Source: DurianBurgDavao
April 25, 2010
Davao City, April 22 — 118 torches were lit around the Freedom Park in a tribute to the nation’s 118 ethnolinguistic tribes who serve as the guardians and stewards of the Earth.
In commemoration of the 40th Earth Day, more than 118 lumads clad in their traditional attire together with environmental advocates will hold a symbolic action for unity in advancing stronger environmental protection.
KATRIBU Partylist and PANALIPDAN (Defend!) unveiled a 6-foot tall billboard which enumerates their ten major fighting calls for environmental defense.
“This environmental agenda highlights our calls to reclaim our environmental rights, our human rights amidst the worsening ruin and exploitation of the environment. This is our statement against development aggression which has spawned tragedies after tragedies, deprived us of the fruits of our land, and caused the wanton landlessness and poverty that majority of lumads and poor Filipinos are suffering from,” said Diolito Diarog, coordinator for KATRIBU Davao City.
As a symbolic affirmation of their commitment to protect Mother Earth, lumad leaders and environmental advocates signed and marked their handprints on the billboard.
The agenda primarily calls for the stop of large-scale corporate mining , energy, logging and other destructive projects which shall be pursued by KATRIBU and its support groups in the local and national policy-making venues. The billboard shall be transferred from different schools in Davao Region as part of Katribu’s advocacy and education campaigns.
The multicultural gathering peaked in a torch parade to show the unity of sectors for environmental defense.
Other groups who participated in the activity were KADUMAHAN, SAGIP, Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. (MISFI), Kabiba, Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC) and other political groups such as the Satur Ocampo for Senator Movement, Liza Maza for Senator Movement and other individual environmentalists.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
NEWS: Illegal loggers behind Camangyan murder
Source: DurianBurgDavao
August 18, 2010
Illegal loggers were behind the killing of broadcaster Desidario Camangyan, according to an environmental activist.
Benedictine Sister Stella Matutina said the 52-year old Camangyan was an anti-logging activist and was killed despite wielding sort of influence being a broadcast journalist.
This means, according to Matutina, that environmental activists in Davao Oriental could expect a similar bloody consequence.
Camangyan, noted for his anti-logging commentaries over radio station Sunrise FM in Mati City, was gunned down while hosting a singing contest in Mabini, Davao Oriental.
Matutina of pro-environment non-governmental organization Panalipdan said the Camangyan killing should lead environmentalists to rethink their battle to stop illegal logging and mining activities in the province.
Matutina, like other activists in the province, herself has received death threats for her environmental campaign.
Illegal logging is rampant in the province and object of a government campaign. On September 10 last year, the provincial environment officer, Eulogio Baltazar, was shot dead at a restaurant in Mati City.
But while she said that environmental activists should be worried about their safety, she said keeping their watch down could mean illegal loggers and miners would be emboldened to further violate the environment.
Police have yet to establish the motive behind the killing, but Davao Regional Police spokesman Supt. Querubin Manalang said Camangyan’s murder could have been due to his commentaries against illegal logging and mining.
We are also looking at the political angle, he said.
August 18, 2010
Illegal loggers were behind the killing of broadcaster Desidario Camangyan, according to an environmental activist.
Benedictine Sister Stella Matutina said the 52-year old Camangyan was an anti-logging activist and was killed despite wielding sort of influence being a broadcast journalist.
This means, according to Matutina, that environmental activists in Davao Oriental could expect a similar bloody consequence.
Camangyan, noted for his anti-logging commentaries over radio station Sunrise FM in Mati City, was gunned down while hosting a singing contest in Mabini, Davao Oriental.
Matutina of pro-environment non-governmental organization Panalipdan said the Camangyan killing should lead environmentalists to rethink their battle to stop illegal logging and mining activities in the province.
Matutina, like other activists in the province, herself has received death threats for her environmental campaign.
Illegal logging is rampant in the province and object of a government campaign. On September 10 last year, the provincial environment officer, Eulogio Baltazar, was shot dead at a restaurant in Mati City.
But while she said that environmental activists should be worried about their safety, she said keeping their watch down could mean illegal loggers and miners would be emboldened to further violate the environment.
Police have yet to establish the motive behind the killing, but Davao Regional Police spokesman Supt. Querubin Manalang said Camangyan’s murder could have been due to his commentaries against illegal logging and mining.
We are also looking at the political angle, he said.
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.
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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.
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.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
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.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
NEWS: Panalipdan hits proposed “win-win solution” in using Tamugan River
Source: Davao Today
December 9, 2009
DAVAO CITY—Environmental rights network, Panalipdan–Southern Mindanao expressed an indignant response to the so called ‘win-win solution’ proposed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) on the water sharing of Hedcor-Aboitiz and Davao City Water District (DCWD) of the Tamugan-Panigan rivers.
“The issue on the utilization of the Tamugan – Panigan rivers and watershed is not about what agency has the right to use it or if it could be shared by the DCWD and Hedcor. The main issue that should be addressed is how these agencies should keep their hands off this watershed that is categorized as critical and is in fact off-limits to any developmental use by virtue of the Davao City Watershed Code,” said Francis Morales, spokesperson – convener of Panalipdan – SMR.
“It is lamentable that the Unesco and DOST forum have given more importance to the corporate interests of companies who are after our watershed rather than upholding the people’s rights to water and the protection of the Tamugan – Panigan watershed from corporate plunder and destruction,” Morales added.
Panalipdan–SMR has long been campaigning for the cancellation of Hedcor’s environmental compliance certificate (ECC) as well as the National Water Regulatory Board’s (NWRB) nod to Hedcors application for water rights permit.
Morales also pointed out that the win-win solution being proposed by Hedcor, DOST and the Unesco may be part of conditioning the public opinion to the eventual DCWD-Hedcor collaboration in sharing of the rivers.
“We urge the City Council to act prudently on this matter which underscores environmental protection and defense of the peoples’ consumer rights in contrast to the systematic plunder of our water resources for corporate gain and profit,” Morales urged.
Citing a statement of University of the Philippines economist Dr. Maria Diokno-Pascual, Panalipdan-SMR debunked the urgent necessity for additional energy supply for Mindanao.
In her study of the Hedcor project, Pascual said the threat of a power crisis has been often used to force the public to accept their power projects. “Often times when you look at the time when the supposed crisis should have hit, the supply of electricity is in abundance because of the wrong projections made.” She also pointed out that Mindanao has the least energy requirement as compared to the Visayas and Luzon.”
“Our network, which is composed of 36 environmental and peoples’ organizations in the region, is similarly alarmed that the DCWD’s proposed surface water development in the watershed may lead to the privatization of the DCWD which is among the few remaining public water utilities in the country,” Morales added.
Morales also said that surface water development projects in Cagayan, Manila, Iloilo and in other provinces have ultimately led to the privatization of water utilities as these kinds of projects require huge budget—a situation that paves the way for corporate take-over.
December 9, 2009
DAVAO CITY—Environmental rights network, Panalipdan–Southern Mindanao expressed an indignant response to the so called ‘win-win solution’ proposed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) on the water sharing of Hedcor-Aboitiz and Davao City Water District (DCWD) of the Tamugan-Panigan rivers.
“The issue on the utilization of the Tamugan – Panigan rivers and watershed is not about what agency has the right to use it or if it could be shared by the DCWD and Hedcor. The main issue that should be addressed is how these agencies should keep their hands off this watershed that is categorized as critical and is in fact off-limits to any developmental use by virtue of the Davao City Watershed Code,” said Francis Morales, spokesperson – convener of Panalipdan – SMR.
“It is lamentable that the Unesco and DOST forum have given more importance to the corporate interests of companies who are after our watershed rather than upholding the people’s rights to water and the protection of the Tamugan – Panigan watershed from corporate plunder and destruction,” Morales added.
Panalipdan–SMR has long been campaigning for the cancellation of Hedcor’s environmental compliance certificate (ECC) as well as the National Water Regulatory Board’s (NWRB) nod to Hedcors application for water rights permit.
Morales also pointed out that the win-win solution being proposed by Hedcor, DOST and the Unesco may be part of conditioning the public opinion to the eventual DCWD-Hedcor collaboration in sharing of the rivers.
“We urge the City Council to act prudently on this matter which underscores environmental protection and defense of the peoples’ consumer rights in contrast to the systematic plunder of our water resources for corporate gain and profit,” Morales urged.
Citing a statement of University of the Philippines economist Dr. Maria Diokno-Pascual, Panalipdan-SMR debunked the urgent necessity for additional energy supply for Mindanao.
In her study of the Hedcor project, Pascual said the threat of a power crisis has been often used to force the public to accept their power projects. “Often times when you look at the time when the supposed crisis should have hit, the supply of electricity is in abundance because of the wrong projections made.” She also pointed out that Mindanao has the least energy requirement as compared to the Visayas and Luzon.”
“Our network, which is composed of 36 environmental and peoples’ organizations in the region, is similarly alarmed that the DCWD’s proposed surface water development in the watershed may lead to the privatization of the DCWD which is among the few remaining public water utilities in the country,” Morales added.
Morales also said that surface water development projects in Cagayan, Manila, Iloilo and in other provinces have ultimately led to the privatization of water utilities as these kinds of projects require huge budget—a situation that paves the way for corporate take-over.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
STATEMENT: Save Davao Region's Rivers!
SAVE DAVAO REGION'S RIVERS
RESIST PSEUDO-DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS GEARED FOR CORPORATE PROFIT AND CAPITALIST PLUNDER!
Statement of PANALIPDAN – Southern Mindanao
for the International Day of Action for Rivers
March 14, 2009
On the International Day of Action for Rivers, PANALIPDAN*- Southern Mindanao enjoins the people of Davao to join hands and collectively assert the peoples' rights to water resources and unite in the protection of our rivers and water systems.
Today our rivers are threatened with the encroachment of projects implemented under the guise of development and progress that are crafted within the anti-people, and anti-environment framework of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) that by all means espouses and facilitates globalization policies at the expense of the Filipino people's land, resources and food security.
The influx of large-scale foreign mining, small scale mining funded by foreign corporations, hydro-power and mega dams, mono-crop and agro-plantations, and other foreign investments that are geared for capitalist profits have caused irreparable damages on our rivers, water systems, forests and agricultural lands as well as on the people.
In Davao City, the Talomo-Lipadas rivers are in a critical state, contaminated with toxic chemicals after several years of aerial spraying and unregulated use of fertilizers within the surrounding banana plantations in the area. Traces of lead and nitrate have been found in these rivers which is Davao City's main source of the world-famed “dumoy” water, hailed as the second cleanest water in the world.
Also threatened for the construction of a hydro-power project is the Tamugan – Panigan Watershed Areas in Davao City. HEDCOR Inc., a multi-million company owned by Aboitiz, plans to generate electricity and targets an annual income of Php 6 Billion from the project by diverting the Tamugan and Panigan rivers alarming Davao City residents due to consequences that that the project will pose on the 40,000 – hectare watershed area in the city.
The same company is now constructing a 42.5 megawatt hydropower plant in the sacred ancestral grounds of the Tagabawa – Bagobo lumads and has by far caused the destruction of hectares of coffee and vegetable farms. There is no measure of the dam's impact on the peace and harmony and cultural heritage of the Bagobo tribes.
Meanwhile in Davao Oriental, the mining operations funded by Skynix Holdings Inc. through the seven Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSA) of five companies posing as small scale pose ominous dangers on the Sumlog Watershed which provides irrigation to more than 4,000 hectares of ricefields in Banay – Banay and Lupon towns. Aside from the Sumlog Watershed, these mining operations also threaten the Davao Gulf, the Kingking River, the Caraga River and Tagum Rivers.
The BHP-Billiton-backed Pujada Nickel Project also spells devastation to the farmers, fisherfolks and indigenous peoples who are much dependent on two protected areas, the Pujada Bay and Mt. Hamiguitan which are home to various endangered and endemic water and land species.
With this, we join the millions of people in the world in decrying the onslaught of destructive projects that ruin our rivers and our lives.
The following are the current actions being waged by the different communities in Davao Region for the defense and protection of Davao's threatened rivers and water systems.
Water for Life, Not for Profit!
SAVE DAVAO REGION'S RIVERS!
RESIST PSEUDO-DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS GEARED FOR CORPORATE PROFITEERING AND CAPITALIST PLUNDER!
* PANALIPDAN is a Visayan word meaning “to defend.”
Francis Morales
Spokesperson
PANALIPDAN – Southern Mindanao
RESIST PSEUDO-DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS GEARED FOR CORPORATE PROFIT AND CAPITALIST PLUNDER!
Statement of PANALIPDAN – Southern Mindanao
for the International Day of Action for Rivers
March 14, 2009
On the International Day of Action for Rivers, PANALIPDAN*- Southern Mindanao enjoins the people of Davao to join hands and collectively assert the peoples' rights to water resources and unite in the protection of our rivers and water systems.
Today our rivers are threatened with the encroachment of projects implemented under the guise of development and progress that are crafted within the anti-people, and anti-environment framework of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) that by all means espouses and facilitates globalization policies at the expense of the Filipino people's land, resources and food security.
The influx of large-scale foreign mining, small scale mining funded by foreign corporations, hydro-power and mega dams, mono-crop and agro-plantations, and other foreign investments that are geared for capitalist profits have caused irreparable damages on our rivers, water systems, forests and agricultural lands as well as on the people.
In Davao City, the Talomo-Lipadas rivers are in a critical state, contaminated with toxic chemicals after several years of aerial spraying and unregulated use of fertilizers within the surrounding banana plantations in the area. Traces of lead and nitrate have been found in these rivers which is Davao City's main source of the world-famed “dumoy” water, hailed as the second cleanest water in the world.
Also threatened for the construction of a hydro-power project is the Tamugan – Panigan Watershed Areas in Davao City. HEDCOR Inc., a multi-million company owned by Aboitiz, plans to generate electricity and targets an annual income of Php 6 Billion from the project by diverting the Tamugan and Panigan rivers alarming Davao City residents due to consequences that that the project will pose on the 40,000 – hectare watershed area in the city.
The same company is now constructing a 42.5 megawatt hydropower plant in the sacred ancestral grounds of the Tagabawa – Bagobo lumads and has by far caused the destruction of hectares of coffee and vegetable farms. There is no measure of the dam's impact on the peace and harmony and cultural heritage of the Bagobo tribes.
Meanwhile in Davao Oriental, the mining operations funded by Skynix Holdings Inc. through the seven Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSA) of five companies posing as small scale pose ominous dangers on the Sumlog Watershed which provides irrigation to more than 4,000 hectares of ricefields in Banay – Banay and Lupon towns. Aside from the Sumlog Watershed, these mining operations also threaten the Davao Gulf, the Kingking River, the Caraga River and Tagum Rivers.
The BHP-Billiton-backed Pujada Nickel Project also spells devastation to the farmers, fisherfolks and indigenous peoples who are much dependent on two protected areas, the Pujada Bay and Mt. Hamiguitan which are home to various endangered and endemic water and land species.
With this, we join the millions of people in the world in decrying the onslaught of destructive projects that ruin our rivers and our lives.
The following are the current actions being waged by the different communities in Davao Region for the defense and protection of Davao's threatened rivers and water systems.
- Campaign against the mining operations of Jake Mining, Oro East Mining, Southern Horizon Mining, Eastern Horizon and Viclode Mining under the umbrella of Chinese mining firm Skynix Holdings;
- Campaign against mining giant BHP Billiton;
- Campaign against HEDCOR's hydro-power projects in Sibulan, Sta. Cruz and Tamugan – Panigan – Suawan, Marilog District;
- Campaign for the protection of the Talomo – Lipadas Rivers by the Obo-Klata indigenous peoples in Brgy. Manuel Guianga, Davao City
Water for Life, Not for Profit!
SAVE DAVAO REGION'S RIVERS!
RESIST PSEUDO-DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS GEARED FOR CORPORATE PROFITEERING AND CAPITALIST PLUNDER!
* PANALIPDAN is a Visayan word meaning “to defend.”
Francis Morales
Spokesperson
PANALIPDAN – Southern Mindanao
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
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.
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.
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