Voicing out the fears and apprehensions of concerned residents, the clergy said allowing mining in Manicani will result to the “wanton destruction of the environment in the island”, citing DENR 2003 siltation report in the area.
In a statement released on October 13, the Borongan clergy led by Bishop Crispin Varquez rapped the obvious attempt of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) to have the suspension of mining operation in the island be lifted that would pave for mineral extraction in Manicani.
“[We] reiterate our collective stand to oppose the resumption of mining in the island of Manicani in solidarity with the people of the island who have suffered long enough because of unmitigated greed of the very people who vowed to protect them; because of the wanton disregard of their basic right to live through the denial of their access to a basic element that sustains their life; and because, we cannot remain deaf and blind to the excesses of mining while our people suffer the consequences of actions not of their own making,” the statement partly read.
Mining will destroy agriculture and fisheries, which are the main livelihoods of the people, the clergy said.
With only an area of 1,165.89 hectares and no major source of water except rain water, Manicani communities will be at a disadvantage if mining operations continue, they furthered.
“What is more basic than any right, more basic than the right of mining firms, is the right of the people of Manicani to live safely and peacefully in their own island without the presence of mining which endangers their very lives,” the statement said.
The clergy also raised other issues such as the company’s failure to comply with the condition agreed with the people of Manicani regarding the last loading of mineral stockpile in 2004-05, stating “That immediately after the loading of the 150,000 MT nickel ore, all open pit caused by the mining operations shall be rehabilitated" (No. 8 of SB Resolution No. 32 series of 2004).
They said compliance to the above condition is necessary at least before any endorsement of the Guiuan Barangay council should be made.
The Guiuan Sangguniang Barangay is currently in the process of formulating a resolution to lift the suspension of mining operation.
So far, the barangay councils of Banaag, Buenavista, Hamorawon and San Jose, all in Manicani island, have already passed a resolution seeking the same.
HMC failed to assume the responsibilities and consequences relative to mining, the statement said, pointing out that the company left the island even before the expiration of its permit.
"How then it would account for its failures and shortcomings?” the statement asked.
In an effort to get the diocese soften its stand against the loading of mineral stockpiles, HMC offered to donate one million for the spiritual and pastoral endeavours of Borongan diocese, which the bishop declined.
But the company was able to buy people’s support by handing out P10,000 to every household, which led to the loading of mineral stockpiles, the statement said.
According to the clergy, the NAC has been doing a maintenance program on the “mined out areas in Manicani, specifically the settling ponds, periphery canals and catchment basins” already for several months now with some hired locals doing the work.
The mining company has even taken all the members of the island’s four barangay councils for a field trip to Rio Tuba, a mining area in Palawan.
The clergy reiterated their collective stand on the issue during their regular assembly on October 13 held at the Bishop Leonardo Y. Medroso Social Hall at the Bishop’s Residence in Borongan.
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