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