Tag Archives: Mining

[Right-Up] In Solidarity to the Brave People of Sibuyan Island | by Jose Mario De Vega

In Solidarity to the Brave People of Sibuyan Island

I joined our people in condemning to the highest possible degree the extremely violent dispersal done by the powers that be recently against the brave people of Sibuyan Island who are peacefully protesting collectively and airing their disgust and rejection of the intended mining activities to their beautiful province.

Their resistance was through a human barricade was forcefully manhandled and viciously dismantled by the police which is a grave violation of the protestors constitutionally sacred rights. I cannot help but wonder, why it is that the police are trampling on the rights of the citizens, the very people that pay taxes in order for those idiots to have their salaries. Hence, I have to ask the categorical questions no matter how inconvenient and uncomfortable they may be: who are they serving and who are they protecting? It is clear that they are not for the people’s welfare; it is correct to inquire: are they also in the pay roll of the mining industry?

I forge my solidarity to the valiant people of Sibuyan Island and throwing my full support to their just struggle for a balance nature and ecological harmony.

I am also supporting the proposed Senate inquiry by Senator Hontiveros not only to look at the root cause of all these issues but primordially to investigate the mining activities in the area and determined who are the culprits who uses excessive force in the brief scuffle that erupted and shown all over the world, as usual to the shame of all Filipinos.

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[Video] Alam Mo Ba? | SOS-Yamang Bayan

Episode 1 of S.O.S. Yamang Bayan Network’s video bites series on just minerals transition (JMT) & AMMB. Please like and share!

See the Episode 1 here:

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@lrcphl/video/7192902994436820226?lang=en
IG https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn33lPPjaC3/

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[Off-the-shelf] Local Government Powers in Extractive Mining and Other Environmentally Critical Projects | LRC

#HumanRights #Mining

Local Government Powers in Extractive Mining and Other Environmentally Critical Projects

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Month, we’ve come out with a primer on the powers of local government units (LGUs) in mining and other environmentally critical projects.

Designed in an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) format, it is meant to help LGUs, local communities, and civil society organizations (CSOs) find legal anchors for their environmental causes.

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[Statement] OCEANA’s MINING PERMIT RENEWAL – 25 more years of violence and destruction | LILAK

#HumanRights #DefendDidipio #AyudaHindiMina

OCEANA’s MINING PERMIT RENEWAL – 25 more years of violence and destruction

LILAK (Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights) believes that President Duterte’s impending renewal of the mining agreement of OceanaGold Philippines Inc. (OGPI) for another 25 years presents clear and present danger – not just to the Tuwali people in Brgy. Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, but to other rural and indigenous communities in the country.

The renewal of OGPI’s Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) assures another 25 years of violence, harassment, destruction of the environment, loss of livelihood, and the deterioration of health which will affect not only the people of Didipio, but the whole province of Nueva Vizcaya. These are the very reasons that for more than 25 years, the Tuwali community has been consistently opposing the Australian-Canadian mining corporation even before it has been granted its FTAA in 1994.

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

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.

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[Statement] Gov’t reopening of mines during pandemic ‘dangerous’, worsen impunity against defenders -ATM

Gov’t reopening of mines during pandemic ‘dangerous’, worsen impunity against defenders

Quezon City – Environment and human rights groups stormed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to protest the reopening of 13 canceled and suspended mines, citing health and safety risks on mining-affected communities and defenders.

The groups emphasized that mining operations endanger the health of local residents in mining communities. The government’s militaristic approach in addressing the coronavirus crisis also emboldened state forces and increased human rights abuses against environmental activists.

The groups added that DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu’s decision to revoke the cancellation and suspension orders of 13 mining companies will worsen these conditions.

Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) reiterated their position that “the DENR’s recommendation to re-open these mines should be rejected, as DENR is unwilling to disclose the basis of this decision”.

Garganera also explained in a statement that mining and river dredging should not be part of the economic stimulus for recovery as a response to COVID19. He added that mining is part of the problem because it is directly linked to deforestation and climate change, which are both drivers to the evolution of new diseases and pandemics.

National partners SANLAKAS, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), Bantay Kita (BK), AKBAYAN, Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), IDefend, Lilak, and Green Thumb Coalition, and Masbate-based organization Ang Aroroy Ay Alagaan (4As) joined ATM on the call to end destructive mining and climate change, and to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

“A report from the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) revealed that the global mining industry is a significant contributor of energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in terms of climate-related disasters. With COVID19, the urgency of addressing this threat increased rapidly,” said PMCJ Energy Officer Larry Pascua.

Woman leader Malou Verano of Ang Aroroy Ay Alagaan (4As), in Aroroy, Masbate said, “We want Filminera to close its mining operations. Residents are anxious of health issues and the loss of livelihood. Their tailings pond is also located just above people’s houses. We fear that if there’s a storm or earthquake, the tailings dam will collapse and cover the entire community.”

According to Rommel Yamzon of IDefend, “Philippines is the second most dangerous country for environmental defenders. It is ironic how this government answers the climate emergency with abuses and threats, the same way it addressed a health crisis with militarization.”

The protest was a part of Mining Hell Week, an annual series of activities parallel to the International Mining Conference organized by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines. It aims to represent and amplify the voices of mining-affected communities and marginalized sectors.

“Economic activities that lower the resiliency of communities have no place in a pandemic. Mining for recovery is only counterproductive. The government has to hold these companies accountable of the livelihood and natural resources they destroyed,” stated Sanlakas Secretary-General Atty. Aaron Pedrosa.

“These mining companies continue to operate with impunity because the government lets them,” he added.

For more information, please contact:

Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, (0917) 549.82.18, nc@alyansatigilmina.net

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

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

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

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

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[Statement] LOCKDOWN VIOLENCE: Mining company disperses people’s barricade in Didipio, injure indigenous women and arrest leader -LILAK

Quezon City – While the entire Luzon has been put under enhanced community lockdown due to COVID-19, a hundred police personnel violently dispersed a people’s barricade in Didipio.

Three diesel tankers from OceanaGold Philippines Inc (OGPI) forcibly and illegally entered the premises of Brgy. Didipio in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. The tankers were escorted by more than a hundred police personnel from Quirino that violently dispersed the people’s barricade. According to testimonies on the ground, they were pushed to the side by police shields, tackled to the ground and handcuffed by the police.

Several members of DESAMA, SAPAKKMI, and AMKKAS were reportedly injured by the dispersal. Bileg Dagiti Babbae composed of Tuwali women led the barricade and were injured by the encounter. The women sat on the ground to stop the tankers but were forcibly carried by the police and handcuffed. A young Tuwali woman’s shoulder was injured when police stepped on it. Tuwali leader Myrna Duyan found her foot bleeding after it was struck by a police shield.

In a live Facebook video posted by Julie Simongo, the Tuwali women were heard screaming from blocking the entry of the tankers and police.

DESAMA Chairman Rolando Pulido received the most injuries. Pulled from under the tanker, Pulido has stripped off his clothes and handcuffed. His body was beaten by sticks, and his mouth was found bleeding. Pulido was then brought to a police precinct in Kasibu. According to members of DESAMA, he will be charged with abuse of order and will only be allowed to post bail the following day.

“Parang baboy ang ginawa nila sa chairman namin,” cried the Tuwali women [They treated him like a pig]. Almost naked, Chair Pulido was forcibly carried with 4 policemen holding his arms and legs.

The violent dispersal not only left physical injuries but also trauma to the women and the community. When a young Tuwali woman was asked about her wounds she said, “Ang sugat sa katawan magagamot pero ang ginawa nila ay hindi basta-basta mawawala sa aming isipan” [The wounds on our body will heal but what that they did to us will remain in our memory for a long time].

“Ito ay malinaw na paglabag sa batas,” said Duyan [This is a clear violation of the law]. “Expired na ang FTAA ng OceanaGold kaya hindi na sila dapat pa nagmimina sa aming lugar” [Their FTAA has expired and so they should no longer be operating in our lands]. OGPI’s Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) expired on June 20, 2019. Groups such as Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) have called for non-renewal of the mining company’s FTAA based on the violations of their human and environmental rights.

Duyan also said that the forced entry and dispersal were violations of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon. Barangay Didipio was on lockdown, as the entire Luzon island. The people’s barricade that was put up several months ago to prevent re-entry of OGPI served as COVID-19 checkpoint where members of Bileg Dagiti Babbae were volunteering their assistance. According to Duyan, OGPI dismissed COVID-19 lockdown protocols on top of the law that they have already violated.

Human rights groups such as LILAK (Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights) were enraged by the actions of OGPI and the Quirino PNP. “We are in the middle of a health crisis. With the lockdown, the people of Didipio are worried about food security and the uncertainties brought about by COVID-19. OceanaGold, with its greed, took advantage of this lockdown to violently force its way through. They know that it would be difficult for the community to seek support outside their communities. How cruel is that?” says Judy Pasimio of LILAK. “But even more cruel is this Duterte government, which lends its police force, at this time of crisis, to serve the interest of the corporate, and deliberately inflict harm on its people, especially at the time that they are most vulnerable.”

ATM also condemned the violent dispersal of the PNP. In a statement released on their website, the group said, “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.”

For more information contact:
judy afan pasimio – 09175268341 | judy104@lilak.net
Shar Balagtas – 09771966122 | sharbalagtas.lilak@gmail.com

April 6, 2020

 

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

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

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[From the web] Position Paper on the 25th year of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 -ATM

Photo from ATM FB

Position Paper on the 25th year of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995
Released on March 09, 2020

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) remains steadfast in its campaign to repeal the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and replace it with the Alternative Minerals Management Bill. An alternative that has strict safeguards that will uphold the rights of communities affected by mining, and ensure the protection and conservation of the environment.

Historical Context

On March 3, 1995, former President Fidel Ramos signed into law Republic Act No. 7942 or most commonly known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. The bill was enacted as an effort to revitalize the Philippine mining industry and increase foreign investment.

Attracting foreign investments was achieved through the Financial and Technical Assistance Agreements (FTAA). The FTAA was embedded within the law allowing multinational companies to own 100% of mining rights. It provided the requirements that would enable the legitimization of foreign ownership and control of our country’s minerals and natural resources. Additionally, generous tax incentives are provided through a tax and duty-free capital equipment imports, four-year income tax holiday, value-added tax exemption, and income tax deduction with accelerated depreciation.

This Philippine Mining Act of 1995 determined the agreements for mineral exploitation, worsened by Former Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Executive Order 270-A in January 2004. All factors that led to the aggressive promotion of large-scale, environmentally destructive mining in the country. As of July 2019, a total of 707,077 hectares are mineralized lands or areas where there are mining operations.

Challenging the Law

Anti-mining groups made up of environmentalists, indigenous people’s organizations, and church groups challenged the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 for its unconstitutionality. However, the Supreme Court declared the Mining Act as constitutional in December 2004 following the shift of the Arroyo Administration. This was done so to aggressively promote large-scale mining to attract and increase foreign investments. Various local government units responded by passing a resolution banning open-pit mining to prevent large-scale mining companies from operating in their areas.

Nonetheless, anti-mining groups continue to oppose the Mining Act opting for an alternative minerals management bill. An alternative that ensures the protection of the environment and upholds the rights of the communities affected by mining. As opposed to the environmental damages and human rights violations that stemmed from the current Mining Act.

Several incidents have been documented since the enactment of the 1995 Mining Act, despite its promotion of waste-free and efficient mine development. In March 1996, Marcopper mines in Marinduque spilled out 3 million metric tons of mineral tailings into the Boac River. The spill resulted in the contamination of the river’s fresh water, a source of their food and livelihood, resulting in the displacement of 400 families in the area. In July 2012, the Nicua Mining Corporation operating in McArthur, Leyte, released mine wastes in Lake Bito, resulting in fish kill. In November 2012, the Citinickel Mines and Development Corporation in Narra, Palawan spilled waste into the nearby river and irrigation system that affected farms and a fish pond.

These incidents are just among the few that have been documented that resulted in the dislocation of thousands of families, degradation of communities’ health, loss of livelihood, and the massive environmental destruction. Besides these incidents post-mining operations, several mining companies have evicted, and in the worst cases, threatened the lives of indigenous peoples, upland farmers, and fishers in order to operate their mining companies.

Thus, anti-mining groups continue to oppose this policy that falls short in ensuring that the country’s forests, freshwater sources, and seas are protected. Most of all, they continue to oppose it because of the lack of protection and respect it provides to indigenous communities or communities living within the vicinity of mining operations.

Shrinking Democratic Spaces

ATM, together with its local partners in the sites-of-struggle affected by mining, has been at the forefront of advocating for an alternative minerals management bill. However, due to the current stand of the administration on rights and environmental defenders, it has become harder for defenders to advocate against environmentally destructive mining.

According to the Global Witness Report in 2018, the Philippines rank 1st in being the most dangerous place for environmental activists. Activists who are at the forefront of stopping destructive mining operations, illegal logging, and development aggression, have been the victims of intimidation, falsified legal suits, and violence.

The institutionalization of the whole-of-nation approach through Executive Order No. 70, s. 2018 has only increased the risk amongst environmental activists who oppose the continued aggressive development practices. This policy enables individuals and groups from destructive mining operations to act violently against those who would oppose their harmful practices.

In this context of violence, mining companies and their allies have grown brazen in their pursuit to continue operating to increase their bottom line. There has been an increase of midnight deals in mining particularly during the 2016 election campaign period. Between March 2016 to June 2016, 44 large-scale mining-related transactions in DENR failed to undergo due process. More recently, the repealing of the late environment Secretary Gina Lopez closure order of 21 and suspension of 5 mining companies.

Despite the suspension and cancellation orders, however, the 26 mining companies continued to operate after submitting a Motion for Reconsideration. It is stated in Executive Order (EO) 79 that once a mining company appeals to inter-agency Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) and/or the Office of the President, its status shall remain ‘business as usual’.

In December 2018, DENR together with the MICC, resolved the appeals of 13 mining companies. Three out of the 12 mining companies that were previously ordered closed were resolved to remain closed; 9 companies were resolved suspended, and 1 suspension order was lifted. The removal of these companies’ cancellation order enables those who have been proven to break environmental laws to continue to operate.

Profiting from the mineral resources of the country is the focus of the government. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the DENR, together with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (CoMP), are actively campaigning for “responsible mining.” A concept that has not been successfully implemented in any single mining operation. ATM asserts that this concept will only increase corporate and state corruption because it highly depends on the ability of the government to enforce the policy. Additionally, compliance with the safeguards mentioned in the proposed concept is voluntary for large scale mining companies. More so, Congress continues to push for easing foreign ownership by advocating for charter change and lobbying for bills.

It is clear that the existing policies, as well as the current political context, detract the campaign to protect and conserve the environment. But most of all, it threatens the lives of community members in mining areas. The continued profit-seeking nature of mining companies, supported by some government agencies, is even more alarming, given the global climate emergency. Thus, it is essential not only for the government to act on these abuses but also for the masses to advance policies that are pro-people and pro-environment.

President Duterte should make good on his promises – on an executive order on ban open-pit mining, and endorse the passage of an alternative minerals management law. Additionally, he must support the struggle of environmental defenders and prevent their continued vilification.

In conclusion

The alliance, its members and partners, and communities who resist large-scale mining in their area will continue to be vigilant and challenge the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. ATM will carry on with empowering and supporting women, indigenous peoples, and the youth. We will persist in the fight to uphold human rights, climate justice, and social justice. Ultimately, we will continue to push for more sustainable alternatives and campaign for a more inclusive and pro-people mining law.

Read more @www.alyansatigilmina.net

For more information, please contact:
Jaybee Garganera
ATM National Coordinator
nc@alyansatigilmina.net
(0917) 549 8218

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[Statement] on the Mass Layoff in OceanaGold Mining Project -ATM

ATM Statement on the Mass Layoff in OceanaGold Mining Project
March 2, 2020

On the report that more than 800 workers will be laid off by the OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI) in its mining project in Didipio mine in Nueva Vizcaya, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is making its position clear.

We understand the anxiety and distress being faced by the mine workers of OGPI. However, this mine closure should not have been a major surprise to the management and the workers.

The closure of the Didipio Mine is a foreseeable event, in as much as the mining contract had a clear expiration date. Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement No. 1 (FTAA # 1) was scheduled to expire on June 19, 2019. OGPI failed to secure a renewal of its mining contract, and therefore, mine closure was effected by local authorities.

A just transition should be implemented by OGPI immediately.

OGPI should ensure that full compensation, severance and retirement benefits must be accorded to all affected mine workers. In addition, all affected mine workers should undergo re-tooling, training or referral to possible new jobs or employment. Whenever feasible, OGPI should also launch livelihood interventions for the affected workers, particularly those who are based in Brgy. Didipio or within the Municipality of Kasibu.

OGPI must disclose, explain and continue the complete implementation of the Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan (MRDP) which is an attached document to its approved mining contract. In addition, the elements and commitments elaborated in the Social Development Management Plan (SDMP) must be fully implemented by OGPI.

These just transition activities must be implemented with the full cooperation of the local governments of Nueva Vizcaya, including the barangay, municipal and provincial officials. Meanwhile, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the DENR must supervise these implementation activities.

OGPI must start accepting the fact that it has no license to operate, and that it has failed to secure its renewal permit, and therefore, urgently implement its commitments spelled in the MRDP and SDMP.

For more details, please contact:

Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, nc@alyansatigilmina.net / (+63917) 549-82-18

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[From the web] Environmental groups oppose the renewal of the mining contract of Ocean Gold Philippines, Inc. -ATM

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

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

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

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

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

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[Statement] Duterte asked to stop Tampakan mining in Mindanao -ATM

Green group cites quakes and ASEAN statement to protect the environment

Quezon City – Green group Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) asked Pres. Duterte to stop the Tampakan Copper-Gold Mining Project in Mindanao, citing the recent quakes caused by the Cotabato Fault System.

In a letter received by the Office of the President last Nov. 4, 2019, ATM sought clarification from the Office of the President about the reported reinstatement of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) of the Tampakan mining project. The group demanded that a copy of such a reinstatement order should be disclosed to the public.

The alliance reminded Pres. Duterte that Tampakan’s ECC was canceled by former DENR Sec. Gina Lopez in 2017, because of the company’s failure to comply with conditions and permitting requirements set by the ECC. ATM claimed that this compliance has not been met by the proponent.

The Tampakan Copper-Gold Mining Project is owned by Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) and the Tampakan Mining Group (TMG).

ATM lauded the President’s key message in the ASEAN summit when he was quoted in news articles that “ASEAN should not sacrifice the environment and the region’s rich biodiversity, particularly in the maritime domain, in its quest for progress”.

“President Duterte should implement his campaign promise that he will ban open-pit mining, and he can start by implementing this in Tampakan, and the rest of Mindanao”, the group said. They also added that Pres. Duterte should issue an Executive Order that puts this promise as formal policy. #

For more details:
Jaybeee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator – (+63917) 5498218 / nc@alyansatigilmina.net

Additional Notes: Copies of letters (stamped received ) to Office of the President and DENR-MGB can be downloaded here – https://www.facebook.com/141872819244724/posts/2560975490667766?d=n&sfns=mo

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[Press Release] Groups strengthen opposition against OGPI FTAA renewal in Bishops-LGU-Community dialogue in Nueva Vizcaya -ATM

Photo by ATM

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya – Provincial Governor Carlos Padilla, local communities, indigenous people, and church organizations sustained strong opposition on the Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) renewal of Oceanagold Philippines Inc (OGPI) in a dialogue held today at Saint Mary’s University.

The Bishops-LGU-Community dialogue activity was co-hosted by Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao of the Diocese of Bayombong and the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. It was organized by the National Secretariat of Social Action (CBCP-NASSA), the Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc. (PMPI) and Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM).

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

“Freedom is spontaneous obedience of the law. If the FTAA has expired, what is the basis of Oceanagold to operate? The company appealed the removal of the checkpoint in court. They can feel the strength of the community,” Padilla added.

Meanwhile, Bp. Mangalinao shared his reflection on the mining issue in Nueva Vicaya. “Convergence is the reality of ‘together we are one, together we achieve more. This speaks of the strength of communities in facing hardships. With Laudato Si, CBCP is more serious and upfront on its actions to protect our common home,” he said.

Last September 24, 2019, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) announced the interim renewal of OGPI’s FTAA in a press conference despite public resistance and clear LGU directives. Environmental groups and local governments from Nueva Vizcaya expressed their disappointment on the development.

“The strong resistance of local communities from Nueva Vizcaya against mining shows the trauma they experienced from the destructive effects to livelihood, land, and water. We must never allow another 25 years-worth of damage to environment and violations to human rights,” according to Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator.

International news agency Reuters published: ‘OceanaGold suspends Didipio mine operations in Philippines amid dispute’ as the dialogue was in progress. Didipio communities, ATM, and partners were extremely delighted on the development. Years of struggles have finally paid off.

Reuters wrote, “OceanaGold had initially stopped trucking while operations at Didipio continued, despite a move by the Nueva Vizcaya government to impede access to and from the mine site.”

There is an ongoing barricade at the gates of OGPI. Nueva Vizcaya Quirino Waterwatch, Alyansa ng Magsasaka para sa Kalikasan ng Kasibu, and Didipio Earth Savers Movement (DESAMA) sustained their protest for three months since the company’s 25-year permit expired.

In a statement from OceanaGold President and CEO Mick Wilkes expressed that with the timing of the Court of Appeals injunction decision uncertain, and efforts to finalize a renewal of the FTAA ongoing, they have no other choice but to temporarily suspend production at Didipio.

Nonetheless, anti-mining groups will remain vigilant. OceanaGold’s suspension of the Didipio mine is only temporary. As long as the application for FTAA renewal of OGPI is not rejected or scrapped by the Office of the President, the people’s barricade will stay.

“Mining is contrary to the essence of Laudato Si. Extreme weather events, global warming, and disasters due to the climate emergency call for bolder actions towards environmental protection, and the passage of the Rights of Nature. The National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA)/ Caritas Philippines will continue to support the people’s barricade in Didipio,” said Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Executive Secretary of NASSA.

For more information, you may contact:
Caryl Pillora
Policy, Research, and Advocacy Officer of Alyansa Tigil Mina
+63 945 246 7271 * policyresearchadvocacy@alyansatigilmina.net

Jaybee Garganera
National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina
+63 917 549 8218 * nc@alyansatigilmina.net

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[Statement] on OGPI FTAA renewal -ATM

We are greatly disappointed with this development. ATM believes that OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI) had failed to substantially comply with the requirements of a renewal for FTAA.

It did not inform the local governments about its application and has not secured the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of the affected indigenous peoples.

This interim renewal smells tragically as an attempt of DENR to circumvent the already vague and anti-poor Mining Act of 1995.

The DENR has made a mistake in implementing the minimum technical requirements for an FTAA renewal. The requirements for FTAA renewal should have included a new environmental impact assessment (EIA) and comprehensive proof that it has complied with the findings and recommendations of the Mine Audit in 2016 ordered by former DENR Sec. Gina Lopez. A new hydrology impact study should have also been submitted by OGPI to dispel the claims of the LGU that te water supply has been severely reduced due to mining operations in the area.

OGPI has also failed to address the unresolved human rights issues in its operations, with conclusive findings by the CHR presented in its resolution in 2011. The CHR has recommended then the revocation of the FTAA # 1 of the Didipio mines.

As we are deeply frustrated by this development, we are convinced that the current Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (RA 7942) is flawed. With the unresolved issues of Didipio mines and the continuing violations of OGPI, these are proof that “responsible mining” doesn’t exist in the Philippines and the DENR has failed to protect and conserve the environment.

This development even becomes more ironic as the government decided to renew this mining contract during the UN General Assembly which had tackled climate change as its main theme.

ATM will continue to support the the resistance of local communities in Brgy. Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. We will support the barricades there, and all the initiatives of the local governments, particularly the Provincial Government led by Gov. Carlos Padilla.

We will not allow OGPI to continue wrecking havoc on our environment and disregarding our environmental laws.

For more details, please contact:
Jaybee Garganera
ATM National Coordinator
+639175498218
nc@alyansatigilmina.net

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[Statement] On the arrest of environmental women activists in Manila -ATM

Photo by ATM

ATM Statement on the arrest of environmental women activists in Manila
Sept. 10, 2019

ATM strongly condemns the arrest and detention of women activists who staged a non-violent protest action inside Sofitel Hotel in Manila, earlier today.

The six women conducted a “mannequin challenge” inside the lobby of Sofitel Hotel to protest against destructive mining operations in the Philippines. An international mining conference was holding its opening program when the protest was launched by environmental groups led by LILAK, Oriang, and PKKK.

The arrest and detention of the activists was unnecessary as the action was exactly done in a silent and non-disruptive manner, with the women posing as “mannequins” to depict the lack of voice and power of women affected by destructive mining projects.

ATM condemns the police for the unnecessary arrest. This is an over-reaction by the police, the hotel security and he organizers of the mining conference, and only shows that the mining industry and the police have limited understanding of freedom of expression.

ATM, especially its Women and Mining Working Group, will intensify its resistance and cry out with a louder voice to protect our environment and the future generations against destructive mining.

Paul John Nieves Delin
Media and Communications Officer
Alyansa Tigil Mina

Contact us:
Globe: (+63) 906-0419-2895 or (63+)956-703-9741
Telephone Number:(02) 917-3794
Facebook: AlyansaTIgilMina
Twitter: atm_philippines
Instagram: atm_philippines
Website: https://www.alyansatigilmina.net

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[Statement] There is no future in mining -ATM

ATM Statement on the Opening of Mining Philippines 2019
September 10, 2019

Quezon City –“Responsible mining” is a myth, and even the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) has stopped pretending it exists. The concept didn’t find any space in the theme nor in the program for the annual international mining confab that opens today at the Sofitel Hotel Manila.

What is real and factual are the destruction brought by large-scale mining. Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is demanding the immediate closure and suspension of 26 mining operations in the Philippines, covered by administrative orders issued by former DENR Sec. Gina Lopez last February 2017. These mining projects have been found to violate our environmental laws including provisions of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (RA 7942) and non-compliance with their contractual obligations.

These mining projects are living examples of irresponsible mining in the Philippines.

Our alliance calls on President Rodrigo Duterte to decisively act on these closure and suspension orders, particularly the non-renewal of Financial Technical Assistance Agreement No. 1 (FTAA #1) covering Brgy. Didipio, Kasibu in the province of Nueva Vizcaya.

Pres. Duterte must also immediately issue an Executive Order to ban open-pit mining in the Philippines, if the country wants to preserve its water, food and biodiversity. This action becomes more imperative in the context of climate change. This has been a campaign promise and stated in his previous SONAs.

We demand that the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) practice more transparency in their processing and approval process of mining permits and contracts. The DENR has endorsed favorably the renewal for another 25 years of FTAA # 1 to the Office of the President, without informing the local governments and affected communities of this action. And numerous other mining permits have been extended, renewed and approved under the same clandestine manner.

We appeal to both the House of Representatives and the Senate to meticulously review the proposed DENR 2020 budget and ensure that the agency is realistically performing its task of preserving our environment and regulating effectively the mining industry. We must end the attitude of a DENR that is pro-mining but blind-and-deaf to the suffering of mining-affected communities.

As the Philippine Catholic Church celebrates the Season of Creation and as we prepare for the Global Climate Strike to address the climate emergency, ATM will remain strong in resisting destructive large-scale mining.

There is no future in mining! #

For more details:

Please contact Caryl Pillora, ATM Policy Advocacy Officer: policyreseachadvocacy@alyansatigilmina.net / (+63945) 246-7271

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[Statement] We Won’t Be Silenced! – Lilak Statement on the Arrest and Detention of Young Women Environmental Activists

Lilak strongly condemns the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines’ (CoMP), Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila’s, and the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) violent response to what was meant to be a peaceful and non-disruptive protest action.

On September 10, Tuesday, a silent protest amid the Mining Philippines International Conference and Exhibit by young women from the Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) Women and Mining Working Group was violently disrupted. The young women were then arrested and detained.

Young women from LILAK (Purple Action Indigenous Women’s Rights), together with indigenous women from the Maporac Aetas Organization (MAO), the National Rural Women Coalition (PKKK), and Oriang, painted their bodies with the words Kalikasan, Kabuhayan, Karapatan, and Kinabukasan in protest of large-scale mining in the Philippines.

The women including a Lilak representative who was documenting the silent protest were arrested, detained, and taken to a police precinct where they were questioned. The Sofitel’s security staff, which was composed of undercover security personnel, extracted the young women using brute force and went as far as to cover the women’s mouths and noses with cloths. One of our sisters begged the security to let her breathe. This forceful extraction caused injury among three of our companions.

The overreaction, violence, and uncalled for arrest and detention from the security officers of Sofitel and PNP is a testament of CoMP’s and the Philippine government’s intolerance against environmental activists.

Lilak, as a collective of women human rights activists supporting indigenous women’s struggles and as a convener of the ATM Women and Mining Working Group, will continue its fight against large-scale mining and extractives, against the displacement of indigenous peoples, and against prejudice and violence of environmental and human rights activists and women human rights defenders.

#WeWontBeSilenced #KababaihanLumalaban #KababaihanLabanMina
#KatutubongLilak #LILAK

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[Event] Day of International Solidarity Against OceanaGold Ph Inc. -SEED

Join us in our twitter party, calling President Rodrigo Duterte to #StopMiningInDidipio and immediately cancel @OceanaGold ‘s FTAA. #EndMiningInDidipio!

CANCEL OCEANAGOLD’S MINING CONTRACT NOW

Respect the people’s will! Stop illegal operations in Didipio mines!

Environmental and human rights groups in the Philippines support the resistance led by the Didipio Earth Savers Movement (DESAMA) and Didipio-Watch against destructive and irresponsible mining in Nueva Vizcaya.

Last 21 June 2019, farmers and indigenous peoples from the village of Didipio, in Kasibu town, Nueva Vizcaya set-up a peoples barricade to prevent the illegal operations of Didipio mines, owned by OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI). OGPI’s mining contract (Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement # 1) expired last June 20, 2019, and failed to secure a renewal of this agreement.

We demand the following, in support to the struggle being led by DESAMA, Didipio-Watch and other local organizations in Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya:

1. Pres. Rodrigo Duterte must immediately cancel OGPI’s contract and order the stop of illegal mining operations of OGPI. Since its mining contract has expired and has failed to secure a renewal, OGPI has no right to continue posing a threat to the forests and water resources in Nueva VIzcaya.

2. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) must immediately revoke its favorable endorsement for the application of FTAA renewal. DENR has failed to ensure that precautionary principles are enforced in the review and assessment of the mining contract, and has merely relied on technical compliance of OGPI in submitting its application for renewal.

3. The national government must respect and recognize the autonomy of local governments affected by mining operations of OGPI. All three local governments impacted by OGPI’s operations have expressed their opposition, and this is a truthful reflection of the will of the people.

4. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) should comprehensively conduct in a transparent, inclusive and participative manner all consultations, field based investigations and negotiations for the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of all indigenous peoples in the affected areas, including migrant IPs who have settled and lived in area for more than four decades.

5. The DENR must demand a new and updated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from OGPI and issue a new Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) as part of the requirement for the renewal of the FTAA.

For genuine freedoms,

Jaybee Garganera
National Coordinator
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM)

Yoly Esguerra
Executive Director
Philippine Misereor Partneship, Inc. (PMPI)

Fr. Edwin Gariguez
Executive Secretary
National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA)

Mai Taqueban
Executive Director
Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC-KsK/FOE-Phils)

Pamela Grafilo
Executive Director
Bantay-Kita Publish What You Pay – Philippines (BK/PWYP-Phils)

Judy Pasimio
Coordinator
LILAK-Purple Action for Indigenous Women

Joseph Purugganan
Head
Focus on the Global South – Philippines

Ruth Canlas
Coordinator
Non-Timber Forest Product Exchange
Program – Philippines (NTFPEP-Phils)

https://www.facebook.com/events/898667947150060/

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