ATM condemns warrantless arrests of Kasibu envi defenders
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) strongly condemned the warrantless arrests of three environmental human rights defenders watching over the people’s barricade against the North Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation (NLMRC) in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, said, “We suspect these arrests made early this morning are meant to weaken and ultimately quell the communities‘ resistance against NLMRC’s exploration activities.”
Dozens of members of the Philippine National Police together with barangay officials of Barangay Pao suddenly appeared at the people’s barricade at 7:30 this morning to supposedly facilitate the passage of seven barrels of crude oil for a road project that would use NLMRC’s backhoe. The protestors found out, however, that only five of the seven barrels were approved.
“The protestors had every right to be wary of the police’s intention since the request to pass through the barricade were linked with NLMRC. Furthermore, the arrests follow a pattern of harassment suits as numerous Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) have already been filed against the protestors and their lawyers,” Garganera said, stressing that the barricade was situated in a private property.
Garganera called for the immediate release of the arrested individuals as well as an investigation into the incident. “These harassment and intimidation by the mining company and government authorities must stop. The people’s right to assembly must be fully upheld and their grievances immediately addressed.”
The residents and members of Kasibu Inter-Tribal Response for Ecological Development (KIRED) set up the barricade early this year to prevent the mining company from damaging their farms and water sources as they protested NLMRC’s gold and copper project. They said NLRMC’s permit was issued without the required public consultations, much less the consent of the affected communities.
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