Tuesday night I had fish for dinner. It was a species we call locally as "kwaw." The flesh measured 4 inches long and 3 inches wide. I noted that it had eggs in its belly. The fish was, therefore, pregnant. It was, therefore, mature. It was, therefore, in its biggest possible size. It would not grow any bigger. I stopped eating and took my camera. What's the big deal? In years past, "kwaw" used to grow very big before becoming pregnant. Its flesh would grow 8 inches long and 5 inches wide. Since 2005, the year Lafayette started full operation, fishermen have observed that the "kwaw" has been stunted in its growth. They attribute the diminution to contamination of the waters around Rapu-Rapu. I do not expect Lafayette to argue that the "kwaw" is having "teenage pregnancy." Another observation is that the supply of "kwaw" lasts for only 2-3 weeks nowadays. In the past, it could be bought in the marketplaces several weeks before and after Holy Week. It would start in March and end in May. This year, the stunted "kwaw" appeared as early as February. In other words, its biological season has been altered.
Those who have eyes must see the truth. Those who have brains need only little effort to realize what is happening around Rapu-Rapu. If certain persons with authority to reverse the down slide would instead pretend not to see empirical data, then that is the problem. That is, indeed, the fishy situation.
The island of Rapu-Rapu in Albay, Philippines, is hostage to RRPP, formerly owned by Lafayette Mining Ltd of Australia, now taken over by LG & KORES of South Korea and MSC of Malaysia. Victim of compromised laws & corrupt government officials, the residents can only brace themselves for more ecological disasters & their effects: health problems, loss of land & livelihood, & uncertain future, UNLESS WE TAKE ACTION TO CLOSE THE RAPU-RAPU MINE.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Let us not forget the threat of Coal Mining in Rapu-Rapu
Here's a job offer found at http://www.jobsdb.com/PH/EN/Job.asp?R=JDBP140753199. Rock Energy International Corporation is engaged in coal mining in Liguan, Rapu-Rapu, and is looking for mining engineers, offering "good compensation packages and fringe benefits".
Now, the DENR is complaining that while they are perennially on the hot seat in Rapu-Rapu, the DOE which handles coal mining operations could very well afford to be silent on the issue. The DENR has a point to some extent. Still, you could not overly use -- and expect to get away with it -- the lame excuse that you are just following orders from above.
DOE, it's about time you tell the public the the extent of the coal mining operations in Batan and Rapu-Rapu, and your involvement in them.
.......
Rock Energy International Corporation
Our Company is engaged in coal trading operations and we are looking for highly competitive professionals to be part of the team.
Mining Engineer
Requirements
* Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree in Mining Engineering.
* Preferably with professional license.
* Must be computer literate; knowledge with autocad application is an advantage.
* Preferred languages: Filipino, English
* At least 1 year work experience in the field of mining.
* Preferably 2 years experience specializing in Geology/Geophysics.
* Fresh graduates are welcome to apply.
* Applicants should be Filipino citizens.
* Applicant must be willing to work in Liguan, Rapu-rapu, Albay
* Full-Time position available.
“GOOD COMPENSATION PACKAGE AND OTHER FRINGE BENEFITS AWAITS FOR THOSE WHO WILL QUALIFY”
If you wish to apply for the above position, you may send your resume in word format at recruitment@velcoasia.com or apply in person at G/F Mary Bachrach Bldg. 25th Corner Railroad St. Port Area, Manila
Telephone: 5277070 Fax: 5277373
Interested applicants may also apply in our office at Brgy. Liguan Rapu-rapu, Albay.
Look for Ms. Jenny Roa.
Interested applicants may apply online by clicking on the quick apply button
Now, the DENR is complaining that while they are perennially on the hot seat in Rapu-Rapu, the DOE which handles coal mining operations could very well afford to be silent on the issue. The DENR has a point to some extent. Still, you could not overly use -- and expect to get away with it -- the lame excuse that you are just following orders from above.
DOE, it's about time you tell the public the the extent of the coal mining operations in Batan and Rapu-Rapu, and your involvement in them.
.......
Rock Energy International Corporation
Our Company is engaged in coal trading operations and we are looking for highly competitive professionals to be part of the team.
Mining Engineer
Requirements
* Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree in Mining Engineering.
* Preferably with professional license.
* Must be computer literate; knowledge with autocad application is an advantage.
* Preferred languages: Filipino, English
* At least 1 year work experience in the field of mining.
* Preferably 2 years experience specializing in Geology/Geophysics.
* Fresh graduates are welcome to apply.
* Applicants should be Filipino citizens.
* Applicant must be willing to work in Liguan, Rapu-rapu, Albay
* Full-Time position available.
“GOOD COMPENSATION PACKAGE AND OTHER FRINGE BENEFITS AWAITS FOR THOSE WHO WILL QUALIFY”
If you wish to apply for the above position, you may send your resume in word format at recruitment@velcoasia.com or apply in person at G/F Mary Bachrach Bldg. 25th Corner Railroad St. Port Area, Manila
Telephone: 5277070 Fax: 5277373
Interested applicants may also apply in our office at Brgy. Liguan Rapu-rapu, Albay.
Look for Ms. Jenny Roa.
Interested applicants may apply online by clicking on the quick apply button
MGB Bicol bares accomplishments for 2009
Patting themselves on the back for a job well done... putting mining over the environment
MGB Bicol may harp its checklist accomplishments but it could never shake off its image as Lafayette/RRMI handlers. Consider what they have done to Rapu-Rapu:
1. The MGB turned the much publicized 2006 test run (Angelo Reyes: "You fail it, I close it".) into a tutorial run, going out of the way to make sure the mining firm pass the so-called test.
2. The company "failed" in many respects during the much publicized 2006 test run. The volume of polluting mineral contents in bodies of water surrounding the mine was found to be off the charts. A fish kill happened in July 2007, in the middle of the test run. Yet MGB declared the company to have passed the test on the strength of a highly questionable "expert" opinion. An opinion that was roundly & soundly criticized by the expert's former mentor.
3. What Multipartite Monitoring Team is MGB talking about in Rapu-Rapu when credible stakeholders shun membership in the much-distrusted MMT?
4. We still could not forget how the MGB whitewashed the investigation as to the cause of the 2007 fish kill in Rapu-Rapu, how they suppressed evidence, how they would not explain their findings to the public. We never heard about the final repot of the investigation after their anomalous initial report that was made public via the Albay Provincial Board.
5. MGB's main task in Rapu-Rapu is to help ensure the continued operations of the mine. It trumpets its accomplishments at the expense of the environment.
6. Most likely MGB will include its endorsing RRMI's mining exploration of Poblacion and Morocborocan among their accomplishment for 2010. Can't you see it? It is already Poblacion we are talking about, the center of the island, where practically everybody resists the mine and where pro-mining politicians don't win in the elections.
We simply cannot buy your "we are just doing our job" line. There ought to be more to your being public servants than simply signing papers following a checklist.
MGB RO V, if you disagree with our conclusions, we would love to hear your side. But please do not use the perennial lame excuse: "We are just following orders from above."
.......
MGB Bicol bares accomplishments for 2009
Legazpi City (11 February) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Bicol has disclosed Monday (February 8) its major accomplishments for calendar year 2009 ensuring safety, health and environmental commitments of mining industry and measures to mitigate the implication of geologic hazards.
Engr. Reynulfo Juan, MGB Bicol regional director, told PIA News service that the agency has successful organized a total of 15 Capacity-Building Seminars of Geologic Hazard Awareness and Disaster Preparedness in the municipalities of Bulan, Sta. Magdalena, Matnog, Prieto Diaz and Castilla in Sorsogon; Pili, Ocampo and Tigaon in Camarines Sur; and Rapu-Rapu, Sto. Domingo, Bacacay, Malilipot, Tiwi, Tabaco City and Malinao in Albay.
During said seminars, local disaster manager and residents as well were briefed on the concept of geologic hazards, occurrence, areas prone to these hazards, reading and interpreting geo-hazard maps.
Juan said that the stakeholders were given information on how they could make use of the maps for preparedness planning, how to prepare and what to do during the occurrence of geologic hazards like flood and landslide.
MGB Bicol also distributed posters and flyers on flood and landslides hazards, geo-hazard maps with corresponding risk reduction, preparedness and mitigation measures
The bureau also turned over DVDs containing motion pictures on Living with Geologic Hazards and Community Based Flood Early Warning System.
A total of 408 barangays and 1,213 participants benefited from the capacity building seminar.
The bureau spearheaded Geo-hazard Identification Surveys to at least five subdivision/land development projects in Albay, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.
The bureau also had detailed investigation of areas threatened by landslides and other geologic hazards in Casiguran, Magallanes and Bacon in Sorsogon and in Bato, Catanduanes.
On mining, MGB Bicol regularly monitored the safety, health and environmental commitments of three active large-scale mines in the region, namely Ibalong Resources and Development Corporation, Rapu-Rapu Minerals Incorporated and Filminera Resources Corporation.
It investigated and resolved a total of 12 complaints, cases and conflicts involving illegal treasure hunting in Mt. Isarog National Park and Pacol in Naga City, all in Camarines Sur; seizure of MV Tina by the Esperanza (Masbate) Municipal Bantay Dagat Task Force suspected to be loaded with sand materials; alleged illegal magnetite sand extraction in the municipalities of Bulusan, Magallanes and Gubat including the reported extraction in Matnog, all in Sorsogon; against mining operation of Uni-Dragon Mining Corporation in Camarines Norte; alleged illegal small-scale mining within the watershed area in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte; alleged mining activities in Libmanan, Camarines Sur; alleged siltation caused by Konka-Fulim Mining and Development Corporation in Paracale, Camarines Norte; and alleged extraction of Ara-al (dimension stones) in Sangay, Albay.
At least 25 mining rights or permits holders, including Rapu-Rapu Minerals Incorporated, Trans-Asia, Masbate Phils. Incorporated, Filminera Resources Corporation, Johnson Gold Mining Corporation, United Paragon Mining Corporation, Uni-Dragon, OroPhil and Nena Pimentel were validated to ensure compliance to policies of activities undertaken within the area of their operation.
The bureau also monitored the compliance to safety, health, environment and social programs during exploration, development and operation stage of Ibalong Resources and Development Corporation in Camalig, Albay; Rapu-Rapu Minerals Incorporated in Rapu-Rapu, Albay; UBS Marketing Corporation in Legazpi City and Filminera Resources Corporation in Masbate.
Lastly, MGB Bicol implemented measures to strengthen the Multi-Partite Monitoring Teams (MMTs) for Ibalong Resources and Development Corporation (IRDC) in Palanog, Camalig, Albay; Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project in Rapu-Rapu, Albay and Filminera Resources Corporation in Masbate to monitor these mining companies' environmental and social commitments. (MGB V/PIA)
MGB Bicol may harp its checklist accomplishments but it could never shake off its image as Lafayette/RRMI handlers. Consider what they have done to Rapu-Rapu:
1. The MGB turned the much publicized 2006 test run (Angelo Reyes: "You fail it, I close it".) into a tutorial run, going out of the way to make sure the mining firm pass the so-called test.
2. The company "failed" in many respects during the much publicized 2006 test run. The volume of polluting mineral contents in bodies of water surrounding the mine was found to be off the charts. A fish kill happened in July 2007, in the middle of the test run. Yet MGB declared the company to have passed the test on the strength of a highly questionable "expert" opinion. An opinion that was roundly & soundly criticized by the expert's former mentor.
3. What Multipartite Monitoring Team is MGB talking about in Rapu-Rapu when credible stakeholders shun membership in the much-distrusted MMT?
4. We still could not forget how the MGB whitewashed the investigation as to the cause of the 2007 fish kill in Rapu-Rapu, how they suppressed evidence, how they would not explain their findings to the public. We never heard about the final repot of the investigation after their anomalous initial report that was made public via the Albay Provincial Board.
5. MGB's main task in Rapu-Rapu is to help ensure the continued operations of the mine. It trumpets its accomplishments at the expense of the environment.
6. Most likely MGB will include its endorsing RRMI's mining exploration of Poblacion and Morocborocan among their accomplishment for 2010. Can't you see it? It is already Poblacion we are talking about, the center of the island, where practically everybody resists the mine and where pro-mining politicians don't win in the elections.
We simply cannot buy your "we are just doing our job" line. There ought to be more to your being public servants than simply signing papers following a checklist.
MGB RO V, if you disagree with our conclusions, we would love to hear your side. But please do not use the perennial lame excuse: "We are just following orders from above."
.......
MGB Bicol bares accomplishments for 2009
Legazpi City (11 February) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Bicol has disclosed Monday (February 8) its major accomplishments for calendar year 2009 ensuring safety, health and environmental commitments of mining industry and measures to mitigate the implication of geologic hazards.
Engr. Reynulfo Juan, MGB Bicol regional director, told PIA News service that the agency has successful organized a total of 15 Capacity-Building Seminars of Geologic Hazard Awareness and Disaster Preparedness in the municipalities of Bulan, Sta. Magdalena, Matnog, Prieto Diaz and Castilla in Sorsogon; Pili, Ocampo and Tigaon in Camarines Sur; and Rapu-Rapu, Sto. Domingo, Bacacay, Malilipot, Tiwi, Tabaco City and Malinao in Albay.
During said seminars, local disaster manager and residents as well were briefed on the concept of geologic hazards, occurrence, areas prone to these hazards, reading and interpreting geo-hazard maps.
Juan said that the stakeholders were given information on how they could make use of the maps for preparedness planning, how to prepare and what to do during the occurrence of geologic hazards like flood and landslide.
MGB Bicol also distributed posters and flyers on flood and landslides hazards, geo-hazard maps with corresponding risk reduction, preparedness and mitigation measures
The bureau also turned over DVDs containing motion pictures on Living with Geologic Hazards and Community Based Flood Early Warning System.
A total of 408 barangays and 1,213 participants benefited from the capacity building seminar.
The bureau spearheaded Geo-hazard Identification Surveys to at least five subdivision/land development projects in Albay, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.
The bureau also had detailed investigation of areas threatened by landslides and other geologic hazards in Casiguran, Magallanes and Bacon in Sorsogon and in Bato, Catanduanes.
On mining, MGB Bicol regularly monitored the safety, health and environmental commitments of three active large-scale mines in the region, namely Ibalong Resources and Development Corporation, Rapu-Rapu Minerals Incorporated and Filminera Resources Corporation.
It investigated and resolved a total of 12 complaints, cases and conflicts involving illegal treasure hunting in Mt. Isarog National Park and Pacol in Naga City, all in Camarines Sur; seizure of MV Tina by the Esperanza (Masbate) Municipal Bantay Dagat Task Force suspected to be loaded with sand materials; alleged illegal magnetite sand extraction in the municipalities of Bulusan, Magallanes and Gubat including the reported extraction in Matnog, all in Sorsogon; against mining operation of Uni-Dragon Mining Corporation in Camarines Norte; alleged illegal small-scale mining within the watershed area in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte; alleged mining activities in Libmanan, Camarines Sur; alleged siltation caused by Konka-Fulim Mining and Development Corporation in Paracale, Camarines Norte; and alleged extraction of Ara-al (dimension stones) in Sangay, Albay.
At least 25 mining rights or permits holders, including Rapu-Rapu Minerals Incorporated, Trans-Asia, Masbate Phils. Incorporated, Filminera Resources Corporation, Johnson Gold Mining Corporation, United Paragon Mining Corporation, Uni-Dragon, OroPhil and Nena Pimentel were validated to ensure compliance to policies of activities undertaken within the area of their operation.
The bureau also monitored the compliance to safety, health, environment and social programs during exploration, development and operation stage of Ibalong Resources and Development Corporation in Camalig, Albay; Rapu-Rapu Minerals Incorporated in Rapu-Rapu, Albay; UBS Marketing Corporation in Legazpi City and Filminera Resources Corporation in Masbate.
Lastly, MGB Bicol implemented measures to strengthen the Multi-Partite Monitoring Teams (MMTs) for Ibalong Resources and Development Corporation (IRDC) in Palanog, Camalig, Albay; Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project in Rapu-Rapu, Albay and Filminera Resources Corporation in Masbate to monitor these mining companies' environmental and social commitments. (MGB V/PIA)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Social Action Center - Diocese of Legazpi statement opposing RRMI application for expansion ot its mining exploration
Mr. Joselin Marcus Fragada
Regional Executive Director
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Region V, Regional Center Site, DENR V
Rawis, Legazpi City
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT TO THE OPPOSITION OF THE APPLICATION FOR EXPANSION OF THE MINING EXPLORATION
We strongly support the sentiments of the community in voicing their opposition against the application for expansion of mining exploration in the barangays of Poblacion and Morocborocan in the municipality of Rapu-Rapu, Albay. As experienced in the past, there were already violations committed by the Company and yet, were not given enough sanctions to merit such violations.
And now, application for such is being submitted to your good office weighing the benefits it has provided to the community as well as the destruction and deprivation it has incurred in the community, it has been found wanting.
The government’s drive to mitigate climate change in the province among its guidelines is contained in its Ten Commandments on Climate Change, expressed in the seventh commandment which says, “No to open pit mining”. Mining operations in Rapu-Rapu contradicts this very commandment and continuing to allow its operation makes us voiceless and toothless in order to punish this violators.
The general experience of the mining industry in the Philippines has never benefited areas from the mining operations. In fact, it has contributed to the worsening of economic and environmental condition. Allowing the further expansion of the mining exploration will only contribute to the ill effects of mining operations in the whole country.
We, the Social Action Center-Diocese of Legazpi would want to express our strong opposition against the said application of Rapu-Rapu Minerals, Inc.
Let us hear the voices of the little ones who are the greatest victims of this operation rather than protect the wealthy and the powerful who amassed the wealth of the poor.
(signed)
Rev. Fr. Ramoncito S. Segubiense
Executive Director
4 February 2010
Social Action Center-Diocese of Legazpi
Cathedral Compound, Albay District, Legazpi City
Regional Executive Director
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Region V, Regional Center Site, DENR V
Rawis, Legazpi City
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT TO THE OPPOSITION OF THE APPLICATION FOR EXPANSION OF THE MINING EXPLORATION
We strongly support the sentiments of the community in voicing their opposition against the application for expansion of mining exploration in the barangays of Poblacion and Morocborocan in the municipality of Rapu-Rapu, Albay. As experienced in the past, there were already violations committed by the Company and yet, were not given enough sanctions to merit such violations.
And now, application for such is being submitted to your good office weighing the benefits it has provided to the community as well as the destruction and deprivation it has incurred in the community, it has been found wanting.
The government’s drive to mitigate climate change in the province among its guidelines is contained in its Ten Commandments on Climate Change, expressed in the seventh commandment which says, “No to open pit mining”. Mining operations in Rapu-Rapu contradicts this very commandment and continuing to allow its operation makes us voiceless and toothless in order to punish this violators.
The general experience of the mining industry in the Philippines has never benefited areas from the mining operations. In fact, it has contributed to the worsening of economic and environmental condition. Allowing the further expansion of the mining exploration will only contribute to the ill effects of mining operations in the whole country.
We, the Social Action Center-Diocese of Legazpi would want to express our strong opposition against the said application of Rapu-Rapu Minerals, Inc.
Let us hear the voices of the little ones who are the greatest victims of this operation rather than protect the wealthy and the powerful who amassed the wealth of the poor.
(signed)
Rev. Fr. Ramoncito S. Segubiense
Executive Director
4 February 2010
Social Action Center-Diocese of Legazpi
Cathedral Compound, Albay District, Legazpi City
Resolution of Lagsingan Tribal Council in Rapu-Rapu condemning the MGB endorsement of the RRMI application for mining exploration in 2 barangays
LAGSINGAN TRIBAL COMMUNITY
National Commission for Indigenous Peoples Registered
Sitio Lagsingan, Barangay Poblacion, Rapu-Rapu, Albay
Hale sa minutos kan biglaan na ginibong hororon kan Lagsingan Tribal Council kan petsa 11 kan Enero alas 4:00 an hapon sa Sitio Lagsingan, Poblacion, Rapu-Rapu, Albay.
Resolusyon kan Lagsingan Tribal Council
Blg. 001, Serye 2010
RESOLUSYON SA PAGKONDENAR ASIN PAGKONTRA SA BAKO MAKATAWONG PAG-ENDORSAR KAN MINES AND GEOSCIENCES BUREAU SA PAAGI NI REGIONAL DIRECTOR REYNULFO A. JUAN SA OPISINA KAN RAPU-RAPU, ALBAY KAN NAKAAGING PETSA 5 KAN PEBRERO 2010 MANONGOD DAA SA NOTICE OF APPLICATION KAN KUMPANYANG RAPU-RAPU MINERALS INC. (RRMI) EXPA 000080-V PARA SA EXPLORATION PERMIT SA BARANGAY POBLACION BUDA BARANGAY MOROCBOROCAN TANGANING MINAHON AN KABUBULDAN NA SAKOP KAN MGA NASABING BARANGAY
Proponent: Lagsingan Tribal Community
NA, an mga nasabing barangay igwa ki nakaistar na nagtitios na mga tawo asin tribu na an ikinabubuhay hale sa dagat asin kabubuldan, buda an tubig na samong pig-iinom hale sa kabubuldan na samong pig-iistaran. An mga sapa o salog na pinagbubulusan kan tubig na samong piggagamit sa oroaldaw siguradong makukuntaminar asin mapuputol an bulos kaini kun deretsong minahon an samong kabubuldan;
NA, kun maidadagos an pagmina digdi sa Barangay Poblacion siguradong aagihan an comunidad (nin) samong tribu na magkakawsa nin mga minasunod:
1. takot sa oras na sinda nagkukundukta nin pagbobomba sa kabubuldan;
2. pagkaraot kan kabubuldan na sa pag-abot kan tag-uran siguradong rarasayan an samong kaharongan;
3. dae na kami ki makukua na kabuhayan sa kabubuldan ta sainda nang dinistrungkar;
4. makukuntaminar an dagat na saro kan samong pigkukuwaan nin pagkabuhay dahil sa mga chemical na saindang piggagamit na mabulos sa sapa o salog na mabulos deretso sa kadagatan;
5. kahelangan dahil sa pagkakuntaminar kan tubig asin kadagatan na magkakawsa nin kagadanan.
NGONIAN KUN SIRING, an Conseho kan Tribung Taboy kaiba an (mga) miembro dae nanggad minauyon asin higot na minakontra asin minakundenar sa application kan RRMI na minahon an Barangay Poblacion buda Barangay Morocborocan.
Samong isinasagibo ini tanganing makaabot sa mga nanunundan an samuyang higot na pagkontra asin pagkundenar sa gabos na klase nin pagmimina digdi sa samuyang lugar.
Ginibo ini ngonyan na petsa 23 kan Enero digdi sa Rapu-Rapu, Albay.
Senertipikaran ko an nasambit sa itaas na totoo asin tama.
(signed)
JOSEPH ECLEO
Vice-Chieftain
(signed)
RONY B. BERNALDEZ
Tribal Secretary
(signed)
ALFREDO B. ECLEO
Treasurer
(signed)
MIGUEL P. DERRAMAS
Kagawad
(signed)
ALFREDO DE LA CRUZ
Kagawad
(signed)
RODRIGO BALIDOY
Kagawad
(signed)
HILARIO E. MAGTANGOB
Kagawad
(signed)
ANTONIO B. ECLEO
Kagawad
(signed)
JOSE REBECON BALINSAYO
Kagawad
(signed)
ALICIA B. ECLEO
Kagawad
Pinatotoohan asin inaprubaran:
(signed)
RUBEN E. SORRO
Tribal Chieftain
National Commission for Indigenous Peoples Registered
Sitio Lagsingan, Barangay Poblacion, Rapu-Rapu, Albay
Hale sa minutos kan biglaan na ginibong hororon kan Lagsingan Tribal Council kan petsa 11 kan Enero alas 4:00 an hapon sa Sitio Lagsingan, Poblacion, Rapu-Rapu, Albay.
Resolusyon kan Lagsingan Tribal Council
Blg. 001, Serye 2010
RESOLUSYON SA PAGKONDENAR ASIN PAGKONTRA SA BAKO MAKATAWONG PAG-ENDORSAR KAN MINES AND GEOSCIENCES BUREAU SA PAAGI NI REGIONAL DIRECTOR REYNULFO A. JUAN SA OPISINA KAN RAPU-RAPU, ALBAY KAN NAKAAGING PETSA 5 KAN PEBRERO 2010 MANONGOD DAA SA NOTICE OF APPLICATION KAN KUMPANYANG RAPU-RAPU MINERALS INC. (RRMI) EXPA 000080-V PARA SA EXPLORATION PERMIT SA BARANGAY POBLACION BUDA BARANGAY MOROCBOROCAN TANGANING MINAHON AN KABUBULDAN NA SAKOP KAN MGA NASABING BARANGAY
Proponent: Lagsingan Tribal Community
NA, an mga nasabing barangay igwa ki nakaistar na nagtitios na mga tawo asin tribu na an ikinabubuhay hale sa dagat asin kabubuldan, buda an tubig na samong pig-iinom hale sa kabubuldan na samong pig-iistaran. An mga sapa o salog na pinagbubulusan kan tubig na samong piggagamit sa oroaldaw siguradong makukuntaminar asin mapuputol an bulos kaini kun deretsong minahon an samong kabubuldan;
NA, kun maidadagos an pagmina digdi sa Barangay Poblacion siguradong aagihan an comunidad (nin) samong tribu na magkakawsa nin mga minasunod:
1. takot sa oras na sinda nagkukundukta nin pagbobomba sa kabubuldan;
2. pagkaraot kan kabubuldan na sa pag-abot kan tag-uran siguradong rarasayan an samong kaharongan;
3. dae na kami ki makukua na kabuhayan sa kabubuldan ta sainda nang dinistrungkar;
4. makukuntaminar an dagat na saro kan samong pigkukuwaan nin pagkabuhay dahil sa mga chemical na saindang piggagamit na mabulos sa sapa o salog na mabulos deretso sa kadagatan;
5. kahelangan dahil sa pagkakuntaminar kan tubig asin kadagatan na magkakawsa nin kagadanan.
NGONIAN KUN SIRING, an Conseho kan Tribung Taboy kaiba an (mga) miembro dae nanggad minauyon asin higot na minakontra asin minakundenar sa application kan RRMI na minahon an Barangay Poblacion buda Barangay Morocborocan.
Samong isinasagibo ini tanganing makaabot sa mga nanunundan an samuyang higot na pagkontra asin pagkundenar sa gabos na klase nin pagmimina digdi sa samuyang lugar.
Ginibo ini ngonyan na petsa 23 kan Enero digdi sa Rapu-Rapu, Albay.
Senertipikaran ko an nasambit sa itaas na totoo asin tama.
(signed)
JOSEPH ECLEO
Vice-Chieftain
(signed)
RONY B. BERNALDEZ
Tribal Secretary
(signed)
ALFREDO B. ECLEO
Treasurer
(signed)
MIGUEL P. DERRAMAS
Kagawad
(signed)
ALFREDO DE LA CRUZ
Kagawad
(signed)
RODRIGO BALIDOY
Kagawad
(signed)
HILARIO E. MAGTANGOB
Kagawad
(signed)
ANTONIO B. ECLEO
Kagawad
(signed)
JOSE REBECON BALINSAYO
Kagawad
(signed)
ALICIA B. ECLEO
Kagawad
Pinatotoohan asin inaprubaran:
(signed)
RUBEN E. SORRO
Tribal Chieftain
Green groups dismay on new appointed DENR Secretary
February 11, 2010
Press Release
Horacio Ramos appointment a bad fung shui!
GREEN GROUPS DISMAY ON NEW APPOINTED DENR SECRETARY
MANILA, Philippines – Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), an advocacy group and people’s movement composed of more than eighty (80) organizations from mining-affected communities and civil society organizations nationwide, expressed dismay over the appointment of longtime Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) director Horacio Ramos as the new Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary.
“We were in aghast to know that the longtime MGB director Horacio Ramos is now the DENR secretary. His appointment as DENR Secretary is a ‘bad fung shui’ or bad omen to the current unhealthy state of the Philippine environment, which is threatened by the impacts of 348 mining tenements equivalent to 744,199 hectares across the country,” said ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garganera.
“We fear that Ramos, as an appointee of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who championed the Mining Act of 1995 and the aggressive promotion of mining in the country, will pursue the crime of irrational exploitation of our natural resources and turn a blind eye and deaf ears to the legitimate resistance of mining affected communities and environmental groups,” added Garganera.
“This appointment of Horacio Ramos as DENR secretary has great implications on the direction of the DENR – no moving away from the current, that of facilitating the unrelentless exploitation of mines, based on profit, on greedy consumption mostly of northern countries. This is a continuing bad news for us, particularly the communities,” said Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center executive director Judy Pasimio.
“How can a mining lover like Horacio Ramos lead in saving our environment from total destruction? Ramos has worked in connivance with Norewegian-based Intex Resources to pursue the nickel project strongly opposed by local government officials, Mangyan indigenous groups, Catholic Church leaders and residents of Mindoro,” said Fr. Edu Gariguez, Alyansa Laban sa Mina (ALAMIN) spokesperson, who went on a hunger strike in protest of the Mindoro Nickel project last year.
“We are heartbroken to know about Horacio Ramos’ appointment! Under his leadership as MGB director, MGB issued a certification that the Intex’ project is outside the watershed, wherein fact the mine site is within the critical watershed,” exclaimed Fr. Gariguez.
“It’s a blatant statement of how Arroyo administration is pursuing pro-mining policy while undermining peoples opposition and sacrificing fragile environment to accommodate destructive investment,” added Fr. Gariguez.
Blas Tabaranza, Executive Director of the environmental group HARIBON said, “We are dismayed at his appointment as this threatens our conservation efforts but we hope that the appointment of Horacio Ramos will still keep the dialogue between civil society organizations and DENR open.”
From the Diocese of Tandag in Surigao del Sur, Sr. Lydia Lascano from the Social Action Center expressed her dismay. “The appointment of Horacio Ramos is unfortunate! It dashed to the ground all my hopes for the protection and preservation of the environment and natural resources in the Philippines”, she said.
ATM is convened by HARIBON, Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center – Friends of the Earth Philippines (LRC/FOEI) and PhilDHRRA. (30)
Press Release
Horacio Ramos appointment a bad fung shui!
GREEN GROUPS DISMAY ON NEW APPOINTED DENR SECRETARY
MANILA, Philippines – Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), an advocacy group and people’s movement composed of more than eighty (80) organizations from mining-affected communities and civil society organizations nationwide, expressed dismay over the appointment of longtime Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) director Horacio Ramos as the new Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary.
“We were in aghast to know that the longtime MGB director Horacio Ramos is now the DENR secretary. His appointment as DENR Secretary is a ‘bad fung shui’ or bad omen to the current unhealthy state of the Philippine environment, which is threatened by the impacts of 348 mining tenements equivalent to 744,199 hectares across the country,” said ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garganera.
“We fear that Ramos, as an appointee of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who championed the Mining Act of 1995 and the aggressive promotion of mining in the country, will pursue the crime of irrational exploitation of our natural resources and turn a blind eye and deaf ears to the legitimate resistance of mining affected communities and environmental groups,” added Garganera.
“This appointment of Horacio Ramos as DENR secretary has great implications on the direction of the DENR – no moving away from the current, that of facilitating the unrelentless exploitation of mines, based on profit, on greedy consumption mostly of northern countries. This is a continuing bad news for us, particularly the communities,” said Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center executive director Judy Pasimio.
“How can a mining lover like Horacio Ramos lead in saving our environment from total destruction? Ramos has worked in connivance with Norewegian-based Intex Resources to pursue the nickel project strongly opposed by local government officials, Mangyan indigenous groups, Catholic Church leaders and residents of Mindoro,” said Fr. Edu Gariguez, Alyansa Laban sa Mina (ALAMIN) spokesperson, who went on a hunger strike in protest of the Mindoro Nickel project last year.
“We are heartbroken to know about Horacio Ramos’ appointment! Under his leadership as MGB director, MGB issued a certification that the Intex’ project is outside the watershed, wherein fact the mine site is within the critical watershed,” exclaimed Fr. Gariguez.
“It’s a blatant statement of how Arroyo administration is pursuing pro-mining policy while undermining peoples opposition and sacrificing fragile environment to accommodate destructive investment,” added Fr. Gariguez.
Blas Tabaranza, Executive Director of the environmental group HARIBON said, “We are dismayed at his appointment as this threatens our conservation efforts but we hope that the appointment of Horacio Ramos will still keep the dialogue between civil society organizations and DENR open.”
From the Diocese of Tandag in Surigao del Sur, Sr. Lydia Lascano from the Social Action Center expressed her dismay. “The appointment of Horacio Ramos is unfortunate! It dashed to the ground all my hopes for the protection and preservation of the environment and natural resources in the Philippines”, she said.
ATM is convened by HARIBON, Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center – Friends of the Earth Philippines (LRC/FOEI) and PhilDHRRA. (30)
Bad News for the Environment?
Mining bureaucrat is new DENR secretary
www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/
MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has named long-time Mines and Geosciences Director (MGB) Horacio Ramos as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced the changes on Wednesday in a media briefing held in Malolos, Bulacan.
The erstwhile DENR secretary, Eleazar Quinto, has been appointed director-general of the Presidential Coalition Affairs Office.
Quinto replaced Maricar Imperial, who was appointed Cabinet secretary replacing Silvestre Bello III.
Bello resigned to run for senator under the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD.
www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/
MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has named long-time Mines and Geosciences Director (MGB) Horacio Ramos as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced the changes on Wednesday in a media briefing held in Malolos, Bulacan.
The erstwhile DENR secretary, Eleazar Quinto, has been appointed director-general of the Presidential Coalition Affairs Office.
Quinto replaced Maricar Imperial, who was appointed Cabinet secretary replacing Silvestre Bello III.
Bello resigned to run for senator under the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Fish Catch Decline Continues to be Confirmed
Yesterday, February 3, 2010 we were told by a fisherman from Santo Domingo, Albay (45-50 km northwest of Rapu-Rapu) that they set out to fish in Albay Gulf the day before. They caught nothing but 1 bañera of "bolinaw" (a species of fish popular among us for its small size and transparent flesh). It's among the poor man's food. Before 2005, they used to catch 20 bañeras of the species.
Reports like this are confirmatory of the complaint of fishermen from other areas around Albay Gulf. In Malobago, Rapu-Rapu, Albay, the Ibon Foundation research team gathered that fishermen there were experiencing a 93% decline in catch. In 2008, fishermen in San Carlos, Tabaco, Albay and Bigaa, Legazpi City reported that their fish catch declined from 50 to 3 bañeras per outing. This is a 94% decline. The report by the fisherman from Santo Domingo means a decline of 95%.
If we list down the figures, we have:
2007 - 93% decline
2008 - 94%
2010 - 95%
There is a trend here. As time passes, the decline is worsening. All these started in 2005 when the mining operation in Rapu-Rapu, Albay went full blast. The apologists of Lafayette may again defend by saying that the reports are not "scientific". We insist that the Ibon report was scientific. The complaints of fishermen received in 2008 and 2010 are merely confirmatory.
Moreover, between a scientist's study and a fisherman's actual experience, any sensible evaluator of the information coming from areas around Albay Gulf should lend serious consideration to the latter.
The declining fish catch is a major impact of Lafayette mining which no ISO certification can nullify. This is truth in its barest essence that would only disprove claims of responsible mining by Lafayette and put under a dark cloud of doubt the integrity of any standards organization. As we have reminded them, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Reports like this are confirmatory of the complaint of fishermen from other areas around Albay Gulf. In Malobago, Rapu-Rapu, Albay, the Ibon Foundation research team gathered that fishermen there were experiencing a 93% decline in catch. In 2008, fishermen in San Carlos, Tabaco, Albay and Bigaa, Legazpi City reported that their fish catch declined from 50 to 3 bañeras per outing. This is a 94% decline. The report by the fisherman from Santo Domingo means a decline of 95%.
If we list down the figures, we have:
2007 - 93% decline
2008 - 94%
2010 - 95%
There is a trend here. As time passes, the decline is worsening. All these started in 2005 when the mining operation in Rapu-Rapu, Albay went full blast. The apologists of Lafayette may again defend by saying that the reports are not "scientific". We insist that the Ibon report was scientific. The complaints of fishermen received in 2008 and 2010 are merely confirmatory.
Moreover, between a scientist's study and a fisherman's actual experience, any sensible evaluator of the information coming from areas around Albay Gulf should lend serious consideration to the latter.
The declining fish catch is a major impact of Lafayette mining which no ISO certification can nullify. This is truth in its barest essence that would only disprove claims of responsible mining by Lafayette and put under a dark cloud of doubt the integrity of any standards organization. As we have reminded them, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.