Leaders from mining hotspots in Luzon led a 300-strong crowd in rallying in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) national office in Quezon City to call for secretary Gina Lopez to investigate corruption allegations among her officials.

Among the previous and current DENR officials the protesters identified as being liable for previously filed cases and complaints were former secretary Ramon Paje, former Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) director and now senior undersecretary Leo Jasareno, Environmental Management Bureau director Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna, former Eastern Visayas MGB regional director and now assistant secretary Nonita Cagiuoa, and former Central Luzon MGB regional director and now MGB assistant director Atty. Danilo Uykieng.

“The mining audit has resulted in the cancellation and suspension of ten mining projects, including in Zambales, Palawan, Bulacan and Surigao del Norte. This is a commendable development under the leadership of Sec. Lopez, the only DENR chief who has been sincere so far in fulfilling the agency’s mandate,” ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garganera said in a statement.

“However, we also call for serious reforms within the DENR, and for its leadership to investigate and hold accountable liable officials found to have abused their authorities or violated their mandates or engaged in corruption. The sycophants and ‘doble-cara’ have no place in the campaign for reforms in the DENR,” Garganera added.

Majority of the protesters came from mining-affected communities in Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Zambales, Bulacan, Masbate, Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. They threw pictures of alleged corrupt officials in a crafted trashcan as their symbolic call to reform and revamp the department.

Alyansa Tigil Mina filed a complaint in the Office of the Ombudsman against Paje, Jasareno and 20 other officials of the previous DENR administration last year for violating the Anti-Graft Law and the Local Government Code.

​

Judy Pasimio, coordinator of LILAK (Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights) said: “Lives of indigenous women, men and children have been taken violently in the defense of their lands against mining operations. There have been actions and inactions by DENR officials which paved the way for the mining companies to encroach upon ancestral domains and caused devastation among communities. DENR officials have to be made accountable. Accountability is an imperative for any meaningful and substantive reforms.”

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Lopez has spoken of the need to rid the DENR of corrupt officials since she accepted her post.

​

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their civil society support groups which oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, repeal of the 1995 Mining Act, and passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill.

For photos and videos of the lightning rally, go to https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-SCEYNN-_aebVY0WlZ2Y3V3M2s&usp=sharing (Credit: Alyansa Tigil Mina)

CONTACT:

Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator, 09175498218 – nc@alyansatigilmina.net

Karl Isaac Santos, Media and Communications Officer, 09173011934 – media.comms@alyansatigilmina.net

Anti-mining protesters today stormed the venue of the annual international mining conference sponsored by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.

Members of the national coalition Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) unfurled a banner with the message “Miners: Keep Off PH! You are liable for people’s suffering!” inside the Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom, during the formal opening of the 2016 Mining Philippines International Conference and Mine Exhibition. They also chanted “Mining companies, out now! Out now!”

“Responsible mining is a myth, and the mining industry, particularly the Chamber of Mines, is driven by nothing more than greed,” exclaimed ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garganera, who led the group of protestors.

“Our science-based research evidence include contamination of water and rivers, encroachment in protected areas, laterite intrusion in farmland, air pollution from dust due to blasting and truck holdings. This includes mining sites in Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya;  Sta. Cruz, Zambales;  Marinduque;  Manicani, Eastern Samar; Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.” he added.

The lightning rally was part of ATM’s week-long series of actions against mining. The alliance will support Senator Risa Hontiveros’ filing of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill tomorrow (Thursday). It also organized a protest yesterday (Tuesday) of leaders of mining-affected communities at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which led to a dialogue with secretary Gina Lopez.

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NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their civil society support groups which oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, repeal of the 1995 Mining Act, and passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill.

For photos and videos of the lightning rally, go to https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-SCEYNN-_aebVY0WlZ2Y3V3M2s&usp=sharing (Credit: Alyansa Tigil Mina)

CONTACT:

Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator, 09175498218 – nc@alyansatigilmina.net

Karl Isaac Santos, Media and Communications Officer, 09173011934 – media.comms@alyansatigilmina.net

It’s time to end the destructive mining regime! Ensure accountability and justice for all mining-related violations and abuses!

Alyansa Tigil Mina, a national coalition of mining-affected communities and their support groups collectively confronting the aggressive promotion of destructive large-scale mining in the Philippines, welcome the beginning of reforms and positive changes in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Aware of the worsening mining situation in the country, the Duterte administration has been making strides in reviewing mining operations through the mining audits and ordering the cancellation and suspension of some eight (8) mining projects in Zambales, Palawan, Bulacan and Surigao del Norte. We are elated that the new DENR Sec. Regina Paz “Gina” Lopez has been active in fulfilling the agency’s mandate, and openly engaging civil society organizations as a DENR partner.

However, we also call for serious institutional reforms in the agency to address issues of corruption and accountability of officials. While RA7942 or the Mining Act of 1995 legitimated the destructive mining regime for the past two decades, we also believe that there were serious lapses on the part of its implementers—the DENR officials who turned a blind eye against environmental and human rights violations, and negative impacts of mining in favor of mining companies.

Mining-affected communities have filed reports, complaints and cases on this. One specific case is the complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman in October 2015 against then DENR Sec. Ramon Paje, then Mines and Geosciences Bureau Director now Senior Usec. Leo Jasareno and twenty others, for violation of Section 3 (e) of RA3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices and several provisions of RA7160 or the Local Government Code. The complainants claim “despite widespread degradation and destruction of the environment in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, no penalties were imposed on the mining companies and left their activities unchecked.” The mining companies Benguet Corporation Nickel Mines, David M. Consunji Inc., Eramen Minerals Inc., Filipinas Mining Corporation Inc., LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc., and Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation were referred in the case.

Four of these companies have been issued suspension order by Sec. Lopez. Meanwhile, concerned officials were not held liable and some were even promoted. Alyansa Tigil Mina asserts that this is an important concern that needs to be looked into. The DENR can only genuinely fulfill its mandate if the organization is not tainted with corruption and illegal activities.

We strongly urge the DENR leadership to investigate and hold accountable liable officials found to have abused their authorities or violated their mandates, or engaged in corruption. No reforms are complete and sustainable if there is no accountability. The sycophants and “doble-cara” have no place in the campaign for reforms in the DENR.

As a way forward, begin with then MGB Dir. Jasareno. Make him accountable to his actions and inactions as MGB Director in the past administration, which led to the different forms of violations of rights of the communities. It’s time to end the destructive mining regime! Ensure accountability and justice for all mining-related violations and abuses! End the greed and injustices towards the people.

— For more information contact: Jaybee Garganera, nc@alyansatigilmina.net / 0917-5498218; Farah Sevilla, policy@alyansatigilmina.net / 0923.5122374

Environment and human rights advocates mobilized in front of the Senate today to support Senator Risa Hontiveros’ filing of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB).

Three hundred supporters from mining-affected communities, Alyansa Tigil Mina, Akbayan, Aniban ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura, Philippine Misereor Partnership, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice and Sanlakas—all members of Save our Sovereignty-Yamang Bayan (SOS-YB) Network— also urged other senators to back the bill.

“With the over-generous fiscal incentives regime of the Mining Act and other laws, multinational corporations only need to leave us with loose change in exchange for our mineral resources, destroying communities as well as the environment in their wake,” the SOS-YB network stated. “We call for the passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill to guarantee that mining will actually benefit the Filipino people and prioritize food security, environmental protection, and sustainable development.”

Hontiveros, who as Akbayan representative first filed the alternative mining bill in the 14th Congress, said: “There is a need to overhaul our current mining policy. It’s time for mining companies to ensure that their operations do not harm the environment and are a source of contribution to the community.” She added the need to factor climate change in the mining policy framework by inculcating environmental tax and the establishment of a Calamity and Human Rights Protection Fund.

Hontiveros also led the filing of a 2013 petition to the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the economic provisions of the 1995 Mining Act.

The AMMB has been filed in the Lower House by Ifugao representative Teddy Brawner Baguilat and Agusan Del Norte’s first district Rep. Lawrence Fortun (as House Bill No. 113), Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao (HB54), and Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin (HB2633).

“We are hopeful that the AMMB will finally be prioritized by this Congress. There are mountains of evidence to prove that the current mining law is flawed and outdated. It has failed to contribute to the Philippine economy and has more negative impacts on than benefits for communities,” said Dr. Benito Molino, chairperson of Concerned Citizens of Sta. Cruz, Zambales.

“While the bill is still pending in Congress, our call in the SOS YB Network is for a moratorium on all mining operations,” Molino added.

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NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Alyansa Tigil Mina is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their civil society support groups which oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, repeal of the 1995 Mining Act, and passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill.

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

For photos of the march and the filing, go to https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-SCEYNN-_aeRXhwRVFJZFJrZDg&usp=sharing (Credit: Alyansa Tigil Mina)

​

CONTACT:

Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator, 09175498218 – nc@alyansatigilmina.net

Karl Isaac Santos, Media and Communications Officer, 09173011934 – media.comms@alyansatigilmina.net

Civil society network Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) today launched a series of mobilizations and other actions this week to push for the passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill.

A highlight of their solidarity week of actions, set to coincide with an international mining conference, will be Senator Risa Hontiveros’ filing of the AMMB in the Senate on Thursday.

Hontiveros, who led the filing of a 2013 petition to the Supreme Court which challenged the constitutionality of the 1995 Mining Act, said she supports ATM’s call to suspend all mining operations in the country and comprehensively review all existing mining applications.

“I also support the call for a thorough investigation on the economic benefits of mining. Once and for all, let the facts speak for themselves if the mining industry truly serves the strategic interests and welfare of our nation,” she added.

The alternative mining bill also provides stronger social and environmental safeguards compared to the current mining policy, said Ifugao representative Teddy Brawner Baguilat, who co-filed it last June 30 with Agusan Del Norte’s first district Rep. Lawrence Fortun as House Bill No. 113.

“In the last four years alone, at least four major disasters related to mining occurred and irreparably damaged various ecosystems,” Baguilat said. “Mining sites likewise continue to invite conflict, violence and human rights violations.”

Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao and Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin have also filed their versions of the AMMB in the Lower House.

ATM National Coordinator Jaybee Garganera said they welcome the Duterte administration’s crackdown on mining firms through the ongoing mining audit. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez has called for a review of the Mining Act, calling it an “unfair” law. President Rodrigo Duterte has also remarked that the Philippines can and will survive without the mining industry.

“Our alliance welcomes the mining audit, a standing commitment from the previous administration, even as we recognize its limitations. The mining industry must uphold not just the strictest environmental standards but also the rights of mining-affected communities and the rest of the Filipino people,” he said.

Other speakers in the press event were Judy Pasimio of Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights (LILAK), Governor Carlos Padilla of Nueva Vizcaya, and Fr. Edu Gariguez of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace, who all highlighted the different mining issues of affected communities and the need to address them.

Gov. Padilla, who has championed the AMMB even in his time in the House of Representatives, said: “Repealing the Mining Act of 1995 is imperative. The current policy is flawed, exploitative and already outdated.”

Garganera also warned against the use of charter change to “open the gates for destructive and extractive industries, primarily mining.”

###

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their civil society support groups which oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, repeal of the 1995 Mining Act, and passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill.

For photos and videos of the lightning rally, go to https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-SCEYNN-_aebVY0WlZ2Y3V3M2s&usp=sharing (Credit: Alyansa Tigil Mina)

CONTACT:

Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator, 09175498218 – nc@alyansatigilmina.net

Karl Isaac Santos, Media and Communications Officer, 09173011934 – media.comms@alyansatigilmina.net

It’s time to end the destructive mining regime! Enact the Alternative Minerals Management Bill!

On August 23-25, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) is again hosting an International Mining Conference and Exhibit in Manila with the theme “Realizing the Potentials of the Mining Industry in a New Regime”, anticipating that the Duterte Administration is going to be put in place policies in favor of their agenda. This conference and exhibit is an annual event where the Philippines is packaged as a mining capital with mineral wealth ready for extraction.

On the other end of this pro-mining event is the strong voice of mining-affected communities and their support groups calling for an end to the destructive mining regime.And so today, we start our Anti-Mining Solidarity Week of Actions with the call: Wakasan ang pagdurusa, Hustisya (para) sa mga biktima ng mapanirang pagmimina! (End the suffering, justice for all victims of destructive mining!). We urge the current administration to work towards progressive policies that will safeguard the people’s rights and well-being. President Duterte himself said that the mining and logging industries are sunset industries that he will gradually end, while the secretary for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Sec. Regina Paz “Gina” Lopez found the current mining law (RA7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995) unfair—skewed towards the mining companies, and not towards the welfare and benefit of people.

For the past two decades, RA7942 led to the rape and plunder of our lands and mineral wealth. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Executive 270-A, a national policy agenda revitalizing the mining industry, aggravated this. Both policies focus on the exploitation of our mineral reserves. However instead of providing more benefits, it does more harm to our poverty situation and fiscal problems. The industry sought to boost our economy only contributes less than 1% (0.6-0.7%) in our GDP and less than 1% (0.6%) in job creation, while destroying mountains, watershed areas, protected areas, rivers and seas, agricultural lands and ancestral domains, and affecting other more sustainable industries. RA7942 perpetuatedinjustices and sufferings to mining-affected communities. It led to the destruction of the environment and made communities more prone disasters; it led to social conflicts and human rights violations.

Our solution is the repeal of RA7942 and the enactment of the Philippine Mineral Resources Act also known as the Alternative Minerals Management Bill. The bill presents a sustainable, need-based, rational minerals management policy framework geared towards the effective utilization of our mineral resources and ensures equitable sharing of benefits for the state, IPs and local communities. The AMMB addresses the flaws of the current mining law and is consistent in promoting environmental and human rights, and sustainable development. We urge the President to certify this bill as urgent and to Congress to prioritize its enactment.

We assert that “responsible mining” is a myth.  The reality is that the mining industry in general and the COMP, in particular, is driven by nothing more than greed. The different cases of the sites of struggles show how the extraction of mineral resources from our lands has only brought about more poverty, tragedies and injustices. The injustice must end and mining companies must be held accountable for their actions and inactions. Mining must be stopped NOW!

It’s time to end the current destructive mining regime! End the greed and injustices towards the people.  Enact the Alternative Minerals Management Bill!

​

— For more information contact: Jaybee Garganera, nc@alyansatigilmina.net / 0917-5498218; Farah Sevilla, policy@alyansatigilmina.net / 0923.5122374

Contact: Gibby, 0917-558-3823

I stand in solidarity with the Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) in its call to suspend all mining operations in the country and comprehensively review all existing mining applications. There is a dire need to review the licenses of all mining companies in the country to ensure the environmental protection of the affected areas. In the spirit of transparency, the people need to know what companies and mining areas, including places near settlements and bioderversity areas, are compliant with their respective environmental compliance certificates (ECCs), if there are any, and those that have repeated records of abuse and exploitation. They must be stopped.

I also support the call for a thorough investigation on the economic benefits of mining since I believe this industry has caused far more damage to our environment and patently violated people’s rights. Once and for all, let the facts speak themselves if the mining industry truly serves the strategic interests and welfare of our nation.

Mining operations for a long time have caused displacement of many communities where thousands of local residents, especially the indigenous people (IPs), were massively displaced and their homes illegally demolished just to give way to mining activities. Notwithstanding the lives reported lost due to the intimidations and violence allegedly committed by mining corporations.

Mining likewise threatens the health and safety of our people through the illegal dumping of wastes and tailings into our rivers and seas. Many mining communities were  also subjected to poor health and safety conditions.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on the Health and Demography, I join the ATM in their call that we should be relentless in protecting our peoples’ health and safety, our environment, our families and our communities from the abuses of mining. We denounce these violations against our people and natural resources.

​

I will be soon filing the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB) at the Senate to replace the existing Mining Act. The bill, which was crafted with the help of different advocates such as the ATM, is anchored on land and natural resources management and human rights-based approach. The bill aims to regulate the rational exploration, development and utilization of mineral resources and ensure the equitable sharing of benefits for the state, indigenous peoples and local communities.

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With the help of the different people’s organizations and advocates, I am confident that we will pass this important measure. #

Alyansa Tigil Mina, an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups from civil society, which opposes the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines, is strongly supporting the Indigenous Peoples (IP) and Indigenous Cultural Communities.

As we commemorate the World’s Indigenous Peoples Day today, we reiterate our firm support in their assertion of their right to self-determination, and their struggle against development aggression, including large-scale and destructive mining. . The IPs have long been fighting against the encroachment of big mining firms on their ancestral domains.  Their land, waters, trees,  and other source of livelihood have been  destroyed in the name of big business and profit.  Places of worship, burial grounds  and other sites of cultural practices have been desecrated.

Despite the passage of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 or IPRA, the violation of the IPs  rights has persisted with both the State and big business in collaboration with one another.   The condition in IP communities has worsened with the use of the military, private armies and investment defense forces resulting to extrajudicial killings, massacres, harassment and intimidation of IP and their leaders openly resisting and opposing mining.

Just like what happened with the Tampakan, almost 4 years have passed when the Capcion family (a B’laan mother and with her two sons­) was killed helplessly after their head declared a tribal war against Sagittarius Mines Inc.   Justice has yet to be served to almost 144 IP environmentalists that are victims of extrajudicial killings!

While we welcome the pro-people and pro-environment declarations of the Duterte government, and its commitment to institute significant reforms in the mining industry to ensure sustainable development, we challenge President Rodrigo R. Duterte to:

1. Investigate IP killings and violations

2. Prioritize the Passage of Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB)

3. Incorporate social, HR issues in on-going environmental audit of DENR

4. Fast-track the issuance and awarding of Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADTs)

Until the fight of the IPs against mining corporations is not over, Alyansa Tigil Mina will stand with them in their struggle for their collective rights!

Signed:

Philippine Human Rights Information Center (PhilRights)

Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA)

The Climate Reality Project Philippines

Bayay Sibuyanon Inc.

Baywatch

Fr. Pete Montallana  of Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance Inc. and Indigenous Peoples -Apostolate- Diocese of Infanta

Philippine Association for Intercultural Development

Ang Aroroy Ay Alagaan (4A’s)

Didipio Earth Savers Multipurpose Inc. (DESAMA)

Marian Women Producers Cooperative

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NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their civil society support groups which oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, repeal of the 1995 Mining Act, and passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill.

For photos and videos of the lightning rally, go to https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-SCEYNN-_aebVY0WlZ2Y3V3M2s&usp=sharing (Credit: Alyansa Tigil Mina)

CONTACT:

Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator, 09175498218 – nc@alyansatigilmina.net

Karl Isaac Santos, Media and Communications Officer, 09173011934 – media.comms@alyansatigilmina.net

With a 47-year history of prophetic  engagement, as an Association of consecrated persons, making visible God’s merciful Face through our congregational  charisms and in solidarity with the suffering and marginalized peoples,

WE, the Association of Major Religious Superiors for Women in the Philippines (AMRSWP), represented by 91 women religious superiors coming from 76 congregations, together with our Mission Partners and lay workers,  gathered at the Central Luzon State University in the Science City of Munoz, the Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija from July 11-15, 2016. Guided by the theme BECOMING FACES OF GOD’S MERCY TO THE POOR OF HUMANITY AND OF CREATION, we listened to each other, prayed and internalized the theme in our congregations and as an Association.

​

Through this encounter, we deepened our understanding of the empowering partnerships among the marginalized, the local church and congregations, particularly in the pursuit of organic and sustainable farming and in gender-fair local governance of urban poor women relocatees. We recognized the impact of the work of religious congregations with the Yolanda typhoon victims and the displaced families who are struggling to rebuild their lives and homes. We appreciated the magnitude of our Mission Partners’ work with the rural farmers, laborers, urban poor and indigenous peoples; the overseas migrant workers and their families-left-behind; and human trafficking victims. Finally, we witnessed the expanding role and responsibility, along with new and increasing challenges, of the JPICC (Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission) in the local and global movement on climate change and the care of creation.

In these five days of sharing, reflection and realization, we were brought to a re-encounter with God – an experience that evoked in us feelings of awe, love and wonder at His continuing mercy and compassion.

Re-encountering God changes us. True conversion sharpens our sensitivities to goodness , cultural differences, respect for religious diversity, and our reverence for creation.  Converted, we become healers and compassionate weavers of peace, of humane, just and empowering relationships with the poor and marginalized. Transformed, we embrace the feminine at the core of our beings, allowing us to give birth to sustainable systemic changes.

In our constant efforts to embody God’s mercy, the AMRSWP shall continue to discern Gospel imperatives that are inclusive and that uphold the inherent dignity of humanity and creation.  Encountering God in human vulnerabilities and in the lives of the poor and marginalized is the wellspring of our courage to seek new ways of being and becoming Church.

In this light, the Association supports the vision for systemic change and will relate with the newly-elected government, and in particular with its programs to achieve this, on the basis of principled participation.

We support President Rodrigo R. Duterte and his administration’s peace initiatives in the country and the programs to protect and preserve national sovereignty and patrimony.  We likewise support the empowerment and active participation of the poor and marginalized in governance.  In line with this, we strongly urge the government to pass the implementing policies on land conversion to save green spaces for the coming generations.

On the other hand, steadfast in our mission to be witnesses of God’s mercy and compassion, we will not waver in our resolute stand against government programs, policies and directives that diminish human life and violate the rule of law; perpetuate poverty, corruption and contractualization; disregard human and women’s rights; and endanger our “common home.” (Laudato Si)

Today we are alarmed at the increasing number of extrajudicial killings seemingly perpetrated in the name of the government’s drive to stop drug-trafficking.  The execution of suspects, without due process of law, is a violation of their right to life, the most basic of all human rights.

The AMRSWP believes in and upholds the principle of restorative justice, which can lead to transformation of people, relationships and communities.  Restorative justice is an expression of mercy and compassion — and this is not possible when the life of an offender is taken.

In this Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, our life of consecration and ministry of leadership and stewardship impel us to become faces of God’s Mercy to the poor of humanity and creation:

“We will entrust the life of the Church, all humanity, and the entire cosmos to the

Lordship of Christ, asking Him to pour out His Mercy upon us like the morning dew,

so that everyone may work together to build a brighter future.” (Misericordiae Vultus, 5)

Signed, on this day of July 15, 2016:

AMRSWP Executive Board

Sr. Regina Kuizon, RGS              –            Chairperson

             Sr. Julie Saguibo, SFIC          –          Vice-Chairperson

Board Members

Sr. Niceta Vargas, OSA                                 Sr. Sr. Gertrude Neri, TDM                           Sr. Marife Leslie Luna, LGC

Sr. Josephine Mata, FAS                               Sr. Sofia Taguinod, OP

AMRSP National Secetariat

#28 Acacia St. New Manila, Quezon City

#63-2-6318-948

ATM welcomes the commitment of Sec. Gina Lopez to investigate the planned expansion of mining operations by Oceana Gold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI) in Nueva VIzcaya.  Last July 20, 2016, after meeting the community leaders from the town of Kasibu in Nueva Vizcaya, together with Gov. Carlos Padilla, Sec. Lopez expressed her commitment to “not let the people suffer”, and she instructed MGB Director Leo Jasareno to act on these complaints against OGPI.

Dir. Jasareno assured the group that the MGB will write OGPI and ask the company to justify why their exploration permit for the expansion of their operations should not be withdrawn, given that social acceptability of the project is clearly being withdrawn by the local communities and the provincial government. We also understand that this process might take several days to be completed, after which, the decision to cancel the permit or not will be issued.

ATM believes that due process in the cancellation process for this mining permit is important, and we recognize the efforts of all parties to resolve the issue in the appropriate manner at the soonest possible time. We understand that Sec. Gina Lopez’s pledge to favorably act on the communities demand must undergo the proper procedure of review and due process, under existing guidelines of the DENR.

The alliance fully supports the efforts of Gov. Padilla and his administration to protect the important watershed of Nueva Vizcaya threatened by the expansion of mining, as well as the effort to develop the eco-tourism and massive agriculture production in the province.

We sincerely hope that Sec. Lopez will continue to stand strong on her convictions that we cannot develop an economy that is based on suffering.

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For details please contact:

Jaybee Garganera: ATM National Coordinator, (0917) 549-82-18, nc@alyansatigilmina.net

Quezon City, Philippines – Alyansa Tigil Mina and its international partners question the Mines and Geosciences Bureau decision to allow the Siana Mines operation to continue in Surigao del Norte despite historical reports of mine flooding and underground fire.

The group is also wary of the silence of the government agency pertaining to recent reports of land instability in mines since April. Meanwhile, a release by Siana Mines owner, Red5 Limited, stated that due to the instability of the tailings dam, the milling operations have been suspended.

“This is very terrible that the government has been very careless in its issuances to mining companies. Unfortunately, as in the earlier years of mines, the DENR and MGB seem to have forgotten their role to ensure that the environment is secure in balancing this destructive and exploitative industry,” said Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina.

Further research by members of ATM led to the knowledge that the Siana Mines of Red5 Limited, located in Surigao del Norte, was an abandoned mine previously operated by Surigao Consolidated Mining Co., Inc. which was first opened in the 1940s.However, it closed down during World War II and was reopened in 1946, producing 4,800kg of gold and 8,000kg of silver. It was closed down again due to mine flooding and underground fire.

The abandoned mine site was not rehabilitated until Red5 Limited secured a mining permit in 2002. It was granted an Environmental Compliance Certificate in April 2009 despite a prior scheduled Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan expected late May of the same year.

Dr. Robert Goodland, a Social and Environmental Assessment Specialist and member of the London Working Group on Mining in the Philippines stated, “Siana Mines owner Red5 should certainly not have been allowed to reopen and use the old tailings facility. MGB should know better than that before permitting the reopening without rehabilitating the old facilities. Meanwhile, Red5 Limited should have also known this before it operated in the area—mining under the circumstances was reckless.

“Therefore, a transparent emergency action plan is essential:

1. Immediately halt all milling operations;

2. Immediately alert local authorities and downstream communities of the big risks and encourage them to get out of the way of any breach that looks likely to happen at any time; and 

3. Immediately get MGB to conduct an onsite safety/risk assessment to prevent damage and reduce risks to some semblance of acceptability.

“The major lesson to be learned from this risky episode is that old tailings facilities must have safety assessments before new mining is permitted. Furthermore, to guarantee adequate mine closure and restoration, escrow bonds must be created and updated annually before a mining corporation is permitted to abandon a mine site,” Goodland added.

Reports earlier said that geotechnical experts representing different parties of Red5 have individually concluded that there is an unquantifiable risk in returning the tailings dam to operating status.

Garganera concluded, “At this time when we’re actually facing different threats (both natural and man-made) and risks, this mine should be immediately closed down and rehabilitated. This situation seriously merits a response from the MGB. Consequently, the review of all mining projects in the country should start. Lastly, we urge the NDRMMC at the provincial and regional levels to immediately conduct parallel investigations on this continuing event, so that we can safely determine if there are risks that face the communities in the CARAGA.”

The Siana Gold Project comprises of both an open pit and an underground mine. The project, as originally designed, delivers a minimum 849,000 ounces of gold production at a cash cost of sub US$400 per ounce over a ten-year life.

Alyansa Tigil Mina is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, revocation of EO 270-A, repeal of the Mining Act of 1995, and passage of the AMMB. (30)

For more information:

Dr. Robert Goodland, London Working Group on Mining in the Philippines, rbtgoodland@gmail.com

Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, nc@alyansatigilmina.net, 09277617602
Farah Sevilla, Policy Research&Advocacy Officer, policy@alyansatigilmina.net, 0915-3313361

Anti-mining coalition slams Mining Chamber’s ‘poster boy’ for responsible mining

Says Philex, MGB should completely disclose dealings after August mine tailings accident

Alyansa Tigil Mina criticizes Philex Mining Corporation for how irresponsible and misleading it has been since the accidental discharge of more than thirteen million cubic meters of mine waste from its Padcal mine. This is after Philex said that National Power Corporation (Napocor) has no claim despite damages caused to the state-owned San Roque Watershed Reservation.

“It is very unfortunate and outright irresponsible for Philex to snub the Napocor—only one of the sectors that the mine tailings spill in August damaged. How about the other affected communities then? It is undeniable that the incident has not only affected areas covered by their mining tenement but also areas downstream, affecting fishing and farming communities,” said Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina.

Napocor has since May 10 written to the company to pay Php 6-billion compensation and penalties for damages caused to the watershed’s reservoir. Meanwhile, in a letter to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Philex said that the Napocor’s claims are immaterial.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau, as the government body responsible to evaluate, monitor and investigate mining-related incidences, is expected to respond to this and clarify concerns on payment of damages caused by the mines. ATM demanded that MGB must facilitate negotiations and dialogues between the Napocor and Philex, as well as other stakeholders affected by the mine spill.

“We expect the MGB and Philex to be fully transparent, specifically on reporting to the public how the impacts of the mine tailings is being addressed. They should stop misleading the public about their rehabilitation work and include containing mine wastes in the San Roque reservoir,” added Garganera. ATM has also demanded earlier that the ECC for the tailings ponds of the Padcal mines be made available to all stakeholders, a demand that has remained unfulfilled.

The MGB said that Philex has paid its fine of Php1.034-billion and has been allowed to resume operations in March. However, the agency is yet to disclose to the public how the rehabilitation and damages were dealt with.

“The Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) candidacy status of the Philippines should convince our government and the players in the industry to be transparent in its dealings and operations. This should be a wake-up call especially to MGB to no longer be silent on the damages of mining and focus only in highlighting its promise of economic growth.”

Recently, the government announced that the EITI Board has accepted and approved the Philippines application for candidacy to comply with EITI. EITI is a global platform aimed at ensuring the transparency in the extractive industries and improve fiscal regulation of natural resources extractive activities.

Alyansa Tigil Mina is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, revocation of EO 270-A, repeal of the Mining Act of 1995, and passage of the AMMB. (30)

For more information:

Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, nc@alyansatigilmina.net, 09277617602
Farah Sevilla, Policy Research & Advocacy Officer, policy@alyansatigilmina.net, 0915-3313361

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

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

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

The Figures Don’t Lie
Presently there are nine operational coal-fired power plant a total of 4,278 MW, plus there are an additional 16 approved coal-fired power plant projects already in the pipeline producing a total of 4,552 MW. At the same time, there are already sixty coal mining permits given by the national government. These areenvironmentally-critical projects led by Consunjis, Aboitizes, and Lopezes that benefit from high electricity rates, given the permit to destroy mountains and other ecosystems, affects peoples’ lives, displaces communities, and increase the country’s GHG contribution.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reference:
Gerry, PMCJ National Coordinator – 09328778578 gerry.arances@gmail.com
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator – nc@alyansatigilmina.net
KatLeuch, PACE Coordinator
Valentin de Guzman, PMCJ Campaign Staff

Anti-mining campaigners lead bike tour against Ph mining law
“Sikaran! Tadyakan! Mining Act of 1995 Wakasan!”

MANILA — Anti-mining advocates and bikers led a bike tour from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office to the Supreme Court in Manila today to highlight the negative social and environmental impacts of mining and call to repeal the Mining Act of 1995 (RA 7942).

This is in relation to the upcoming Supreme Court Oral Arguments on a petition questioning the constitutionality of Sections 80 and 81 of RA 7942 and DENR Adm. Order 2007-12 that establishes the supposed income derived from Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs) and Financial and Technical Assistance Agreements (FTAAs) set on June 25.

Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina and one of the convenors of “Tao Muna, Hindi Mina!” Campaign said: “We would like to emphasize the need to revisit the current mining regime, present how mining activities have impacted host communities, and let the public judge if the failed promises of development are worth the social and environmental injustices caused by this destructive industry.”

The “Tao Muna-Hindi Mina!” Campaign puts large-scale mining as a major issue that the government should respond to. It reiterates the cry of mining-affected communities for the government to prioritize people and environment over mining.

Incoming Akbayan Representative Barry Gutierrez also urged the Supreme Court to rule against the constitutionality of the Mining Act of 1995 and vowed to file the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB), a bill being pushed by SOS-Yamang Bayan Network.

The AMMB would serve to offset the negative impacts of mining on the environment, strengthen stakeholder participation in mining contracts and ensure that local communities and the government have a greater share of mining profits.

“The Supreme Court should listen to the millions of voices that are opposed to the current system of mining in the country. The current mining law has only favored the large mining companies at the expense of indigenous peoples, local governments and communities, and the environment,” Gutierrez said.

SOS-Yamang Bayan Network Coordinator Erwin Quiñones further explained: “The petitions for prohibition and mandamus were filed in March 2008 to defend the lives, dignity, livelihood, land, and environment and rights of mining-affected communities and Indigenous Peoples. We believe that we should not allow this policy to legalize the attack against our land and people. Despite our call to the Supreme Court to immediately resolve the constitutionality of Sections 80 and 81 of the Mining Law, we also question the constitutionality of the law as a whole.”

The groups are united in their call to repeal the current mining law and enactment of a pro-people, pro-environment alternative minerals management bill that will be filed as the Congress opens in July 1.

“We’re hopeful that we can pass an alternative mining bill in the incoming 16th Congress and correct the years of disastrous mining policies that came as a result of the current. Mining Act,” Gutierrez concluded.

Garganera and Quiñones spoke in behalf of communities opposing MPSAs and FTAAs in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino Provinces; and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur. The activity was organized in support of lawyers who will represent the petitioners during the Oral Arguments on June 25—a continuation of the initial hearing last April 16 held in Baguio City.

Twenty-five (25) bikers were sent off from DENR in Visayas Ave to Supreme Court in Padre Faura Manila where they were met by a hundred rallyists. (30)

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

For more information:
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, 0927.671.7602, nc@alyansatigilmina.net
Erwin Quiñones, SOS-YB Network Coordinator, 0921.304.4884, erwin.quiñones@lrcksk.org

June 20, 2013

MANILA – Mahigit talumpung (30) siklista ang pumadyak mula Quezon City Memorial Circle at tumungo sa Korte Suprema sa Maynila, para igiit na kailangan ng palitan ang batas sa pagmimina. Naglatag ng kulay berde ang grupo sa mga kalsadang dinaanan nila, dahil naka-suot ng luntiang mga damit ang siklista, na sinamahan pa ng mga naka-motorsiklo at ilang sasakyan na ballot din ng berdeng mga palamuti. Nagkaroon ng maikling paghahatid sa Quezon Memorial Circle na pinangunahan ng bagong kintawan ng AKBAYAN sa Kongreso, na si Congressman-elect Barry Guttierez.

Ang pagpadyak ay tinawag na Sikad-Padyak laban sa Mining Act of 1995. Sikaran! Tadyakan! Mining Act of 1995 Wakasan!

Ginawa ang pagkilos para iparating sa Korte Suprema ang pagtutol ng mga environmentalist sa batas pagmimina o Philippine Mining Act of 1995. Magdadaos ang Kataas-taasang Hukuman ng “Oral Arguments” sa ika-25 ng Hunyo tungkol sa “Constitutionality” ng Philippine Mining Act. Iginiggit ng mga siklista na labag sa Konstitusyon ang batas na ito. Itinuro ng mga nagpo-portesta ang Seksyon 80 at 81 ng batas na syang pumipigil sa gobyerno na kumolekta ng tamang buwis at kita mula sa mga minahan.

Ipinahayag ng mga siklista ang kanilang suporta sa mga organisasyon at ilang local na komunidad na tinututulan ang pagmimina. Ang mga siklista ay galling sa iba\t ibang lugar ng Metro Manila – Valenzuela, Quezon City, Marikina at Maynila. Marami sa kanila ay mga kamag-anak o galling sa mga lugar na merong minahan.

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Nakiisa sa pagkilos ang Alyansa Tigil Mina, at ang mga grupo ng “Tao Muna – Hindi Mina.” Ipinahayag ng partylist group na AKBAYAN na isusulong nila ang bagong panukalang-batas sa pagmimina sa pagbubukas ng Kongreso #

Sa karagdagang mga detalye o impormasyon:

Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, (0927) 761.76.02, nc@alyansatigilmina.net 

Farah Sevilla, ATM Policy Advocacy Officer, (0915) 331.33.61,policy@alyansatigilmina.net

September 6, 2013

Call on Chamber of Mines, government: Stop the Plunder! Tao Muna, Hindi Mina!

Groups led by Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) launched a week-long campaign opposing the Chamber of Mines’ push for more mining investments in the country.

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“Every September since President GMA’s time, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (CoMP) organizes an international mining conference packaging the Philippines as a mining hub. Every year, our groups opposing the current framework of aggressive promotion of large-scale mining, denounce this through our creative actions,” explained Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of ATM on Friday.

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“Destructive large-scale mining is the plunder of our natural wealth, much as the pork barrel scam was a plunder of the taxpayer’s money. This time, we call on the government to no longer allow the plunder of our mineral wealth. Let us find a way to manage our mineral resources and maximize it for our national industrializations,” Garganera added.

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The groups are also lobbying for the review of the current Mining Law (RA7942) and eventually passage of an Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB). Champions in Senate and the House of Representatives support them.

Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner-Baguilat, one of the authors of the AMMB, said: “My Congressional Report on IPs and Mining in the 15th Congress surfaced a lot of mining problems in ancestral domains and indigenous communities.

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“This is why we believe that it is about time to revisit our mining policies and address its flaws. We believe that if my co-legislators are willing and that if all sectors actively participate in the discussions, we can come out with a new policy that allows us to maximize our mineral resources and, at the same time, ensure the protection of our environment and rights of the people.”

The AMMB is currently filed in the two Houses as House Bill No. 984 and Senate Bill No. 43.

Meanwhile, mining-affected communities and their support groups are also waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision in their petition to declare unconstitutional Sections 80-81 (fiscal regime) of RA7942.

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Garganera concluded, “In the midst of all these issues on the pork barrel scam and plunder cases, we hope that the Administration and the different offices will respond.”

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Alyansa Tigil Mina is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, revocation of EO 270-A, repeal of the Mining Act of 1995, and passage of the AMMB. (30)

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For more information:
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator (0927) 761.76.02 nc@alyansatigilmina.net

Farah Sevilla, ATM Policy Advocacy Officer (0915) 331.33.61 policy@alyansatigilmina.net