Mining Campaign Update
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Email03.02.2012
The tropical storm Sendong caused much destruction on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. But what has not been well publicised is how much of this damage was made worse by the activities of mining companies particularly in the Midslaip area where Columbans have worked for many years.
I attended a three day seminar in Cagayan De Oro recently. On the way to our destination many landslides could be seen. But even on the very steep slopes 70- 80 degrees where there were trees, the land did not slide. One river was very muddy early in the morning even though there was no rain the night before. My companion Rock told us that there was mining going on in the area. He pointed out two garages where mining equipment was kept.
When we got to the area the leader (Dato) of the Heliginon indigenous group, who had agreed to meet with our group of eleven told us in two words about the changes he saw, "Opaw Na" - the hills are bare of trees. We saw banana and rubber plantations. There were no birds or butterflies to be seen or heard. The environment is only one step away from being a desert.
Dr Jong Cuaresma who specializes in bio-diversity went with the Indigenous people of Midsalip to the forest. His survey shows us how vibrant the old growth forest still is in areas that were not logged in the eighties.
The watershed area that spans thousands of hectares of riceland and fishponds is now threatened by the the effects of mining.
Mining experts Clive Wicks & Robert Goodland who are in the country for a international mining conference pointed out that the Zamboanga Peninsula and Mindanao in general is a first class food production area. Farmers excel at this. It is folly to allow mining to destroy food producing watersheds and to use scarce foreign exchange to buy rice on the international market when Philippine farmers are the best at producing food if the environment is not destroyed by mining
or logging.
Both Clive and Robert prepared Judicial affidavits so that their research on Philippine food and mining could be included as evidence in our ongoing court battle to stop this excessive mining.
We were in court again on January 26th looking for a temporary halting order as we pursue a Writ of Kalikasan. The basis of the Writ of Kalikasan rests in Article II, Section 16 on the Declaration of Principles and State Policies of the 1987 Constitution, which states that, "The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature."
Our attorney pointed out that the case was to clarify the areas that are excluded from mining Law RA 7942. (New Mining Law). These areas include old growth forests, watershed areas, bio-diverse areas, and ancestral domains of indigenous people. (Which can allow projects only after proper consultation according to their culture through a process known as Free Prior Informed Concent).
The justices were not able to pick up the distinction that the Mining Law does not allow mining applications in the above mention areas. The justices informed us that they will be having a three day seminar on Environmental Law in mid February. Finally the court gave an order for 20 days to present a memorandum. Next hearing is set for March 15.
On the way home at Iligan, Dr Jong said he wanted a picture of a Balyan tree that saved the lives of seven people during the flooding. Its roots are three times as deep as it is high.
We found the tree just on the Cagayan side of the huge bridge in Iligan where so many people lost their lives. Our Subanean companions Welma, Richardo, and Mario appreciated the tree.
Thanks to all who have helped by making the trip to Cagayan so fruitful and all who have supported financially and with their prayers
Fr Sean Martin SSC resides in the Philippines.
Read another article about the situation in Mindanao since Typhoon "Sendong"
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