BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—The archbishop of Cagayan has called on people in his diocese to stage demonstrations and other mass actions to protest mining operations by Chinese firms in coastal towns in the province.
In a pastoral letter, Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio Utleg asked Catholic lay leaders in Cagayan to organize communities, hold prayer rallies and conduct a massive information campaign on the ill effects of ongoing extraction of manganese and other minerals in the province.
Utleg said he was alarmed over the continued operation of five Chinese mining firms in Gonzaga and Buguey towns despite the reported failure to correct violations in their operations.
“It is undeniable that there are mining companies operating in many towns of Cagayan extracting and exploiting the natural resources of [the province] like black sand, iron ore, manganese, etc.,” said the bishop.
“Unfortunately, all these mining activities are happening because the provincial government and local governments are allowing mining companies to operate in exchange for short-term benefits,” he said.
Cagayan Gov. Alvaro Antonio did not take calls or respond to text messages sent to his mobile phones on Saturday seeking his views on Utleg’s pastoral letter.
But in an open letter, Antonio defended the provincial government’s issuance of small-scale mining permits.
“Unfortunately, the local government cannot deviate from the policy of mining which was authorized by law and implemented by the national government,” said the letter.
“What the provincial government can do only is to closely monitor and strictly enforce the law, requirements and regulations on mining,” it said.
Antonio said the provincial environment office and the mine regulatory fund committee have been conducting regular inspections at the mining sites to ensure the compliance of the permit holders with guidelines and conditions.
The provincial government earlier granted small-scale mining permits to Chinese firms Lian Xing Philippines Stone Carving Corp., Huaxia Mining and Trading Corp., and Well Resource Mining Inc., all in Gonzaga.
It has also granted permits to San You Philippines Inc. and Lutra Inc. to extract magnetite sand in Buguey.
Utleg urged Church leaders to “mobilize our people to manifest their opposition to mining through demonstrations, court actions, prayer rallies” and to join environment groups in “preserving the integrity of creation.”
“Having seen and judged the nature of mining and its ill effects, now is the time to act. We therefore urge all our people, especially those concerned, to perform actions under the guidance of your pastors and lay leaders,” he said.
“The Church joins the collective struggle to stop the uncontrolled plunder of our natural resources that makes our people suffer. As disciples of Jesus, we cannot remain deaf to the cries of our people,” he said.
Utleg urged Church officials to hold dialogues and appeal to government agencies, especially local governments, to prevent the issuance of permits to mining companies.
“[Let us] motivate our people to be on guard not only against mining but also against all forms of destructive activities like logging, illegal fishing and bad farming practices that destroy and endanger our natural environment,” he said.