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.
#####

Reference: Prof. Chiara Respecia, Spokesperson

* See related map on Facebook.

Related: Whom is MGB Serving?

Whom is MGB serving?

July 1, 2015

Press Statement
Panalipdan Southern Mindanao (Panalipdan-SMR)

WHOM IS MGB SERVING?

We draw your attention to the Letter of MGB Region XI Director [3] ordering the Municipal Mayor of Compostela to allow Agusan Petroleum & Mineral Corporation (Agpet) to proceed with its exploration activities despite municipal-level resolution requesting MGB to cancel the exploration permit [1].

With this Order, we ask: who is more powerful in Compostela? The Mayor or the MGB Director?

Also, said letter requests Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines to "assist Agpet" in its exploration activities, request which is now being used by the military and police to harass protesting residents including the strafing of the house of Bello Tindasan, the chairperson of Compostela Farmers Association [2].

More than 200 farmers and lumads from the mining-affected communities in Purok 20-28 of Brgy. Ngan, Compostela are now in their six (6) days of kampuhan-picket in front of MGB XI regional office in Davao City (as of June 30). They said they will not leave MGB XI until the exploration permit of Agusan Petroleum & Mineral Corporation is cancelled. They already submitted their opposition to Agpet to the Provincial Board of Compostela Valley last April 4 through a petition letter signed by 1000+ residents of nine (9) affected puroks of Brgy. Ngan including all the purok leaders'.

MGB XI Director Engr. Edilberto Arreza gave assurance he will recommend such cancellation in a dialogue Monday June 29 with the leaders of the Compostela Farmers Association who is leading the mass protest, but he gave the burden on the protesting farmers and lumads to show there is enough evidence for such cancellation. Is the series of protests (barricades, pickets, now kampuhan) plus the escalating human rights violations due to militarization not enough evidence for Engr. Arreza?

Whom is MGB serving?

#####

Reference: Prof. Chiara Respecia, Spokesperson

[1] For a copy of the municipal resolution and other related documents, please visit our Facebook page here.
[2] For the related news on the strafing of Tindasan's house, read here
[3] For a copy of the MGB XI Director's Order, please visit our Facebook page here.

Earth Day 2015 Celebration in Mindanao (Davao City)

CORRECTION: The parade will start 1pm at Freedom Park.

Pope urged to back People's Mining bill

By Ivy C. Tejano

Friday, January 16, 2015

ENVIRONMENTALISTS are appealing to Pope Francisto support their call for the passage of the People's Mining Bill in the wake of what they called "meaningless exploitation of mineral resources in the countryside."

Panalipdan-Southern Mindanao Region (SMR) spokesperson Kim Gargar said House Bill 4315 or The People's Mining Bill will help protect the forests destroyed by big mining corporations.

The bill will eventually lead to the nationalization of the mining industry and the changing of its export-oriented nature, Gargar said.

"In the spirit of pro-people religious stand, we hope that the Pope would express his support for the bill, so our lawmakers will pass it as law. We also hope that through the Pope, people may see the relevance of this law, how this would greatly benefit the people and the economy," Gargar said.

Republic Act 7942 or The Mining Act of 1995 allows the liberalization of mining industries, giving foreigners the right to fully own mining companies in the country. The bill has been decried as unconstitutional by various groups since its ratification.

"The only Christian thing to do in this situation is to call for the immediate cessation of foreign mining operations. To destroy the environment is to destroy the life of the people. We call on the Pope to hear our call to protect the people and the environment," Gargar said.

The spokesman said the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) had long ago made a call against mining in the country.

Big Issues in Small Mining: Assessing the Mt. Diwalwal Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Communities

In November of 2012, Ateneo de Davao University, along with partner organizations Panalipdan-SMR and AFIRM hosted “Artisanal and Small-scale Mining in Mindanao: Issues, Opportunities and Future Options”, an international conference on artisanal mining. Read the conference report and the synopsis of metallurgist Adrian Daniel's presentation.

Farmers, small miners seek scrapping of Mining Act

Source: Sunstar Davao

March 3, 2011

AROUND 30 farmers and small-scale miners from Compostela Valley province and Paquibato District in Davao City staged a rally Thursday in San Pedro Street against the negative impact of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

Spearheaded by Panalipdan Southern Mindanao, the protesters called for the junking of the widely contested Mining Law.

Panalipdan secretary general Francis Morales said the Mining Act is the culprit behind the massive pillage of the country's mineral resources and the destruction of thousands of hectares of forest areas, watershed areas and water systems.

"The people have long been demanding for the scrapping of this unconstitutional law and we urge President (Benigno) Aquino to listen to the call of the people and mother earth," Morales said.

With the enactment of the Mining Law (Republic Act 7942) in 1995, Morales said "the government must remain its control in mining industry to avoid foreign monopoly in the mining industry."

"Technology, research should be maximized to develop sound small scale mining practices. Mining should not be allowed within the areas of great environmental significance," he added in a statement.

As an alternative, Panalipdan SMR said it supports House Bill 4315 or An Act Re-Orienting the Philippine Mining Industry.

Also called the "Peoples Mining Bill," this alternative mining policy aims to address the need for an alternative framework for the mining industry that should be anchored on the principles of social justice, respect for peoples' rights and welfare, environmental conservation, defense of national patrimony and national industrialization.

Partylist representatives Teddy Casiño, Luz Ilagan, Neri Javier filed House Bill 4315 before the Lower House on March 2. (Jhun Gatmaitan)

Environmental advocates want 16 year old mining law scrapped

Source: Remate

May 3, 2011

DAVAO CITY — A local environmental alliance Panalipdan Southern Mindanao Thursday held a protest action calling for the junking of the widely- contested mining law.

Farmers and members of the small scale mining industry also joined the protest outside the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) where they destroyed an image showing the negative impacts of RA 7942.

“The Mining Act is the culprit behind the massive pillage of our mineral resources and the destruction of thousands of hectares of forest covers, watershed areas and water systems. The people have long been demanding for the scrapping of this unconstitutional law and we urge the current president to listen to do the country, the planet, a big favor,” said Francis Morales, Panalipdan secretary general.

Yesterday, small scale miners filed a petition at the province of Governor Chongkee Uy demanding that the mineral rich province declare a local law that prohibits the operation of any large-scale or foreign mining transnationals (TNCs). This is part of a local environmental code that Panalipdan member organizations have been pushing all over the region.

Meanwhile, farmers from Paquibato District strongly opposes the 16,200 – hectare mining application of Indophil Resources covering the areas of Davao City, Talaingod and Bukidnon; the 8,100 hectare application of ALBERTO Mining and the 8,100 hectare application of PENSIONS MINING Corp in Paquibato. The residents of Brgy. Lumiad and Mapula also contested the mining application of a certain Superfields Mining Company which covers more than 6,000 hectares of their barangay.

A local code vs largescale, foreign mining

“We urge the local governments all over Davao region to adopt a code against large scale and foreign mining. Despite the Mining Act, the people should have the right to assert that their localities reject foreign and large-scale mining ”said Morales.

As an alternative, Panalipdan – SMR supports House Bill 4315, An Act Re-Orienting the Philippine Mining Industry, Ensuring the Highest Industry Development Standards, and For other Purposes, which progressive partylist representatives Teddy Casino, Luz Ilagan, Neri Javier et al filed in the lower house yesterday (March 2).

Also tagged as the “Peoples’ Mining Bill,” this alternative mining policy aims to “address the need for an alternative framework for the mining industry which should be anchored on the principles of social justice, respect for peoples’ rights and welfare, environmental conservation, defense of national patrimony and national industrialization.”

“We recognize the importance of mining but developing the mining industry should be on the framework of providing minerals needed for national development rather than for foreign extraction and profit. The national government has the burden of uplifting the status of the small scale mining industry for the welfare of the small scale miners and to minimize the harmful impacts of mining on the environment,” said Morales.

He adds, “Technology, research should be maximized to develop sound small scale mining practices. Mining should also not be allowed within areas of great environmental significance. It is also important that the mining industry remain under government control to avoid foreign monopoly of the mining industry.

The group also stressed that national development must not rely on extractive industries like mining.

“Genuine land reform is still the key to national progress. Pump-priming agriculture is still the number one step to rehabilitate our environment. This is incontrast to the rehashed globalization policies of the Aquino government like the Public Private Partnership agreement which emboldens foreign corporations like mining TNCs for the large-scale plunder of our natural resources,” said Morales.

NEWS: Envi advocates want 16-year old Mining Law scrapped, push instead for the People's Mining Bill

Source: DurianBurgDavao

March 3, 2011

Davao City — On the 16th year of the passage of Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, local environmental alliance PANALIPDAN Southern Mindanao takes to the streets calling for the junking of the widely- contested mining law. Farmers and members of the small scale mining industry also joined the protest outside the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) where they destroyed an image showing the negative impacts of RA 7942.
Meanwhile, farmers from Paquibato District strongly opposes the 16,200 – hectare mining application of INDOPHIL RESOURCES covering the areas of Davao City, Talaingod and Bukidnon; the 8,100 hectare application of ALBERTO Mining and the 8,100 hectare application of PENSIONS MINING Corp in Paquibato. The residents of Brgy. Lumiad and Mapula also contested the mining application of a certain Superfields Mining Company which covers more than 6,000 hectares of their barangay.

A LOCAL CODE AGAINST LARGE SCALE & FOREIGN MINING URGED

“We urge the local governments all over Davao region to adopt a code against large scale and foreign mining. Despite the Mining Act, the people should have the right to assert that their localities reject foreign and large-scale mining ”said Morales.
He adds, “Technology, research should be maximized to develop sound small scale mining practices. Mining should also not be allowed within areas of great environmental significance. It is also important that the mining industry remain under government control to avoid foreign monopoly of the mining industry.

PANALIPDAN also stressed that national development must not rely on extractive industries like mining.
“Genuine land reform is still the key to national progress. Pump-priming agriculture is still the number one step to rehabilitate our environment. This is incontrast to the rehashed globalization policies of the Aquino government like the Public Private Partnership agreement which emboldens foreign corporations like mining TNCs for the large-scale plunder of our natural resources,” said Morales.

As an alternative, PANALIPDAN – SMR supports House Bill 4315, An Act Re-Orienting the Philippine Mining Industry, Ensuring the Highest Industry Development Standards, and For other Purposes, which progressive partylist representatives Teddy Casino, Luz Ilagan, Neri Javier et al filed in the lower house yesterday (March 2).
Also tagged as the “Peoples’ Mining Bill,” this alternative mining policy aims to “address the need for an alternative framework for the mining industry which should be anchored on the principles of social justice, respect for peoples’ rights and welfare, environmental conservation, defense of national patrimony and national industrialization.”
“We recognize the importance of mining but developing the mining industry should be on the framework of providing minerals needed for national development rather than for foreign extraction and profit. The national government has the burden of uplifting the status of the small scale mining industry for the welfare of the small scale miners and to minimize the harmful impacts of mining on the environment,” said Morales.

“The Mining Act is the culprit behind the massive pillage of our mineral resources and the destruction of thousands of hectares of forest covers, watershed areas and water systems. The people have long been demanding for the scrapping of this unconstitutional law and we urge the current president to listen to do the country, the planet, a big favor,” said Francis Morales, Panalipdan secretary general.

Yesterday, small scale miners filed a petition at the province of Governor Chongkee Uy demanding that the mineral rich province declare a local law that prohibits the operation of any large-scale or foreign mining transnationals (TNCs). This is part of a local environmental code that PANALIPDAN member organizations have been pushing all over the region.

NEWS: Mining firm rapped for rape of DavOr forests

Source: DurianBurgDavao

August 18, 2010

Environmental rights network PANALIPDAN Davao Oriental Chapter demanded that commercial logging in Davao Oriental be permanently stopped and that PhilYoubang Mining Corporation, a Chineese Mining Firm, be penalized for its brazen logging operations in Brgy Macambol in Mati.
.
In a fact finding mission in Sitio Sopsopon, Brgy Macambol in Mati town last June 9, PANALIPDAN – DavOr found out that Philippine Youbang Mining Corp. which has a mining permit to mine 1,000 has in Mati has also been doing extensive logging operations in the area.

Sr. Stella Matutina, osb, spokesperson of Panalipdan Davao Oriental said, “Philyoubang’s logging operations are destructive to the environment. Mostly, they cut Magkuno or iron wood, Banile and other premium species like Tangile. They cut century-old wood and completely uproot the whole tree including the stumps. From what was seen in their logdeck, more than 1000 cubic meters already have been cut and harvested by this company.”

The fact finding mission team also observed that Philyoubang’s operations has damaged second growth trees and other species in Sitio Sopsopon, Brgy Macambol which is located between two protected areas — Pujada Bay Protected Seascape and Mt. Hamiguitan Range, a government – declared “wildlife sanctuary” based on Republic Act No. 9303 or the Mt. Hamiguitan Range and Wildlife Sanctuary Act.

PANALIPDAN hence fears that Philyoubangs logging and consequently, mining operations will cause severe damage to these sanctuaries and their resident species.

For instance, Mt. Hamiguitan hosts around four hundred (400) hectares of “pygmy forests”, exotic plants and wild animals. Rattan, timber and non-timber products which are the sources of community livelihood is also abundant here.

Philyoubang claims to hold a Private Land Timber Permit which was awarded to it by the Regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). However, PANALIPDAN SMR insists that this permit should never have been given at all due to the critical location of Brgy Macambol.
Francis Morales of PANALIPDAN Southern Mindanao also lashed at the DENR for allowing and giving the company ‘s permit to mine the area.

“Along with the permit to mine the area, mining companies are also given timber rights. Its part of the whole destructive cycle of large scale mining. They have to shave off the mountains to be mined so this doubles their earnings,” said Morales.

PHOTO: Small scale miners oppose plans to bid out 729 hectares in Diwalwal

Francis Morales, spokesperson of Panalipdan in Southern Mindanao, talks to 671 small scale miners during the first barangay assembly of small scale miners' group Nagkahiusang Katawhan sa Diwalwal on Mt. Diwata on June 22. Text and Photos by Jose Hernani, Davao Today

View more photos on Davao Today.

NEWS: Anti-Mining Activist Gunned Down in ComVal

Source: Pinoy Press

An anti-large scale mining activist was killed by unidentified men yesterday, 23 December 2008, at New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province, environmental activist group Panalipdan-Southern Mindanao Region (SMR) today reported.

At around 7:00 in the evening, an unidentified men brutally killed 39-year old environmental activist leader Fernando “Dodong” Sarmiento, Secretary General of Panalipdan-New Bataan, at Purok 1, Barangay Cabinuangan, New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province, said Panalipdan-SMR spokesperson Francis Morales, citing reports from the field.

“Dodong Sarmiento sustained 5 gun-shot wounds that resulted to his death”, Morales said.

“We condemn in the strongest term the brutal killing of Dodong Sarmiento, who is known for leading the rural folks of New Bataan in calling for the stoppage of the operations of PhilCo Mining Corporation, the planned exploration of other mining corporations and mining-instigated militarization under the command of 10th Infantry Division, citing as reasons for their resistance on the destruction that large-scale mining operations brought on people’s livelihoods and local ecosystems”, Morales stressed.

“The environmental group believes that Sarmiento was killed by military elements due to his advocacies. Last 16 July 2008, Sarmiento was interrogated by the elements of 28th Infantry Batallion, Philippine Army (IBPA) under Lt. Wendel Ariola for his active involvement in environmental campaigns and was accused as rebel supporter. Then on 22 July 2008, the military posted on its website falsely claiming that Sarmiento was a rebel surrenderee”, Morales divulged.

“This is a typical mode of operation of the military in implementing the Oplan Bantay Laya 2 in the rural areas of Compostela Valley wherein activist leaders were maligned and demonized first before being killed”, Morales furthered.

The Panalipdan-SMR leader said that Sarmiento is the first environmental activist in Southern Mindanao killed after the Arroyo administration formed the Investment Defense Force (IDF) and when the 10th ID chief Major General Leo Jogy Fojas declared that New Bataan is the rebel’s center operations which is actually meant to wipe-out all types of opposition against mining aggression.

Under the Arroyo regime, 24 environmental activists have been killed which indicate the rise on human rights violations in relation to opposition to mining projects, based on the documentation of Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment.

The Arroyo administration and the 10th ID should be held accountable the killing of Sarmiento. This is an administration which aggressively promotes plunder of mineral resources and sell-out of our national patrimony to foreign firms at the expense of people’s welfare and fragile ecosystems, Morales said.

NEWS: Probe sought over DENR liability in Compostela landslides

Source: GMA News Online

October 11, 2008

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will look into the apparent lapses of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in enforcing mining laws that allowed a landslide in Maco town that killed at least 30 people last month.

An article on the House of Representatives website
(www.congress.gov.ph) said Bayan Muna Reps. Satur Ocampo and Teodoro Casiño filed House Resolution 797 seeking the probe.

Ocampo and Casiño lamented that despite the tragedy and clear signs that Maco is a geohazard and landslide-prone area, the DENR did not halt large and small-scale mining operations there.

House Resolution 797 sought an inquiry into the two landslides that hit Barangay Masara, Maco, Compostela Valley last Sept. 7 and 8, which claimed 30 lives and forced the evacuation of more than 5,000 residents.

They cited a report of the environment group Panalipdan-Southern Mindanao Region (SMR) that the operations of APEX Mining Company and Crew Gold Corporation have contributed to the area's high-risk geohazard nature.

APEX started its mining operations in the village in the 1980s while international gold mining company Crew Gold Corporation, which has headquarters in Weybridge, United Kingdom, acquired the Masar gold mine in 2005 according to Panalipdan-SMR.

Crew Minerals' drillings have now gone as deep as 32,000 meters while the underground development of the APEX property continues with portals and ramp systems.

Crew Minerals has a target production of 85,000 to 180,000 ounces of gold and 500,000 to 600,000 ounces of silver at the end of 2008, according to Panalipdan-SMR.

The group said the DENR's relentless issuances of mining permits to foreign mining companies shows the government's political incapacity to impose environmental safeguards and assert its regulatory function in the high-risk mining industry that endangers the very lives of the local people in geohazard areas, mining tenements and the environment.

According to Panalipdan-SMR, DENR technical experts declared Masara a high-risk zone and recommended that it be evacuated as early as 2006.

Likewise, it said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) already assessed the area, declared it a high-risk zone and recommended the evacuation of residents from that area.

In 2007, SMR said 10 people died in a rain-triggered landslide, prompting the MGB to reiterate its urgent recommendation that the area be immediately vacated.

"Compostela Valley is also an environmentally-critical province and the nonchalance of the DENR on the continued presence of unregulated small scale mining operations and the reported large scale mining activities in the area will further deplete whatever finite resources are left and permanently damage the biodiversity and livelihood of the local people," the lawmakers said in their resolution. - GMANews.TV

NEWS: Masara landslide alarms environmental group Panalipdan-SMR

Published in MINDANEWS & BULATLAT

Environmentalist group PANALIPDAN!-Southern Mindanao expressed concerns over the consequent landslides that hit Brgy. Masara in Maco Compostela Valley Province which to date has already claimed the lives of 30 individuals (as Associated Press has reported) and displaced nearly 5,000 people.

"We lament the loss of civilian lives over these tragic incidents. We call on the authorities, all environmental and humanitarian advocates to continue to extend aid and services to the victims of this calamity, " said Francis Morales, spokesperson of PANALIPDAN-SMR.

PANALIPDAN! – SMR, a group which advocates the defense of the environment, land rights, food sovereignty and national patrimony among others, demanded that along with the rescue and relief operations, a probe on the mining operations of the APEX Mining Company and its current operator, CREW MINERALS must be initiated.

According to PANALIPDAN – SMR'S researches on the APEX website, APEX which started its mining operations in Masara since the 1890's has been recently acquired by Crew Minerals Corporation, a Canada-based large-scale mining company. Since its acquisition of the Masara gold mine in 2005, Crew Minerals has started the refurbishment of the APEX processing plant and to date, its 500 t/d plant is already operational.

CREW Minerals has continued its drillings now reaching up to 32,000 meters. Underground development of the APEX property continues with portals and ramp systems are being continuously opened as APEX gears to increase its target production of 85,000 to 180,000 oz of gold and 500,000 to 600,000 oz of silver at the end of 2008.

In this light, Morales dismissed the denials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau that the tragedy was caused by mining operations.

"Monsoon rains happen normally in other parts of the country but landslides are more often than not easily triggered in areas where man-made intervention or aggression occurs such as large scale mining operations which involve the use of heavy equipment and environmentally hazardous methods. Sec. Atienza was right when he said we should not blame small scale mining operations. But large scale mining corporations who hide beneath small scale mining claims or MPSA's should not let off the hook too quickly, " Morales said.

Morales issued a warning to the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau as well as with the DENR.

"Civilian lives are at stake due to the relentless issuance of mining permits to foreign mining companies amidst the government's sinful leniency and negligence of environmental safeguards, and dogged obeisance to mining capitalists," said the environmentalist leader.

PANALIPDAN!-SMR recounted the landslides in Kingking Mines as well as in Mt. Diwata due to the mining operations in the areas.

The environmentalist group which has more than twenty-five member organizations in the region reiterated the call to scrap the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

September 9, 2008

Reference:
Francis Morales
Spokesperson
PANALIPDAN!-SMR

2008 Updates on the Mining Projects of the Arroyo Administration

• UK firm to invest P500M in Surigao Norte copper gold mine
• Lafayette Phils to resume Rapu-Rapu mining this month
• Vizcaya gov, others charged for stopping mining firm operations
• Manila's Berong nickel mine 2008 output seen flat to higher
• Philippines Boosts Mindanao Troops After Mine Attack
• Coal exports to rise on demand from China and India - Semirara
• Technical studies for Tampakan copper, gold project out in November

STATEMENT: Investment Defense Force swarming over mineral-rich areas

May 7, 2008

The heightening militarization in the rural areas of Compostela Valley Province and Davao Oriental, provinces which are major mining, logging and biofuel sites in the country is but part of the Investment Defense Force (IDF) which was formed by the Macapagal-Arroyo government early this year to secure the country's vital investments.

The massive military deployment and operations of composite units of 28th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army (IBPA), 72nd IBPA, 67th IBPA, 30th IBPA, Special Forces, and Scout Rangers Batallion are the actual implementation of the IDF to facilitate the entry and/or to protect the interests of foreign large-scale mining and pesticides-dependent monocrop plantation companies.

Many indigenous people, particularly Mansaka and Mandaya, and peasant settlers are displaced by militarization and development aggression. Some of them were hurt physically and tortured mentally in the course of military operations. At the first quarter of this year, around 410 families were forcibly displaced from Baganga and Cateel towns in Davao Oriental. At the start of the second quarter, around 104 Mandaya and Mansaka families have already been victims of forcible displacement/evacuation in New Bataan Compostela Valley.

In Brgy. Mangayon Compostela town, an Ata-Matigsalug Village complains of cases of torture, physical injuries and harassment against 5 residents of which 2 are children. The same community complained of military encampment in civilian houses which is a direct violation of international humanitarian laws.

Appallingly, state-perpetrated human rights violations and atrocities heighten as mining companies of Transnational/Multinational Corporations continue to threaten the communities and fragile surrounding ecosystems - Key Biodiversity Areas - Mt. Kampalili-Puting Bato Range and Mt. Agtuuganon-Pasian Range found in these provinces.Several mining applications, claims and reserves of the TNCs/MNCs in the area are presently threatening destruction of ecosystems.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) acted like private armies of plunderers are backing this up to the detriment of Mother Nature and the people. But resistance of the peasants, indigenous peoples, and various sectors will continue. Hence we from PANALIPDAN!-SMR denounce the ongoing militarization and development aggression which has taken a toll on civilian rights and the environment.

We demand the stop of militarization and development aggression in ComVal Province and Davao Oriental, the stop of the implementation of Oplan Bantay Laya 2 and Investment Defense Force.

We are calling for the pull-out of the 28th IBPA, 30th IBPA, 72nd IBPA, 67th IBPA, Special Forces, and Scout Rangers Battalion in rural areas. We urge everyone to defend our national patrimony, environment and natural resources from plunder and to join us in seeking for justice for all victims of human rights violations.

Fr. Medardo Salomia
Vice –Chairperson
PANALIPDAN – SMR

(Panalipdan!-Southern Mindanao is a group membering environmental advocates and activists, church people, academe, youth, farmers, Moro and indigenous groups united in the defense of the environment, food security, land rights and national patrimony.)

Published in Mindanews on May 7, 2008

STATEMENT: Militarization In Mindanao Continues

Published in Mindanao Examiner

PRESS STATEMENT

Investment Defense Force swarming over mineral-rich areas; primary culprit behind the flooding of human rights violations in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental provinces.

The heightening militarization in the rural areas of Compostela Valley Province and Davao Oriental, provinces which are major mining, logging and biofuel sites in the country is but part of the Investment Defense Force (IDF) which was formed by the Arroyo government early this year to secure the country's vital investments.

The massive military deployment and operations of composite units of 28th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, 72nd IB, 67th IB, 30th IB, Special Forces, and Scout Rangers battalion are the actual implementation of the IDF to facilitate the entry and/or to protect the interests of foreign large-scale mining and pesticides-dependent mono-crop plantation companies.

Many indigenous people, particularly Mansaka and Mandaya, and peasant settlers are displaced by militarization and development aggression. Some of them were hurt physically and tortured mentally in the course of military operations.

At the first quarter of this year, around 410 families were forcibly displaced from Baganga and Cateel towns in Davao Oriental. At the start of the second quarter, around 104 Mandaya and Mansaka families have already been victims of forcible displacement/evacuation in New Bataan Compostela Valley.

In Barangay Mangayon in Compostela, an Ata-Matigsalug Village complains of cases of torture, physical injuries and harassment against 5 residents of which 2 are children. The same community complained of military encampment in civilian houses which is a direct violation of international humanitarian laws.

Appallingly, state-perpetrated human rights violations and atrocities heighten as mining companies of Transnational/Multinational Corporations continue to threaten the communities and fragile surrounding ecosystems - Key Biodiversity Areas - Mt. Kampalili-Puting Bato Range and Mt. Agtuuganon-Pasian Range found in these provinces.

Several mining applications, claims and reserves of the TNCs/MNCs in the area are presently threatening destruction of ecosystems. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) acted like private armies of plunderers are backing this up to the detriment of Mother Nature and the people.

But resistance of the peasants, indigenous peoples, and various sectors will continue.

Hence we from PANALIPDAN!-SMR denounce the ongoing militarization and development aggression which has taken a toll on civilian rights and the environment.

We demand the stop of militarization and development aggression in ComVal Province and Davao Oriental, the stop of the implementation of Oplan Bantay Laya 2 and Investment Defense Force. We are calling for the pull-out of the 28th IBPA, 30th IBPA, 72nd IBPA, 67th IBPA, Special Forces, and Scout Rangers Battalion in rural areas.

We urge everyone to defend our national patrimony, environment and natural resources from plunder and to join us in seeking for justice for all victims of human rights violations.

Fr. Medardo Salomia
Vice –Chairperson

PANALIPDAN – SMR (Panalipdan!-Southern Mindanao is a group composed mostly of environmental advocates, church people, academe, youth, farmers, Moro and indigenous groups united in the defense of the environment, food security, land rights and national patrimony.)