Aroroy residents demand DENR reject Filminera’s expansion of mining operations
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Residents of Aroroy, Masbate, called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to reject the proposed expansion of mining operations on Mount Pajo by Filminera Resources Corporation and its Canadian partner B2Gold Corporation.
Marylou Verano of Ang Aroroy ay Alagaan (4As) said, “Our community continues to suffer the detrimental effects of Filminera’s mining operations since 2008. We continue to experience water contamination, erosion, siltation, fish kills, and the loss of farmlands and livelihoods for fishpond operators and fisherfolk. Due to the blasting of the company, many have developed health issues such as tuberculosis, asthma, skin diseases, and food poisoning.”
“Further expansion threatens our agriculture-based livelihoods, food sources, and residents’ health,” Marylou said as she called on the DENR to protect their right to a balanced and healthy environment and prevent environmental degradation.
“Our home is not for sale! We say NO to further expansion of Filminera’s mining, especially on Mount Pajo, which will directly affect the town proper of Aroroy,” she said. “They have already stripped our mountains bare and left our rivers and Port Barera polluted. We will not stand silently while they destroy Mount Pajo and our watersheds.”
Verano called on the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, Jr., not to compromise their children’s future for the sake of short-term profits that only benefit a few. Her organization, 4As, submitted today a letter to President Marcos’ Jr. calling for an investigation into Filminera’s mining operations.
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“We demand that the DENR deny any expansion permit application and revoke existing licenses due to the destruction of our natural resources. We also call for the proper implementation of the Social Development Management Program (SDMP) to ensure it does not become a source for corruption,” she said.
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, further called on the DENR to heed the demands of Aroroy residents. “They have long endured the damage brought about by Filminera’s mining operations, and this must immediately stop. The government must prioritize the well-being of community residents and their environment and not the interests of the mining corporation.”
On this Women’s Month, women from mining-affected communities and ATM ‘s network led a series of activities during the alliance’s “Mining Hell Week”.
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