ACTIVISTS STORM MINING CONFERENCE
MANILA, 24 August 2016 – 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 “Miing 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 include 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
