Environmentalist sees violation of IPs human right and mining laws in Zamboanga del Sur

By Mindanao Pagadian Frontline

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del sur (August 8, 2014-MPF NEWS) --- The Philippine Learning Tour (PLT) delegation had ended Wednesday their 6-day learning tour mission on the status of mining operations in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, delegation’s official said.

The delegation findings that the Subanen tribe human rights was violated following the mining operations, PLT press statement signed by the 6-key officials of the learning tour said during the press conference Wednesday afternoon held at the Iglesia Filipina Independiente church, Diocese of Pagadian City at Gatas District.

These are the key officials: Terso Balives, the Secretary General of People’s Defense of Patrimony Against Destructive Large-Scale Mining, Environmental Plunder and Development Aggression (PROTECT); Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Diocese of Pagadian City and co-convenor of the Philippine Learning Tour Antonio N. Ablon; Pastor Desmond Jagger-Parsons, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Coordinator, Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, Western Mindanao Sr. Merlita Rodolfo; ECUVOICE Philippines Biyaya Quizon and Pastor Beltran Pacatang from the United church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP).

The delegation reported that during their 6-day tour they heard testimonies from the communities of extra-judicial killing, torture, assault, illegal detention, intimidation, harassment, and forced displacement.

They also accused the Toronto Ventures Incorporated Pacific of hiring the services of the Special Civilian Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) while the company “blue guard” had violated the rights of the IPs or Subanen Tribe.

Included in the tour are the two municipalities of Midsalip and Bayog.

At present Midsalip is in the early stage of large-scale mining application, while in Bayog land clearing and the installation of infrastructure at the mining site has begun.

The delegation has calling the attention of the Philippine government and the Nationala Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to answer the results in the implementation of mining laws.

The delegation includes the Canadian delegates also calling the attention of the Canadian government to ensure that the Canadian companies in operating in other countries will respect the human rights and also will protect the environment.

The TVI Pacific officials were informed and requested of their reaction but cannot give their statement without the clearance from their main office in Makati.

TVI Pacific in Bayog Officer in-Charge Danny Halago refused also to comment because he is not authorized by the company. (By JONG D. CADION)