Island folk confront De Castro on mining, storm aid
By Tarra Quismundo, Madonna Virola
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Southern Luzon Bureau
First Posted 10:04:00 07/01/2008
SAN FERNANDO, SIBUYAN ISLAND, Philippines -- Some 100 residents of the village of España in this island municipality expressed their opposition to mining as they welcomed Vice President Noli de Castro who helicoptered in Monday, landing on the shore near the wreck of the MV Princess of the Stars.
Many villagers have been protesting mining exploration on the island, saying it posed a danger to the environment. Residents say landslides from Mt. Guiting-Guiting have been occurring more frequently with just a little rain.
Mt. Guiting-Guiting is the site of nickel mining operations, which are now at the exploration stage.
In a dialogue with anti-mining advocate Domeng Marin, De Castro was short in his answers to the villagers and told them to first acquaint themselves thoroughly with the issues before taking part in community actions.
Explaining why the village was up in arms against mining, Marin said, “Our lives would be at risk from the erosion of our mountain.”
De Castro retorted, “Why? Is the mountain yours?” He then said mining brought economic benefits and any mining firm was bound to comply with environmental laws or risk punishment.
De Castro also said public consultations had been held on the matter and the mining operators had been granted licenses.
De Castro visited the island for the second time in a week to check on typhoon relief efforts and the salvaging of the Princess of the Stars.
Residents of España, most of whom harbor anti-mining sentiments, also complained that some local officials discriminated between supporters and non-supporters of mining when distributing rice and other relief goods.
“We are appealing to the government to have a fair distribution of calamity assistance,” Gerry Rocero said in a text message in behalf of the fishermen in Sitio Bay, Barangay Campalingo.
San Fernando Mayor Nannette Tansingco, however, denied there was discrimination in the distribution of relief goods. “Our assistance is for all affected by the typhoon,” she said.
Meanwhile, Fr. Nestor Galdon, San Fernando parish priest, dwelt on the alleged contamination of the surrounding seawaters and urged residents at the end of the 5 a.m. Mass Monday to till whatever land they had.
It was the first Sunday Mass said at the Immaculate Conception Parish cathedral after Typhoon “Frank” (international codename: Fengshen) battered the town and sank the Princess of the Stars nearby.
“If our seas are contaminated, let’s till whatever land we have. If our land will be destroyed by mining, what more will be left for us?” Galdon said.
Experts are now looking into the possible contamination of the Romblon seas from the pesticides carried on the ill-fated Sulpicio Lines ship.
Fishing is the main source of livelihood on Sibuyan. Government officials have told residents to stop eating fish from the seas due to possible toxic contamination.
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