Envi group backs Kasibu barricade; demands revocation of exploration permit
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) expressed full support for the residents of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, who have persisted in maintaining their protests against mining exploration activities despite numerous violent attempts by police to dismantle their barricade and multiple harassment lawsuits.
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, said “We laud the Kasibu protestors for their tenacious opposition to the irregular Exploration Permit granted to North Luzon Mineral Resources Corp. (NLMRC).”
“For several months, the residents have stood their ground amid lawsuits and injuries from dispersals. They risk their safety and security, defending their land and livelihood from mining operations,” he added.
The latest violent dispersal happened on October 30, which left some people injured. The incident occurred when the police served a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to the protestors. However, after the TRO lapsed, the residents continued with the barricade, illustrating their firm determination to have NLRMC’s permit revoked.
The residents assert that the NLMRC’s permit was illegal as the required consultations were not undertaken and there was no consent from the affected communities for the company’s exploration activities.
“ATM urgently demands that the local governments of Kasibu and Nueva Vizcaya ensure that the rights of their constituencies are completely protected and their grievances are adequately addressed. We remind the LGU officials of their mandate to ensure the general welfare of their citizens under Sec. 16 of the Local Government Code. At the minimum, human empathy dictates that LGUs should side with their constituencies in these times of stress and high risk, and not the interests of a destructive mining company.”
“The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) must also immediately act on the demands of the communities and revoke NLMRC’s permit. The DENR’s primary mandate is to protect the environment and the people’s right to a safe and sound ecology. DENR must ensure that mining activities do not violate this mandate and that mining corporations fully comply with all regulations.” Garganera said.
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