to allowing increased or additional mining activities are directly in conflict with the principles of the quarantine guidelines.

Secondly, we call on the local government units to support the call of its communities and protect their people from the risks and threats brought on by these mining companies. The Covid19 quarantine has already doubled the sufferings of mine-affected communities. Allowing the continued mine activities are increasing the risks and vulnerabilities of the rural poor.

Finally, we call on our brothers and sisters to continue to support the protection of our environment and the people affected by mining. We call on you to continue to seek accountability and transparency from our government to put a stop to companies that continue to destroy our planet.

Let us work together in safeguarding the environment and protecting each other. Only by working together and understanding each other can we weather this storm.

We can stay safe, but we need not stay silent. This is the least that we can do for Mother Earth.

For Alyansa Tigil Mina
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator
nc@alyansatigilmina.net
(+63917) 549-82-18 (also for WhatsApp/Viber/Signal)
@jaybeegarganera

Submit your contribution online through HRonlinePH@gmail.com
Include your full name, e-mail address, and contact number.

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.

[Statement] Condemnation of violent dispersal of peoples’ barricade in Nueva Vizcaya -ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

April 6, 2020

Quezon City – Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) strongly condemns the violent dispersal by the police against indigenous community leaders in Brgy. Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, late afternoon today.

More than 100 personnel of the Philippine National Police from the regional and Quirino provincial units escorted a diesel tanker and forcibly entered the premises of the Didipio mine of Oceana Gold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI).

Violence erupted when local residents resisted the entry and stood their ground to prevent the entry of the diesel tanker. A barricade has been set-up by local groups in July 2019, when the mining contract of OGPI expired. Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement No. 1 (FTAA #1) expired last June 20, 2019, and has since been left pending at the Office of the President.

Reportedly, the mining company and its escort brandished a letter dated January 2020 from the Office of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea endorsing the entry of fuel trucks inside the mining area.

This forced entry of the diesel tanker is illegal and against the people of Nueva Vizcaya. The mining contract has expired so there is no activity allowed inside the mine. The local governments have not given any permit for the mining company to operate. The area is part of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) order of Pres. Duterte, therefore no work activity is permitted.

This is a clear violation of the work-stoppage, the physical distancing and the quarantine procedures imposed by the ECQ in the whole Luzon island.

More importantly, the barricade set-up by local organizations DESAMA, BILEG, AMKKAS, and SAPAKKMI is a clear indication of the rejection of the people to the continued illegal operations of OGPI in Brgy. Didipio.

We call on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to immediately conduct an investigation of this tragic and unnecessary confrontation. We demand that DENR urgently issue a cease-and-desist order to OGPI on their illegal operations in Didipio. We insist that the DILG conduct an investigation on the conduct and performance of PNP elements in Region 2, Quirino Province and the Municipality of Kasibu, but specifically violations of the quarantine rules by the OGPI itself.

The use of violence by the police today is a reflection of the blind and draconian measures that this government is willing to use to pursue the greedy interests of the mining industry. The local leaders sustained injuries when the police used unnecessary force in dismantling the barricade. Our alliance strongly denounces this ferocious and aggressive behavior of the PNP against a non-violent and legitimate protest action of Didipio residents.

We note with anger similar instances in the past few weeks of illegal mining activities in the town MacArthur (Leyte), the island of Homonhon in Guiuan, Eastern Samar and clandestine drilling operations in Tampakan, South Cotabato.

We support the continued resistance of the people of Kasibu against the mining operations of OGPI in Didipio. The recent quarantine procedures have harshly impacted the people there when they lost income and livelihoods. Their access to food and health supplies were severely constrained. This violent dispersal has only added more misery to their fragile lives. #

For details:

Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator – (+63917) 549.82.18 / nc@alyansatigilmina.net
Emer Perocho, ATM Campaign Officer – (+63956) 759.15.24 / atmsosluzon@alyansatigilmina.net

#StopMiningInDidipio

Submit your contribution online through HRonlinePH@gmail.com
Include your full name, e-mail address, and contact number.

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.

[From the web] Palawan Rock Pile and Protest Action -ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

BROOKE’S POINT, PALAWAN – Citizens of Barangay Maasin led a protest action on March 7, 2020, against the Ipilan Nickel Inc. that resulted in the local government declaring the mining company permanently closed.

The Samahan ng Magsasaka Ayaw sa Pagmimina (SMAP) led a local action in Brgy. Maasin to protest the continued operation of the Ipilan Nickel mine. In 2016, The Department of Environment and Natural Resources revoked the Environmental Compliance Certificate of the Ipilan Nickel mine. Additionally, on August 26, 2018, the company’s Mineral Production Sharing Agreement with the government expired and has not been renewed since. As such, SMAP conducted a protest action in front of the Ipilan Nickel Inc.’s Main Gate to question the continued construction of inner roads and a small hydroelectric plant within the compound of the mining site.

SMAP’s action enabled them to converse with the management of the mining company and the local government unit of Brooke’s Point, led by Mayor Jean Feliciano. After, their dialogue Mayor Feliciano declared the mine permanently closed. Additionally, members of SMAP dismantled the mining checkpoint and fences and created a rock pile to prevent entry into the mining site. This rock pile represents a people’s barricade and the continued opposition of the citizens of Brgy. Maasin against destructive mining.

Read more @www.alyansatigilmina.net

Submit your contribution online through HRonlinePH@gmail.com
Include your full name, e-mail address and contact number.

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.

« Older Entries