Tag Archives: DENR

[Statement] DENR is working against communities and the environment -ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

Agency hides decision to allow mining in Nueva Vizcaya, despite expired mining contract

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is deeply concerned and horrified by the lack of transparency and callousness of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in allowing continued mining operations in Nueva Vizcaya despite the expiration of a mining contract there.

Last June 20, 2019, the Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) of Oceana Gold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI) to mine expired. To the knowledge of local governments and mining-affected communities in Brgy. Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, the mining company does not even have an application for a renewal of its mining contract.

The resistance against the renewal of the said mining contract is led by Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Governor Carlos Padilla, who shared with ATM copies of his position paper dated February 2016 and a Sanggunian Panlalawigan (provincial legislative council) resolution issued June 17, 2019, strongly opposing the renewal of the mining contract of OGPI.

It was only last June 18, 2019, in a dialogue at the DENR Central Office, that MGB officials admitted to Gov. Padilla and barangay officials that MGB had favorably endorsed the application for renewal of OGPI and that this endorsement was submitted to the DENR Secretary last April 2019.

The next day, June 19, 2019, in a dialogue between Gov. Padilla and DENR Sec. Cimatu also at the DENR Central Office, Cimatu allegedly assured the provincial chief that DENR has not yet transmitted to the Office of the President any endorsement for the mining contract to be renewed.

However, local officials and community organizations in Nueva Vizcaya expressed disgust when OGPI recently showed them an official letter by the Mines of Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the DENR, dated June 20, 2019. The letter was addressed to OGPI President Jose Leviste, Jr., assuring the mining company that they will be “permitted to continue their mining operations beyond June 20, 2019, pending the confirmation of the renewal”.

The series of events reveals the callousness of DENR as they have ignored the official opposition of local governments and numerous petitions of local organizations against the renewal of the mining contract.

Last October 2, 2018, in a dialogue between environmental groups and the DENR, MGB officials stated in front of DENR Sec. Cimatu that there is no application for renewal by OGPI. However, a letter dated June 21, 2019, by OGPI General Manager Mr. David Way, to Barangay Chairperson Ireneo Bobola of Brgy. Didipio stated that OGPI’s Notice of Renewal has been filed with DENR Region 2 office way back in March 2018 and that it has been processed to the DENR Central Office and transmitted to the Office of the President.

ATM finds it highly irregular that DENR failed to inform local government officials and affected communities about the application for renewal of the mining company. Despite the numerous public positions of the local government against the mining operations, MGB and the DENR still found it justifiable to favorably endorse the application. Keeping the application and endorsement procedures a secret leads to many questions that need to be answered by DENR officials.

Clearly, OGPI and the DENR failed to live up to the high standards of transparency and accountability in the extractives sector as espoused by Philippine Extractive Industries Initiative or PH-EITI. This comes at the heel of the refusal of DENR to publicly disclose the Mine Audit Results conducted in 2016 led by former DENR Sec. Gina Lopez. DENR has likewise refused to release the results of its internal technical review of the Mine Audit. In both instances, mining operations across the country were recommended for either closure or suspension.

Our alliance rejects the explanation of MGB officials that their hands are tied when they endorsed the application since it complied with all the technical requirements. Given the numerous violations of environmental laws and non-compliance of the mining operations, the MGB and DENR have failed to uphold precautionary principles as forwarded by Agenda 21 and the UN Convention on Sustainable Development (UNCSD).

As the Philippines is facing the challenges of climate change, extreme weather events and water scarcity, the real needs of farmers and local communities in Barangay Didipio and the whole town of Kasibu must be prioritized, and not the destructive operations of an irresponsible mining company. The DENR must have forgotten that Nueva Vizcaya is a watershed for the whole region of Cagayan Valley and is part of the Sierra Madre range.

We call on DENR Sec. Cimatu to revoke any favorable endorsement issued by DENR for the renewal of FTAA # 001 and the immediate revocation of mining permits and licenses of OGPI.

We demand that the MGB immediately conduct a review of the application process and documentation requirements of OGPI, and to include the aspect of social acceptability, as primary criteria for endorsing the renewal of FTAA # 001.

We remind President Duterte that he has made a promise to stop destructive and irresponsible mining and to ban open-pit mining in the country. His resolve will now be tested with the application for renewal of OGPI in Nueva Vizcaya.

Our alliance expects him to deliver on his promise.

For more details: Jaybee Garganera – ATM National Coordinator (+63917) 549.82.18 / nc@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.

[In the news] DENR vows to enforce environmental laws, regulations aggressively this year -Manila Bulletin

Posted on by Leave a comment

DENR vows to enforce environmental laws, regulations aggressively this year

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has vowed to be more aggressive in enforcing environmental laws and regulations in 2019 to sustain the momentum generated by the rehabilitation of Boracay Island and other accomplishments of the agency last year.

“This year, I hope to send a strong message to environmental offenders and to the public of our seriousness in implementing and enforcing environmental laws, rules and regulations,” DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said.

Read full article @news.mb.com.ph

 

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] ATM Statement on recent DENR positions on mining

Posted on by Leave a comment

ATM Statement on recent DENR positions on mining
July 13, 2016

22wesupportthemovestoimmediately0aconductanaudit0aofallminingproject2c0aamoratoriumonminingapplicati-defaultATM welcomes the pronouncements of DENR Sec. Gina Lopez on mining issues.  Particularly, we support the moves to immediately conduct an audit of all mining project, a moratorium on mining applications, and her personal position against open-pit mining.  Our alliance also believes that Sec. Lopez made the correct call in stating publicly that we need a new mining law.

The mining audit and the moratorium on mining applications are provisions under Executive Order 79 of the Aquino administration, and so these administrative priorities are well past due.  We commend Sec. Lopez for fast-tracking these audit and putting in place the moratorium within the first 30 days of the Duterte administration. We recommend to Sec. Lopez to ensure that the audit is not limited to technical and operational matters of mining projects, but also look into social, economic, political, health and gender impacts of these mining projects to the host-communities.  It is also critical that pending/live legal cases or complaints against the mining company and their operations are investigated as part of the audit.

We categorically support the ban on open-pit mining policy, particularly in areas designated and identified by the DENR-MGB as “No-Go Zones”.  These no-go zones have been reflected in maps produced by MGB, and should be strictly implemented.

ATM believes that “responsible mining” remains to be a myth, and it has no legal definition yet.  The proposed Alternative Minerals Resrouces Bill (AMMB) otherwise known as the Philippine Mineral Resources Act (PMRA) pending in Congress is our proposal to frame the legal and operational definition of responsible mining.

We challenge both the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (CoMP) and the DENR under Sec. Lopez to seriously consider the AMMB as a starting point to discuss the concept of responsible mining.  We assert that “responsible mining” cannot be reduced to ISO certification, as earlier proposed by DENR-MGB.

Finally, we would like to extend our support to Sec. Lopez as she attempts to bring change to DENR.  The mining-affected communities, their support groups and even LGUs are more than willing to submit reports, evidences, affidavits, petitions, testimonies, case studies and other relevant information to push forward with her change agenda within the DENR, in alignment with the instructions of President Duterte.

In behalf of Alyansa Tigil Mina,
Jaybee Garganera
ATM National Coordinator
(0917) 549.82.18
nc@alyansatigilmina.net
twitter: @jaybeegarganera

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] Climate justice group cries foul over DENR’s incompetence on Semirara operations -PMCJ

Posted on by Leave a comment

Climate justice group cries foul over DENR’s incompetence on Semirara operations

The recent decision of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) to lift the July 21 suspension order of the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) of Semirara Mining and Power Corp. was a show of blatant disregard for the 14 lives lost and the environmental degradation and destruction Semirara’s mining operations have caused over the years.

PMCJ LOGO NEW

The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), comprised of 103 member organizations from different sectors across the nation, deems this act as unacceptable coming from a government agency mandated to ensure the proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources.

“Even if mining operations in Semirara are still suspended due to the suspension order still in place by the Department of Energy (DOE), this move by DENR clearly reflects the current Administration’s attitude of complacency and neglect when it comes to human rights violations. Now, P-Noy must answer for 14 more deaths that resulted from his continuous insistence on fossil fuel dependence,” said Glenn Ymata, PMCJ Energy Program Officer.

“While DENR concludes that the recent landslide in the Panian Mine was a ‘fortuitous’ event, there exists a bigger picture. This is not merely an issue of a single landslide. The environmental impacts of mining in Semirara have been felt for years,” added Ymata.

These environmental impacts include many hectares of mangrove lost through clearing, land reclamation, and dumping of infill, build up of toxic contaminants in surrounding waters, increased particulate matter in the waters and air, loss of coral areas, and air and water pollution.

Atty. Aaron Pedrosa, Sanlakas Secretary General, calls for transparency and accountability from DENR, especially in their investigations during the 2013 and 2015 mining incidents. “The DENR and the current Administration must be held accountable for the environmental impacts of mining in Semirara. They must release the results of the investigation last 2013 and involve more civil society groups and people’s organizations in the current investigation. We do not want the results of this investigation to go unnoticed and forgotten like before. The 14 lives lost deserve to be more than just a number, only remembered when another landslide occurs.”

Philippine Movement for Climate Justice
August 16, 2015

Mr. Glenn Ymata, PMCJ Energy Program Officer – 09273035274, gymata@gmail.com
Atty. Aaron Pedrosa, Sanlakas Secretary General & PMCJ Energy Working Group Head – 09275924830

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] A betrayal to Mindoro -ATM

Posted on by Leave a comment

A BETRAYAL TO MINDORO

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), a coalition of more than a hundred environmental advocates and organizations along with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA) and Alyansa Laban sa Mina (ALAMIN), a Mindoro-based people’s organization against mining, express their frustration and utmost disappointment with the reinstatement of Mindoro Nickel Project of Intex Resources’ Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

atm-logo

In November 2009, hopes rose for the people of Mindoro when the DENR temporarily revoked Intex’s ECC due to anomalies on how the company acquired the certificate in question. The people of Mindoro stood their ground and resisted the entry of the mining company for more than a decade. However, the Aquino administration opted to pursue corporate capitalist interest over the threat to peoples’ lives and the environment when it reinstated the revoked ECC.

According to ALAMIN, “the people of Mindoro are now in rage because of this very unfortunate event. Intex’s ECC reinstatement is a symbol of the Office of the President and the Depertment of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) undeniable betrayal of the Mindoreños welfare and trust.”

Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina called on the Office of the President and DENR “to revoke the reinstatement of Intex’s ECC as the action taken by the respective offices has no valid grounding and contrary to the position of the local government and the affected communities. He further stated that Malacañang and DENR should be ashamed of themselves for putting corporate business interest above the best interest of Mindoreños and the environment.

“Mindoreños are one in opposing mining in the province, as this will destroy our fragile ecosystem. The people of Mindoro does not deserve this kind of betrayal from the government, the very same that should be upholding and protecting our rights and our environment.” Said Fr. Edu Gariguez, Executive Director of CBCP-NASSA

“We will not let this betrayal extinguish our fire of passion to protect our lands and mountains against corporate greed, pursued in collusion with our own government. Intex had long been trying to start their mining operation, with all their deceptive strategies and alleged bribery. They will never win. The Mindorenos will continue to heroically stand their ground to save and protect the province from outright destruction.” Gariguez concluded.

###

Alyansa Tigil Mina is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, revocation of EO 270-A, repeal of the Mining Act of 1995, and passage of the AMMB.

For more information:

Fr. Edu Gariguez, CBCP-NASSA Executive Director (0922) 834.8248  edugariguez@gmail.com
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator (0927) 761.76.02 nc@alyansatigilmina.net
Check Zabala, ATM Media and Communications Officer (0927) 623.50.66 media.comms@alyansatigilmina.net

http://alyansatigilmina.net/2015/04/15/atm-statement-on-reinstatement-of-intex-ecc-a-betrayal-to-mindoro/

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] STOP COALporate GREED! Protect the ENVIRONMENT! -PMCJ

Posted on by Leave a comment

DENR ACT ACCORDING TO YOUR MANDATE
STOP COALporate GREED! Protect the ENVIRONMENT!

Photo by PMCJ

Photo by PMCJ

pmcj logo

Climate activists trooped to the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) office to observe World Environment Day. Led by Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), the group demanded DENR to stop supporting coal projects and issuing new environmental compliance certificate (ECCs)for a project that is detrimental to the environment and communities.

Further, they voiced out their concerns on the alarming scientific revelations, and how the global community and our country must act in the face of climate catastrophes.

The Figures Don’t Lie

Presently there are nine operational coal–fired power plant a total of 4,278 MW, plus there are an additional 16 approved coal-fired power plant projects already in the pipeline producing a total of 4,552 MW. At the same time, there are already sixty coal mining permits given by the national government. These are environmentally critical projects led by Consunjis, Aboitizes, Lopezes that benefit from high electricity rates, given the permit to destroy mountains and other ecosystems, affects peoples’ lives, displaces communities and increase the countries GHG contribution.

According to Gerry Arances, National Coordinator of Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), “The recent announcement of Isidro Consunji that they plan to put up coal-fired power plants in almost all off grid areas in the country clearly demonstrates DMCI’s complete disregard of people’s welfare and environment protection over and above realizing their profit. Add to that the plan of the Aboitiz to beef up their power investments to P125 billion which will translate to a 600MW coal-fired power plant in Subic, 400MW 3 coal-fired power plant expansion in Pagbilao, 300MW Therma South coal plant in Mindanao and an additional coal plant in Cebu, and several more proposed coal plants across the country. Clearly an expression of extreme corporate greed masquerading as bearer of progress and development,”

Kathryn Leuch, coordinator of Palawan Alliance for Clean energy (PACE), added: “Most glaring of these environmentally-destructive projects about to seek approval from the DENR is the 15MW coal-fired power plant which is proposed to be built in biodiversity-rich Narra, Palawan. We at PACE contend that there is no immediate need for an additional energy source in the province. Also, there are three sites for tapping hydropower which can provide about 80GWh of energy, about half of the annual demand of the consumers. To allow the project’s fruition is to inflict direct assault on the environment since Palawan has a unique biodiversity and a sensitive environment. Such a project will only benefit the DMCI scions, the Consujis, who also have a stake at the Berong Nickel Corp. We need assurance from the DENR, the government’s arm in supposedly caring for our country’s natural resources that they will not allow the building of this facility which will serve as a major threat to the preservation of nature.”

In Mindanao, the Alcantaras’ Conal Holdings Corporation is planning to produce energy allegedly for another controversial project, the Tampakan Copper and Gold Mining Project in South Cotabato. It was found that the development of the coal plant is aimed at providing needed electricity for Sagittarius Mines Inc’s everyday operations.

Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina and council member of PMCJ said: “This is a clear example of corporate capture of the country’s natural resources, for their own benefits. Natural resources that are defense against floods, landslides and erosions. The sad fact is that people bear the brunt of disasters. Like in the case of the Padcal spill, Philex hid behind a force majeure provision to buck penalty payments, after almost a century of profiting from mining in Benguet.”

Further, PMCJ questioned the policies of the government on protecting the environment and reiterated the need to do something to ensure that our ecosystems are intact and able to mitigate the impacts of climate change to Filipino communities.

Be Part of the Solution and Not Part of the Problem!

Climate activists oppose the direction of the government in further burning fossil fuels for energy and encourage the government to tap renewable energy sources to solve the country’s power problems.

“Although we only contribute a little to the total global GHG emission around 0.31%, it doesn’t mean that we must allow proliferations of coal-fired power plants in the country. Our leaders must have a paradigm shift, instead of banking on these projects for possible source of energy that the country needs. We acknowledge that we must tap energy sources to meet our demand for power but we definitely say that it must not be done in this manner.

“We want to draw the line here, PMCJ calls for a stop in the use of dirty and harmful energy, like coal and other fossil fuels, renewable energy must be harnessed in a faster way to avert harm caused by these energy sources. At the same time these renewable energy alternatives must be democratic and accessible to each and every Juan dela Cruz because first and foremost and that they are truly the ones entitled to all the developments that this nation reaps.” Arances stressed.

PMCJ also asserts that these coal projects will further destroy the environment and further weaken the adaptive capability of communities and vulnerable areas in confronting the negative effects of climate change. It will only farther aggravate and multiply effects of disasters to the Filipino people.

“We must not let corporations decide for our nation’s fate, we must combat corporate greed in all front and in all forms before this nation is thrown out to the dogs,” Arances concluded.

Recent scientific findings released from Maura Loa Observatory in Hawaii measured the carbon dioxide concentration in the Earth atmosphere at an alarming figure of 400 parts per million (ppm). The international coal industry was identified as the main contributor of more than 60% of the total global GHG emissions.

Reference:
Gerry Arances, PMCJ National Coordinator – 09328778578, gerry.arances@gmail.com
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator – 09 something, nc@alyansatigilmina. Something
Kat Leuch, PACE Coordinator – something
Valentin de Guzman, PMCJ Campaign Staff – something

PRESS RELEASE
June 5, 2013 – World Environment Day

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.

 

sign petiton2 smallPhoto by TFDPcat alert icon copy

[Appeal] An open letter to the Senators of the Philippines on the proposed Senate Bill No. 3326

Posted on by Leave a comment

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE SENATORS OF THE PHILIPPINES

29 May 2013

Dear Senators,

Peace.

This is with reference to the proposed Senate Bill No. 3326, “An Act Providing for the Delineation of the Specific Forest Limits of the Public Domain and for Other Purposes” also entitled “Forest Limits Act of 2013” and which, we understand, is up for voting on its third reading on 5 or 6 June 2013.

We respectfully request that the concerns listed below are taken up in the process of deliberation, having had no opportunity to share these during the public consultations and technical working group (TWG) meetings undertaken for this proposed bill.

1. We understand that the spirit and intention of the proposed bill are not to limit forest lands, but rather to enact a law that legalizes the identification and demarcation of the country’s permanent forest line beyond which the land may not be utilized for other purposes. Hence, the proposed title is inappropriate. It may be a matter of nuance but in this case, nuance is all. We emphasize that the title as well as references to forest limits in several parts of the bill convey the idea that forest may not be expanded beyond the line. We believe that the line should indicate the minimum, not the maximum, extent of forest.

2. As reported, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) completed the forest line demarcation last year, totaling 79,245 kilometers. It would be good to understand where this “forest line” runs across the country’s landscape and how this “forest line” will impact on existing land uses and watershed situation, as part of the deliberation for this proposed bill. What areas does this forest line encompass and will this forest line ensure the percentage of forest cover needed by our country to ensure sustained ecological services, especially water?

3. Areas within the “forest line” are to be classified as permanent forest lands (Section 9) and further sub-classified into protection and production forests. In this proposed bill, the definitions for forest lands (Sec. 3, d), production forest (Sec. 3, e), protection forest (Sec. 3, g), and tenured migrant (Sec. 3, h) beg for more appropriate operationalization that should go beyond the usual DENR definitions and that reflect the present forest and social conditions. As a reference, we wish to refer you to the extensive definitions developed for these terms when the proposed “Forest Resources Act of 2010” was deliberated at both the Senate (Senate Bill No. 2822) and House of Representatives (House Bill No. 3485).

4. The forest line definition and the ensuing demarcation of protection and production forests are primarily undertaken for the sustained ecological services, especially fresh water supply that our country and our people need now and for the years to come. The economic expectations will have to take a backseat in this critical and urgent action that will greatly assist in arresting the continued degradation and deforestation in the country’s remaining forest areas. Much care and critical reviews need to be undertaken in determining protection and production forest areas and cannot just be left for when the Implementing Rules and Regulations will be drafted.

We appreciate and do laud this effort and action from government, specifically DENR, and even if this is a very delayed response to a constitutional mandate since 1987, this is still very relevant, timely, and much needed. We also thank President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino, III for the inclusion of forest bills in his priority legislative agenda. No genuine comprehensive land use in the country can be drafted without a demarcated forest line. The impact of extreme climate events from drought to heavy rainfall to typhoons, the loss of biodiversity, the growing encroachment of agriculture crops such as bananas, pineapples, and genetically modified maize in upland areas, the persistent marginalization of communities in many upland areas are some of the realities that we need to integrate in the forthcoming discussions and decisions.

The proposed bill, as it is now stands, will not fully serve its intention and engender the support from government and the private sector, along with civil society stakeholders. We therefore request for the active engagement of environmental groups, other civil society organizations and academics in further consultations before this bill gets to a final reading and approval.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

 

Sylvia Miclat
Executive Director
Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC)

Angelina Galang, Ph.D.
Lead Convenor
GREEN CONVERGENCE
for Safe Food, Healthy Environment, and Sustainable Economy

Patria Gwen M.L. Borcena, M.A.
President
GREENRESEARCH Environmental Research Group

Ma. Belinda E. de la Paz
Officer-in-Charge
Haribon Foundation

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.

 

sign petiton2 smallPhoto by TFDPcat alert icon copy

[Press Release] Groups Condemn Government for Awarding ECC of SMI/Xtrata -PMCJ

Posted on by Leave a comment

Groups Condemn Government for Awarding ECC of SMI/Xtrata:
TAMPAKAN MINING WILL WORSEN CLIMATE RISK IN MINDANAO

pmcj logoIn a recent development that will worsen the vulnerability of the country, particularly Mindanao, climate justice and environmental groups strongly denounce the P-Noy Administration for recently awarding the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) of SMI/Xtrata and pursuing the construction of the mining project in Tampakan, South Cotabato amidst strong protest.

“We strongly condemn this decision of the DENR and Malacanang!” said Gerry Arances, National Coordinator of Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), “Typhoon Pablo proved that Mindanao is not safe from disasters brought by typhoons and flooding. The approval of mining in Tampakan, as well as other areas in Mindanao, will only aggravate these climate risks and impair the adaptive capacity of communities near the area.” said Gerry Arances, National Coordinator of Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ).

Yesterday, February 19, 2013, the DENR granted Xstrata and its local subsidiary Sagittarius Mines Inc (SMI) its ECC after pressure from Malacanang. Last February 4, 2013 Malacanang through Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, the national government lambasted the decision of the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) of denying SMI/Xtrata its application for an ECC.

SMI/Xtrata was twice denied by the DENR of its ECC “until the issues and concerns on the use of open pit mining method shall have been clarified and resolved by the Company (SMI) with the Provincial Government of South Cotabato.”

“Studies have shown that recent devastations caused by Typhoon Pablo (2012) in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, parts of CARAGA region, and Typhoon Sendong (2011) in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan are directly and indirectly caused and worsened by logging and mining in those areas” Arances stressed, “Malacanang have condemned the people of South Cotabato, Saranggani, Davao del sur, and Sultan Kudarat with this act!”

Anti-mining and environmental campaigners agree to these assertions. “Even with great care, mining will always be a threat to our natural resources and to human beings alike. Tampakan will not only exhaust the minerals for the interest of big foreign mining corporations, but it will also fuel climate disasters and can potentially replicate the Philex disaster in Padcal, Benguet.” said Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina, also a member PMCJ.

Last August 2012, the leading promoter of responsible mining in the country, Philex Mining Corp. faced charges from the government due to the leaking of 20 million metric tons of mining waste into the two major rivers in the Cordillera region when its tailings pond burst due to heavy rains. According to DENR, this is the biggest mining disaster in the Philippines.

Tampakan: A Disaster Waiting to Happen

Based on SMI/Xtrata’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the basis for the granting of its ECC, it will have to cut 800 hectares of virgin forest in the area, will use up and waste billions of litres of freshwater, displace thousands of indigenous peoples from their ancestral domain and erect the largest tailings dam in the country, where 1.1 BILLION tons of toxic tailings/wastes will be stored.

“In an area where rainfall is rising and is expected to rise even further, erecting the biggest tailings dam in the country, is a disaster in the waiting, ala Marinduque and Padcal disasters” adds Garganera.

A recent data of the National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB) culled from the mid-range scenario study of PAGASA stating that Region XII will expect 14.8 percent increase in rainfall with a 0.9C to 1.3C increase in temperature. Rains last month affected the provinces of Saranggani, South Cotabato and General Santos City where 1,102 families where affected by severe flooding due to intense rains in three days.

“With the impacts of heavy rains that our province had just recently experienced, all the more that we cannot allow the contruction of the Tampakan project.” exclaims Agapito Dimol, Program staff of Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) Socsargen Chapter and a resident of General Santos City

FDC Socsargen Chapter sees that climate impacts, mainly due to storms, will only get worse and will not spare their region.

“The residents of South Cotabato have voiced its rejection of the Tampakan project since the beginning, as embodied in our provincial ordinance banning open-pit mining. The national government should recognize this.” Dimol adds, “we demand that they revoke the ECC.”

“Mining has no place in highly vulnerable areas in the Philippines. The P-Noy Administration must heed the call of its citizens and once and for all reject the Tampakan project. We must prepare ourselves for disasters and not do the opposite. Arances concludes.
About PMCJ:
The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) is a broad movement consisting of 103 national networks/alliances and local organizations representing basic sectors, grassroots communities, the marginalized and most vulnerable, including women, indigenous peoples, fisher folk and coastal communities, farmers and rural communities, forest communities, formal and informal workers, environmental groups, urban poor, and others in the Philippines that aims to lead the joint struggles, campaigns and actions in putting forward the climate justice framework as a fundamental element of solving the climate crisis.

 

Please refer to:

Gerry Arances, PMCJ Coordinator, 09328778578,gerry.arances@gmail.com

Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, 09277617602,nc@alyansatigilmina.net
Agapito Dimol, FDC Socsargen Program Staff, 09212861341,gscfdc@yahoo.com

PressRelease
February 20, 2013

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.

[In the news] DENR-12 closes down 13 mini sawmills -MindaNews

Posted on by Leave a comment

MindaNews » DENR-12 closes down 13 mini sawmills.

By Allen V. Estabillo, MindaNews
August 4, 2012

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/2 Aug) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has closed down 13 mini sawmills or wood processing plants in Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region for violation of various environmental laws and regulations.

Dr. Bighani Manipula, acting chief of DENR-12’s Ecosystems Research and Development Service, said Friday they ordered the closure of the erring sawmills due to the lack of necessary permits and licenses, among them a five-year supply contract required by the agency.

He said the DENR requires sawmill operators to submit a supply contract to ensure that the trees they utilize or process were sourced legally.

“If a sawmill has no supply contract, it means it is getting raw materials from other sources, like maybe from government reforestation areas,” Manipula said.

Of the 13 mini sawmills that were shut down earlier this week, nine were based in South Cotabato province. Seven were located in Tupi town and one each in Surallah town and in Koronadal City.

Three other sawmills were padlocked in Cotabato City and one in Sarangani province.

A report released by the DENR-12 information section identified the erring sawmills as Patwoods Processing Inc. in Surallah town; Emerald Industries in Koronadal City; and sawmills registered to operators Manolito Landicho, Robi Magalaman, Lilit Delizo, Nieves Landicho, Marlon Cunanan and Donato Rivera in Tupi town in South Cotabato.

The others were Amacon Mini-Sawmill and Lumberyard, Arcela Mini-Sawmill and Lumberyard, and Suralda Mini Sawmill, all in Cotabato City, and Phela Resources Corporation in Maitum, Sarangani town.

Read full article @ www.mindanews.com

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] Protesters irked by Paje’s blank remarks on proposed new mining bill -SOS-Yamang Bayan

Posted on by Leave a comment

Protesters irked by Paje’s blank remarks on proposed new mining bill
Warm welcome and good meal didn’t save DENR from grumble

Manila – When hundreds of protesters decrying the ill effects of mining reached DENR office in Quezon City on June 5 for the World Environment Day, policemen armed with riot shields immediately roamed around the area and DENR guards securely closed the gates. Inside DENR office the situation was unexpectedly calm; some of the staff was already prepared to give the demonstrators a warm welcome for a public dialogue with Secretary Ramon Paje. After the last note from the secretary and the catered meal was served, the group – however – went home still disappointed.

“We want him to stand for the protection of environment and he should know exactly that it is impossible to do with our current mining policy,” said Gerry Arances, AMMB Coordinator of Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center. LRC is the lead convener of SOS-Yamang Bayan Network.

“We asked very specific questions on the terrible impacts of mining, environmental degradation biodiversity loss, human rights violation and more, and yet what do we get? An enumeration of DENR accomplishments. Sure that may be okay, but the right thing he can do now is to support the passage of Alternative Mineral Management Bill (AMMB),” Arances added.

Paje’s address
Sec. Paje started with greetings the protesters, “Happy World Environment Day” and then lamented his personal concerns and itemized DENR accomplishments in his time.

The secretary believed that it is just right for them to be criticized by civil society groups so that they will know if they are still doing the right thing. “With you (to the protesters, CSOs) around you keep us on our toes,” Paje added.

Paje also mentioned that he discussed in confidence with some non-government organization on pressing environmental concerns, most especially on his decision for the total log ban.

But Paje mourned that sometimes, civil society groups left him after their agreements. “Ang hiling ko lang, kung tama ang ginagawa namin, samahan niyo kami,” he added. (My request is, support us when we are doing the right thing).

On his presentation, Paje mentioned that he has not approved new Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA).

The real issue
The group redirected the discussion to assert the call for a new mining policy.

“I am sorry Mr. Secretary, but we cannot greet you happy World Environment Day, because of the issues we just presented to you,” said Judy Pasimio, one of the spokespersons of SOS-Yamang Bayan Network.

Pasimio highlighted that although the secretary did not approve new MPSA, he also at the same has not cancelled existing contracts of mining companies especially those with grave violations of the law.

“Nariyan ang Oceana Gold Philippines, Inc. na mismong Commission on Human Rights (CHR) ang nagbigay ng rekomendasyon na bawiin ng pamahalaan ang FTAA (Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement) nito dahil sa mga paglabag ng karapatang pantao sa mga Ifugaos ng Barangay Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.” Pasimio explained. (There is Oceana Gold Philippines Inc. which the Commission on Human Rights had given recommendations to the government to pull-out its FTAA because of its violations to the rights of the Ifugaos in Brgy. Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya)

In the end, Pasimio said that SOS-Yamang Bayan Network was disappointed on Paje’s lack of commitment to support the AMMB. “We find his remarks wanting, so much so that at the end of the dialogue, we still ask him – Ganun na lang ba ‘yun?” Pasimio added.

Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina also mentioned that although they were impressed on the preparation of DENR for the dialogue, they remained unshaken with their call to make DENR and the mining industry accountable to the long list of ill effects of mining.

“We were thankful for the food, the arrangement in the session hall and the brewed coffee during the dialogue – we did not ask for it. We are hoping that Paje will give us what we are asking, his support for the new mining bill,” Garganera added.

On his last remark, Paje responded to the repeated question of the group, “ganun na lang ba ‘yun?” saying, “para sa akin, hindi dapat ganun na lang yun?” With no clear indication of his commitment to support the AMMB, protesters were still asking, “ganun na lang ba ‘yun?” (30)

___
The SOS-Yamang Bayan Network is a national, multi-sectoral movement composed of individual advocates, mining-affected communities, national peoples’ alliances, environmental organizations and networks, church-based organizations, human rights organizations, national NGOs, sectoral organizations from the indigenous peoples, youth, women, farmers, Congressional representatives, leaders and personalities advocating for the repeal of the Mining Act of 1995 and the enactment of a new minerals management bill.

For more information, contact the SOS-Yamang Bayan Network Secretariat:
Gerry Arances – gerry.arances@lrcksk.org; 0922-8307758
Farah Sevilla – policy@alyansatigilmina.net; 0915-3313361
Edel S. Garingan – communications@alyansatigilmina.net; 0922-8918972

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] On World Environment Day, Green Groups and HR defenders ask: Ganun na lang ba ‘yun? -SOS-Yamang Bayan

Posted on by One comment

On World Environment Day, Green Groups and HR defenders ask: Ganun na lang ba ‘yun?
DENR urged to support the passage of Philippine Minerals Resources Act of 2012

Manila – On this year’s World Environment Day, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) posed the question, “Green Economy: Does it include you”? But for more than two hundred green protesters and human rights defenders, the more important thing to ask is “Ganun na lang ba ‘yun?” – pertaining to environmental degradation and other atrocities of mining left unaddressed.

Disappointed at how mining is run in the country, farmers, indigenous peoples, church-groups and civil society organizations led by SOS-Yamang Bayan Network combined forces and blasted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with bawls and placards on the ill effects of mining to the environment, water, livelihood and lives of communities and indigenous peoples in the country.

Policy Change

Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) Executive Secretary and 2012 Goldman Prize Environmental Awardee Fr. Edu Gariguez said that the campaign echoes the call of thousands of Filipinos affected by mining. “The message is simple — immediate change has to take place in the system and most importantly in the policies governing the mining industry.”

Gariguez emphasized that the Catholic Church, together with religious communities in the whole country, continue to call for the protection of the integrity of creation, and the promotion ofsustainable livelihoods and lifestyles.Mining now is a grave threat to the path of sustainable development.

Alyansa Tigil Mina National Coordinator Jaybee Garganera said that the protest highlighted the call to scrap the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 that aggressively promotes large-scale mining even as it failed to protect the country’s national patrimony.

“If DENR is true to its mandate of protecting the environment then it should support the passage of a new minerals management bill—also known as the Philippine Mineral Resources Act of 2012. The DENR should in fact ask the same question to the industry or the Chamber of Mines — ganun na lang ba ‘yun?” Garganera added.

Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC) executive director Atty. Grace Villanueva elaborated that “We need a paradigm shift in managing our mineral resources – a paradigm that puts people above private interests or private profits. The Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB) seeks to rationalize the use of minerals. When passed, the AMMB will be more responsive to the needs of the country and its people, as well as of generations to come. People and communities will be priority, and not merely the interest of giant corporations and first world economies.” LRC is also the lead convenor of SOS-Yamang Bayan Network.

Human Rights Violations and Abuses
The group also bewails the escalation of social conflicts and human rights violations and abuses associated with mining that include extrajudicial killings of anti-mining activists in the country.

Dr. Nymia Pimentel Simbulan, executive director of Philippine Human Rights Information Center (PhilRights) said “We demand justice and decisive actions on the part of government to put a stop to human rights violations perpetrated by state agents, especially the military, in mining-affected communities. Militarization, filing of trumped-up charges against anti-mining advocates, harassment & violent demolitions are common occurrences in these areas.

“The government has not done any effective action against extra-judicial killings of environmental activist. Francisco Canayong of Salcedo, Leyte is the latest victim to which the government has not taken any effective action. Responsible mining as it is being promoted by government is only directed to ensure sustainability of mining operations but lacks the perspective of protecting the people,” added Atty. Mario Maderazo of Philippine Miserior Partnership Inc. – Anti-Mining Campaign.

Biodiversity loss

Contrary to claims that ‘there is life in mining’, Haribon Foundation Inc. a member of SOS-Yamang Bayan network, insisted that there can be no life when an act destroys life itself.

Anabelle Plantilla, Chief Operating Officer of Haribon Foundation affirmed that mining has threatened and destroyed some of the very sources of life in this planet. “The fragile ecosystems where we get so much from in terms of ecological services, including water, fresh air, protection from natural hazards, and capture and storage of greenhouse gases – if these things are gone, we too are gone. Ganun na lang ba ‘yun?”

Economics of mining

Meanwhile, the group also questioned the low share of mining in the development of the country.

“Over a decade, since the year 2000, mining industry and quarrying combined, accounted only for less than one percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. They are not contributing fully to the Philippine economy, even their rants on being a good ticket for this country to get out from poverty is a still a big question. We are not earning enough from mining, ganun na lang ba ‘yun?” said Cielo Magno coordinator of Bantay Kita, a mining revenue watchdog.

Mining and Climate Change
Meanwhile, the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), co-organizer of the action, asserted that the sources of destruction of our natural ecosystem such as mining and other extractive activities must be thoroughly regulated and aimed at producing only what is needed to sustain life and ensure people’s rights and well-being, rather than for profit generation. The negative impacts on environment and the adaptive capacities of communities must be minimized, and environmental rehabilitation and restorative programs must be implemented.

“Mining involves several activities that generate greenhouse gas emissions as well as diminish the earth’s capacity to absorb greenhouse gases (GHGs) — thus contributing to the increase of what is already an excessive GHG concentration in the atmosphere. Excessive GHG concentration is the cause of global warming.” said Lidy Nacpil, convenor of PMCJ.

“Mining not only contributes to climate change, it exacerbates the impacts. For instance, water is a vital resource that is already heavily impacted by climate change. Mining as a water-intensive industry leads to further reduction of water supply and access by communities for both domestic and agricultural needs. It also fuels climate disasters, like what happened in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.” she further added.

The group brought a backhoe miniature to demonstrate how mining operations wreak havoc to the environment and destroy biodiversity. The protesters also held a mass die-in to show that there are lives being killed by mining.

Protests also in many other areas

Four other sites in the country also mounted their call against mining. In Cebu, protesters camped in front of DENR regional office to press their stand to conserve the environment. Demonstrators in Iligan had a forum with the officials of various government agencies and discussed the issues brought about by mining and other environmental destructive activities.

In Palawan, advocates pronounced their call in local radio programs, while in Dipolog City and Municipality of Ipil in Zamboanga, local parishes raised their concerns with mass prayer.

___
The SOS-Yamang Bayan Network is a national, multi-sectoral movement composed of individual advocates, mining-affected communities, national peoples’ alliances, environmental organizations and networks, church-based organizations, human rights organizations, national NGOs, sectoral organizations from the indigenous peoples, youth, women, farmers, Congressional representatives, leaders and personalities advocating for the repeal of the Mining Act of 1995 and the enactment of a new minerals management bill.

For more information, contact the SOS-Yamang Bayan Network Secretariat:
Gerry Arances – gerry.arances@lrcksk.org; 0922-8307758
Farah Sevilla – policy@alyansatigilmina.net; 0915-3313361
Edel S. Garingan – communications@alyansatigilmina.net; 0922-8918972

SOS-Yamang Bayan Network – Press Release
June 5, 2012

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.

[In the news] After 40 trees fall, DENR complies with court order -RAPPLER.com

Posted on by Leave a comment

After 40 trees fall, DENR complies with court order.

BY VOLTAIRE TUPAZ, RAPPLER.com
April 12, 2012

MANILA, Philippines – Barely a day before the 3-day temporary environmental protection order was set to expire, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) finally complied with the court order stopping the “cutting, earth-balling and uprooting of trees from the ground” at SM Baguio.

“I already issued an order to our regional officials in Baguio City to comply with the order of Judge Villacorta. As we talk, our DENR-CAR [Cordillera Autonomous Region] must have already served its directive enjoining the management of SM Baguio to strictly comply with the terms and conditions of the TEPO [Temporary Enviromental Protection Order],” Environment Secretary Ramon JP Paje said in a statement.

Paje said he directed DENR-CAR Executive Director Clarence L Baguilat to comply with the TEPO as it is in accordance with the rules of procedure on environmental cases introduced by the Supreme Court.

The DENR reported that 40 Alnus and one Benguet pine tree on Luneta Hill had already been cut or earth-balled. A total of 182 trees on the site will be cut or earth-balled to give way to a proposed SM Baguio parking facility and entertainment building.

The environment secretary — together with Director Juan Miguel T Cuna of the Environmental Management Bureau, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, and SM Investments Corp (SMIC) — is a respondent of a complaint that asked the environmental court for an injunction with prayer for TEPO.

Read full article @ www.rappler.com

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.

[In the news] Hearings vs SM set March 15 | Sun.Star

Posted on by Leave a comment

Hearings vs SM set March 15 | Sun.Star.

By JM Agreda
March 1, 2012

DEVELOPMENT plans of SM Baguio will be further delayed after the court suspended the hearing of a civil case for injunction leading to a Temporary Environment Protection Order case against the mall.

Regional Trial Court Branch 5 Judge Antonio Estevez suspended the hearing for the case on March 15 after hearing the side of the opposition and the proponents of the mall expansion project which will allegedly endanger 183 pine and alnus trees.

Named respondents in the case are Secretary Ramon Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Lawyer Juan Miguel Cuna of the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau, SM Investments Corporation and Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson.

Complainants presented their concerns on the effects of earth-balling of trees on the natural heritage of the area, effects on the water table of the city and carbon sequestration if the trees are relocated.

read full article @ www.sunstar.com.ph

[In the news] DENR Make up for damage to sea grass, marine life -Cebu Daily News

Posted on by Leave a comment

DENR Make up for damage to sea grass, marine life
Cebu Daily News
February 24, 2012

Cordova town is expected to lose sea grass and other marine life during the 10-hectare reclamation for a roll-on-roll-off port.
The damage was acknowledged by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which issued an Environemntal Compliance Certificate in March 2, 2010.

In the Impact Management Plan (IMP) of the agency, Cordova is required to “compensate” for the loss by “supporting any project to increase sea grass and other species and rehabilitation in another area”.

As a condition of the ECC, Cordova also has to raise 100,000 mangrove seedlings in a nursery within one year and plant them in any potential aeras and make sure at least 25 per cent survive.

The ECC was issued to Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy as the project proponent.

In recent interviews, the mayor insisted the reclamation was a project of the Provincial Capitol, not Cordova town.
However, the ECC states that the local government has to set up marker buoys and containment nets to limit destruction to the marine eco system.

Read full article @ cebudailynews.wordpress.com

[From the web] We Have Been Fooled Again by DENR – Such Impunity by Fr. Pete Montallana

Posted on by Leave a comment

We Have Been Fooled Again by DENR – Such Impunity
by Fr. Pete Montallana, OFM -Chairperson, SSMNA
February 11, 2012

Five ten wheeler trucks carrying a total at least of 100,000 board ft of lumber were transported out of Dingalan, Aurora between February 5-9, 2012. Thanks to the permit given by RED Ricardo Calderon last Dec. 13, 2011 allowing a total of 330,720 bd ft with paid forest charges and were cut according to them before the log ban last February 1, 2011. SSMNA pictures attest to the contrary. However in our past experience the old can be made fresh by DENR. Such is the DENR’s special magic.

Granted that the lumber were old for the sake of argument, SSMNA attests there was no such volume of logs in San Roque Saw Mill. February 15, 2011 the DENR together with the Social Action inspected San Roque and saw only 60 pieces of wood. Moreover, August 5, 2011 SSMNA with the DENR and the military also saw no such logs there in San Roque. 330,720 bd ft would be a mountain of logs too big to be hidden. Again DENR can make things invisible.

SSMNA asked Sec. Ramon Paje Feb. 1, 2012 for “an immediate suspension of the permit to transport and conduct a thorough investigation”. Anti Illegal Logging Task Force (AILTF) Feb. 2, 2012 mandated RED Calderon to investigate the papers of the said logs. The signatory of the permit would have to investigate himself! DENR from years of experience do make people investigate themselves very honestly.

When Cenro Aguilar of Dingalan was asked why trucks of lumber were allowed to leave last Febraury 9, 2012, he texted back: “The lumber were permitted to leave because Denr had authority over San Roque.” SSMNA texted back: “Did you receive the memo from AILTF dated Feb. 2 investigating those lumber?” No more reply. DENR forms their personnel to speak only the truth.

The legal basis of Red Calderon was the Resolution 2011-006 signed by Sec. Paje which said that all logs with paid forest charges can now be transported within 90 days from Nov. 28,2011. This is DENR’s new deadline because May 21, 2011was the deadline to transport all logs cut before Feb.1, 2011. If one is confused, then just think that for the DENR logs with paid forest products were not really logs – hence they had to wait until Nov. 28, 2011 to be transported.

If one is still confused, then you have seen the truth – DENR is really Department of the Extinction of Natural Resources. If you believe otherwise, you would not be able to explain the death and destruction in Cagayan de Oro, Ormoc, Infanta, Bulacan and in Metro Manila with Ondoy. If you want another proof – wait for the forthcoming Ondoy because until now there is still logging, quarrying and subdivisions construction allowed by DENR in Marikina Watershed. Or wait too for the next law that will supersede the Total Log Ban which carries the provision pushed by DENR allowing the cutting of trees in secondary forests.

Now you would also understand the President who once upon a time was our dream to protect our environment. It is time to act. Watch for the next flow of lumber from Dingalan that might be the ones used for our coffins.

Photo by www.savesierramadre.ph

[in the news] DENR chief pushing Metro Manila-wide plastics ban soon -InterAksyon.com

Posted on by Leave a comment

DENR chief pushing Metro Manila-wide plastics ban soon
Philippine News Agency
February 5, 2012

MANILA, Philippines – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje is looking forward to a Metro Manila-wide ban on plastics soon, noting more local government units (LGUs) already started the ground work of preparing ordinances prohibiting such non-biodegradable materials in their respective areas.

“LGUs with pending ordinances on the matter are Valenzuela City, Caloocan City, Parañaque City, Makati City, Manila, San Juan, Marikina and Malabon while Pateros, Navotas and Taguig are in the process of drafting respective documents,” he said.

He lauded Muntinlupa City, Las Piñas, Pasig City, Mandaluyong City and Quezon City for instituting the ban.

Paje believes the ban will help address pollution in dying Manila Bay and other water bodies in Metro Manila.

Plastic products are among garbage commonly recovered in such water bodies, he noted.

Environment watchdog Greenpeace Philippines agrees, reporting results from the November 2010 waste audit conducted at Manila Bay show plastics comprise 75.50 percent of the discarded trash.

Read full article @ www.interaksyon.com

[In the news] Congress to probe SM-Baguio mall expansion | Sun.Star

Posted on by Leave a comment

Congress to probe SM-Baguio mall expansion | Sun.Star.

By JM Agreda

February 4, 2012

KABATAAN party-list Representative Raymond Palatino recently asked his colleagues to investigate the proposed mall expansion along Luneta Hill set to be implemented soon.

Palatino claimed he is against any cutting or uprooting of some 182 trees in the Luneta Hill property to give way to a seven-storey mall expansion.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

The lawmaker recently filed House Resolution 2069 directing the House Committee on Natural Resources and Committee on Ecology to conduct a joint inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the legality and propriety of the permit granted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) allowing the cutting and earth-balling of trees.

The resolution also directs the DENR to immediately suspend the clearance and permit granted to SM Development Corporation (SMDC).

Read full article @ www.sunstar.com.ph

[In the news] Protect environment, activists tell government | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Posted on by One comment

Protect environment, activists tell government | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online.

By ELLALYN B. DE VERA, The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online
January 25, 2012

  MANILA, Philippines — Climate justice advocates appealed to the government to stop destructive activities that directly affect the environment as they commemorated Wednesday the 40th day of the devastation wrought by tropical storm “Sendong” (international name: Washi) in various areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

Members of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) massed in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) central office in Quezon City and offered candles and prayers for the victims of the flash flood in Mindanao last December.

In Filipino Catholic tradition, deceased people traverse the natural and supernatural worlds for 40 days before going to eternal life.

Over a thousand people were killed when “Sendong” ravaged portions of Northern Mindanao last Dec. 17, affecting more than 1.1 million Filipinos, with more than 600 injured and almost 200 missing in 815 villages in 57 towns and eight cities in 13 provinces.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), “Sendong’s” damage to property was estimated at P1,633,283,487, including P1,360,335,647 in infrastructure and P272,974,840 in agriculture.

Moreover, students from the University of the Philippines (UP) Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), De La Salle University (DLSU) and Eulogio Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) also conducted a candle lighting ceremony to commemorate the 40th day of “Sendong.”

Read full article @ www.mb.com.ph

[Press Release] Tampakan Forum hails denial of ECC for SMI copper-gold project

Posted on by Leave a comment

Tampakan Forum hails denial of ECC for SMI copper-gold project

Calls on DENR to bare the real negative impacts of Tampakan mine

 Tampakan Forum, a working group on the Tampakan mining issue composed of legal, social, economic, technical experts and organizations opposing mining in the country hails the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje’s decision to deny the issuance of an Environmental Clearance Certificate) ECC to mining proponent and applicant Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) for its Tampakan Copper-Gold project in Tampakan, South Cotabato.

DENR Secretary Paje’s decision through a memorandum dated January 3, 2012 rejected the recommendation of the Environmental Management Bureau’s (EMB) impact Assessment review committee for an issuance of ECC to SMI and its majority investor, Swiss-owned company Xstrata.

In a letter by Atty. Jose Miguel Cuna, OIC –Director of EMB to SMI President Mr. Peter Forrestal last January 9, 2012, the EMB Chief informed the latter about Sec. Paje’s decision of returning the application documents and to deny issuance of ECC, without prejudice to resubmission. SMI was also advised to refrain from taking any development activity in the applied area pending the issuance of the ECC and other permits from concerned government agencies.

An ECC is document that the DENR secretary or the Regional Executive Director issues after and through the recommendation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Review Committee (EIARC). It is supposed to be an assurance that the mining operation’s activities, installations and facilities do not have any significant impact destructible to the environment and that the proponent has complied with all the requirements set forth and claimed by its Environment Impact Statement.

SMI officially submitted its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) document to EMB last October 18, 2011.

Other than the South Cotabato provincial government ban on open pit mining method and the instruction Secretary Paje did not cite any further reason for not approving the recommendation of the EMB to issue the environmental clearance certificate to SMI that would have allowed the company to proceed with its plan for full swing operation byMarch 2012.

Fr. Gillarme Pelino, Social Action Director of the Diocese of Marbel, said that gleaning from the memorandum order which was mum about any of the flaws of the SMI’s ESIA as a basis for the denial, it was made to appear that it was the provision of the Environment Code on open pit ban alone that stood in the way of DENR, an executive branch, fromissuing an ECC to the mining company.”In the interest of the faithful and the people of South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur people we call on the provincial government to uphold and stand firm on the open pit issue. The cancellation with finality of the Tampakan Mining Project is a must, the declaration, to ensure the continuing protection and rehabilitation of watershed must instead be pursued” Fr. Pelino added.

The Dioceses of Kidapawan, Marbel and Digos (KIDMADI) have been in the forefront of the opposition against the proposed mining project and initiated a petition signed by 10, 000 people from its various communities which was delivered to Malacanang last December 13, 2011.

Atty. Ipat Luna, an environmental lawyer and member of Tampakan Forum mused that “ while we commend the DENR for honoring local authority over resources, we also firmly believe there should have been other reasons for the denial, such as the risk to life and property and the prohibition against mining in old growth and mossy forests.”

“Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Executive Secretary of the National Secretariat for Social Action of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP-NASSA ) and co-convenor of Philippine Misereor Partnership lauded the DENR decision and urged the PNoy administration “ to sustain policy change that considers and prioritizes the protection of our ecosystems over and above the profit of transnational mining companies. “

Tampakan Forum’s technical experts who critiqued the ESIA document of SMI already said during the public forum held in Marbel last September 23 , 2011 and attended by about 5, 000 people, that it is unbelievable that these mega-disaster causing risks can simply be solved or mitigated through designing dams that will hold the highly toxic materials in perpetuity to the highest international standards.

The mining company’s engineers themselves cited in the ESIA document that “the Tampakan mine has a high potential for loss of life and high environmental damage if a failure of Dams or Rock Storage facilities occurs .

Environmental experts already warned that probable billion tons of toxic waste rocks and tailings that will permanently pollute their water and annihilate agricultural production. In South Cotabato alone, there are 80,000 farmers whose main source of livelihood are largely dependent on farming 200,000 .

Tampakan Forum sent a pamphlet, a compilation of its experts’ critique to EMB last November 2011 to refute what the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA ) of SMI so that it can be taken into consideration by the review committee.

In an earlier press release issued by Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) also a member of the Tampakan Forum, ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garganera, reiterated that no ECC is valid for the Tampakan Copper Gold Mine Project of the Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI); this call was made as Tampakan Forum anticipated the release of DENR’s action on the ECC application of SMI during a year-start meeting last January 10, 2012.

“The Tampakan Forum will still continue with its advocacy in support of the communities in South Cotabato to oppose the Tampakan Mining Project of SMI because we expect them to resort to existing legal remedies to continue with the project “said Atty. Mario Maderazo, project officer of Philippine Misereor Partnership Anti-Mining Campaign (PMP-AMC). Maderazo noted that the decision of the DENR is simply passing the buck to the provincial government.“ It sets aside the crucial environment issues like the permanent hazard to be imposed by the mine tailings dam on the communities which also increases the vulnerabilities of the mining-affected communities to potential man-made and natural disaster among others. The real basis why this mining project should be denied will be the focus of our continued advocacy because the basis for the denial by DENR is very precarious and it serves reason for us to be more vigilant,” he further added.

Tampakan Forum is a technical working group on the Tampakan mining issue convened by the Philippine MisereorPartnership Anti-Mining Inc. (PMPI) in collaboration with Social Action Marbel, AlyansaTigil Mina (ATM), Philippine Association for Intercultural Development (PAFID), Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center-Friends of Earth Philippines (LRC-KSK), Philippine Indigenous Peoples Links ( PIPLINKS) and the London Working Group on Mining in the Philippines and IUCN CESP-SEAPRISE

Contact information:
Atty. Mario Maderazo 0922-850-1873 email at :pmpsecretariat@yahoo.com
Fr. GillarmePelino 09192444267 email at : sacmarbel@yahoo.com

Press Release
January 14, 2011

[Petition] Stop the cutting/uprooting of trees at SM Baguio – Cordillera Ecological Center (PINE TREE)

Posted on by 6 comments

Target: Pres. Benigno Aquino 111, Sec. Nereus “Neric” Acosta, Sec. Ramon Paje

Region: Philippines
Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Cordillera.Ecological.Cen…

Background (Preamble):
The SM Development Corp (SMDC) is set to cut 43 fully grown Alnus japonica trees while also intending to uproot 97 growing pine trees (Pinus kesiya) and 42 saplings virtually sentencing to death a total of 182 trees within the Luneta Hill area where SMDC is found to pave way for another parking lot.

This is is totally unacceptable, and callously insensitive to the importance of trees to the environment and ecology. We protest vehemently this intended act.

It appears that on Oct. 27, 2011, the Department of Environment and Natural resources (DENR granted a cutting, balling and pruning permit to SMDC upon the instruction of a clearance signed by DENR Sec. Ramon Paje on Oct., 2011.

This only shows that DENR does not appreciate and is insensitive at all of the contributions of these trees which have already grown up in view of the global warming and environmental threats.

By issuing a tree cutting permit, DENR is not worthy of its existence by ruling in favor of tree cutting against trees already established.

DENR also shows preferential treatment for business establishments against original inhabitants, locals and residents who have long cared for the environment. Economy at the expense of the environment is greed.

We finds this utterly senseless and call on the immediate stoppage for these trees from being harmed or killed. Please sign now! Let us stop such stupid acts by this agency DENR and by some of its people!
Petition:

Read more and sign petition @ www.gopetition.com

« Older Entries