MANILA, Philippines--An anti-mining network has lauded the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for recommending the cancellation of mining permit of Australian OceanaGold Philippines Inc. (OGPI).

CHR Chair Loretta Ann ?Etta? Rosales said over the weekend the company, which acquired the Didipio copper-gold mine site in Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya in 2006, illegally demolished about 200 houses in the community in 2008 and violated the indigenous people?s property rights.

?The people of Didipio have long resisted the entry of OceanaGold, fearful that this large-scale mining will introduce physically dislocation, cultural displacement and loss of livelihood,? the Alyansa Tigil Mina said in a statement.

?The indigenous peoples, represented by the Didipio Earth Savers Association (DESAMA) and supported by various sectors, including the local governments, the Catholic Church, human rights groups and academe, have stood firm on their decision to oppose large-scale mining for more than a decade,? it said.

The Alliance said that the recommendation of the CHR to cancel the mining permit of Oceana Gold ?is not only a victory for the IPs and communities of Nueva Vizcaya, but for the whole rural sector who are pursuing sustainable development.?