Romblon residents renew call against mining

Romblon residents staged a rally today as they renewed their call against mining in the island.

More than ten thousand people led by Romblon Forum Against Mining (REFAM) and Alliance of Students Against Mining (ASAM) gathered at Odiongan, Tablas Island calling for the junking of Mining Act of 1995.

REFAM chairman Msgr. Ernie Fetalino said the people’s attendance in the rally is a concrete manifestation of their opposition to all kinds of mining because of the dangers it pose on the islands’ topography.

“Mining fuels disasters brought about by the inconsistencies of our climate. We will never stop defending the integrity of creation and dignity of persons,” he said.

In a video message shown during the rally, former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros lauded Romblon Governor Eduardo Firmalo for issuing a mining moratorium in the province.

“Congratulations to Gov. Eduardo Firmalo, the local councils and the people of Romblon for the executive order and resolutions on mining moratorium. We continue to work against all destructive forms of mining,” Hontiveros said.

She said House Bill 3763, also known as Minerals Management Bill (MMB), filed in Congress by Akbayan aims to manage efficiently the country’s mineral resources. It will strictly establish and implement No Go Zones for mining, involve a multi-sectoral committee in decision-making, and a rights-based approach to development.

“We need the support of local governments like Romblon to strengthen the cry against large-scale mining. Let’s work together to preserve our resources,” she added.

Firmalo on January 10, has issued an executive order declaring an indefinite mining moratorium in the province.

It has been reported that Ivanhoe Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of Canada-based Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. has applied for permit to explore 15, 000 hectares of land spanning several towns in Tablas Island.

Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) also declared his group’s support to the indigenous people, saying, “These people know that they will not benefit from mining, and their lives will be further put at stake when mining starts and their islands are in a greater disaster risk, and it is just right that they are fighting for their land.”

“We stand together with them in calling the national government and President Aquino, to stop letting these companies dig up our natural resources and leave the islands half bare with people to suffer the consequences,” Garganera further said.

The nine municipalities in Tablas Island have earlier approved resolutions opposing any exploration, development and utilization of minerals on the island.