𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

July 15, 2021

ATM STATEMENT ON THE REPORTED RENEWAL OF DIDIPIO MINE CONTRACT

We strongly denounce the decision of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to renew the mining contract of the Didipio Mines in Nueva Vizcaya. Media reports cite the announcement of Oceana Gold Corp., owner of the mines, that its Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement No. 1 (FTAA #1) was signed last June 19, 2021.

The renewal of FTAA #1 is a betrayal of the Filipino people and disrespects the rights of the affected communities. The residents and even the local governments from the barangay, municipal and provincial levels have articulated their opposition to the re-opening of the mines. And these calls to protect lives and livelihoods against a destructive mining project have fallen on deaf ears.

The DENR has failed to uphold its mandate of ensuring a safe a sound ecology for Novo Vizcayanos. The NCIP has neglected to promise and protect the rights of indigenous communities – the Bungkalots, the Tuwalis, and the Ifugao – who are residing and living in their ancestral domains affected by the mines.

Most important, Pres. Duterte has deserted his campaign promise that he will not allow mining to destroy the forests, rivers, and food sources of the Filipinos. But this is precisely what the Didipio mines have brought to the province of Nueva Vizcaya. Duterte is now fully exposed as a pretender for mouthing green promises to protect the environment, but in reality is just as blind to money and power, when he signed the renewal of this mining contract.

ATM stands with the people of Nueva Vizcaya in rejecting this decision. We will continue to support the resistance and struggles against the Didipio Mines led by our local members DESAMA and BILEG. We will continue to shout and act against this injustice. #

For details, please contact:

Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, (+63917) 5498218