Cateel River and Aliwagwag Falls could be Destroyed by Agpet Mining

Press Statement
Panalipdan Southern Mindanao (Panalipdan-SMR)

AGPET MINING IS A DISASTER IN THE MAKING

Agusan Petroleum & Mining Corporation (Agpet) mining exploration could destroy the Aliwagwag Protected Landscape (APL), which was declared in 2011 through Presidential Proclamation 139.

The exploration permit E145 of Agpet was renewed November 2014, according to sources in the MGB. In the original permit, E145 includes areas inside the APL. In the new map posted in the MGB website, the APL area hit by the original E145 permit was erased*.

However, the exploration allowed in E145 permit which falls outside the APL could also destroy the ecosystem supporting the APL. In fact, the exclusion of APL areas in the original permit is proof that the government recognize the potential damage to ecosystems the mining project would induce. So by allowing mining exploration in the area, the government through the MGB can be held accountable for the damage which can occur in the affected ecosystems. This project would definitely have negative impact on the riparian ecosystems supporting and including the Cateel River, a very important source of water for many areas in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.

This is enough reason for the MGB to cancel the permit.
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Reference: Prof. Chiara Respecia, Spokesperson

* See related map on Facebook.

Related: Whom is MGB Serving?