“Responsible mining is fake news.”

MANILA, 18 September 2018 – Green group Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) stormed Sofitel Hotel in Pasay today, in protest against the opening day of the annual meeting of the mining industry. They questioned the claim of the miners that responsible mining is happening now in the Philippines, describing this as “fake news”.  Mining Philippines 2018 runs until Sept. 20, 2018

“Responsible mining is a myth, and the mining industry, especially Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, has not proven their model has been implemented in a single mine-site.  Besides, there is no legal definition of responsible mining, and therefore no parameters to measure it and hold companies accountable” exclaimed ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garganera.

Testimonies from mining-affected communities in Zambales and Masbate highlighted the action, with the group demanding Sec. Cimatu to enforce the mine closures and suspension orders issued by former DENR Sec. Gina Lopez

The group also called for President Duterte to immediately issue his Executive Order to put a ban on open-pit mining.(By Paul John Nieves Delin)