“The mining law liberalized the Philippine mining industry to bolster the country’s economic growth. However, nearly three decades after, mountains have been flattened, rivers have become lifeless, and the well-being of the people has been severely affected.”
The people’s armed defense of their lands and national patrimony has been a recourse that must be recognized and respected in the context of deep-seated historic injustices and brutal suppression. The revolutionary armed movement in the Philippines led by the CPP-NPA-NDFP has maintained a strong opposition to destructive large-scale mining operations.
“Small-scale miners actually attempted to apply for regulations via an application for a ‘Minahang Bayan.’ But Benguet Corp., as tenement holder of the area, opposed this to maintain their control over the area’s mineral resources.”
Gina Lopez’s rejection as DENR Secretary by the Commission on Appointments shows how destructive industries continue to hold Philippine lawmakers by their necks.
“Tell your brother, he totally killed a mountain.” – Environment Secretary Regina Lopez to Commission on Appointments Chairman Rep. Ronnie Zamora
These corporations should be penalized for stonewalling the government’s regulations and thus prolonging the suffering of affected communities.
This story is one of the three articles in Marching against monsters Read also: Disaster fighter Cristeta Sison Aileen Catamin, defiant vs dams These three Lumad women are among the many who face militarization in their communities as they stand pat against the infringement of foreign companies into their ancestral territories. By DEE AYROSO Bulatlat.com…
Cristeta Sison is fighting the “red menace.”
KALIBUTAN By LEON DULCE First of three parts 2nd part: Mining Act of 1995 | Dalawang dekada ng disaster 3rd part: Mining Act of 1995 | Dalawang dekada ng karahasan Sa darating na ika-3 ng Marso ang ika-20 taon na mula nang isabatas ang Republic Act 7942 o Mining Act of 1995. Dalawang dekada na…
“The people of Mindanao are raging and our resistance grows stronger every day. Leave now, or face the people’s resistance.” – Panalipdan Mindanao secretary general Dulphing Ogan
“This petition highlights the unity of indigenous peoples’ communities against large-scale, plunderous, destructive mining.” – Piya Macliing Malayao, KAMP spokesperson