‘You’ve been warned,’ top communist leader tells mining firms

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—A top communist leader in Mindanao has warned mining companies to abide by the rebels’ policies on environmental protection otherwise they would be attacked in the same manner the rebels raided three mining companies in Surigao del Norte province on Monday.

Jorge Madlos, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Mindanao, said rebels attacked the three mining firms in the municipality of Claver because they failed to heed their demand for an explanation of the companies’ alleged environmental destruction and a host of other issues against the companies.

“Sometime on April and May we sent them a letter but they ignored it. The companies instead told the revolutionary movement to visit their main offices in Manila. So we waited until yesterday and upon investigation of the extent of the environmental damage and ill approach to the workers, the revolutionary movement handed them the penalties,” Madlos told the Inquirer by phone from somewhere in the hinterlands of the Caraga region.

Madlos said it was the first such warning to mining companies, be they large or small scale, foreign-owned or locally owned, that they must “heed to our revolutionary policies on mining activities.”

Asked if the attacks were prompted by failure of the companies to pay the so-called “revolutionary tax” to the communist rebels, Madlos said the attacks were the result of the companies disregard of the environment and alleged shabby treatment of indigenous people.

“Revolutionary tax can be negotiated, but it was more on the environment and the companies’ treatment of its employees and displaced indigenous peoples who were reduced to being like beggars,” Madlos said.

Madlos said the mining companies used harmful chemicals and acid in order to extract minerals efficiently.

The large-scale type of mining not only displaced the tribal people but also excavated mountains and cut down trees, he said, adding that a negotiation  between the companies and the rebels would have been an opportunity for them to explain their side.

“We are now calling on all mining companies to explain the extent of the damage but if they don’t want to talk, then so be it,” Madlos said, warning that more attacks would be launched.

He said mining per se was not prohibited “as this is an economic enterprise” but it must be in consonance with their policies.

He said the rebels were more considerate of small-scale miners as they operate for subsistence and do not employ heavy equipment.

He said the rebels were against licensing foreign mining companies because the minerals should benefit the poor Filipinos.