Philippines Update

Philippines update

21st August 2007

The new Philippines' Environment Secretary, Lito Atienza, has asked for restraint on the part of the communist NPA, following threats against foreign mining companies. However, generally there seems to be little restraint between those promoting the industry and those resisting it, as clashes escalate between the two. Subanon people at Canatuan have once again taken their complaints to the United Nations, given the lack of protection afforded them by their own government. A mayor in Palawan, and a,governor in Davao Oriental have both spoken out against large-scale mining.

The UK's Guardian newspaper has run a story on the opposition of local people to the proposed project of Crew Minerals in Mindoro. And conflict seems to be growing between communities in Benguet and mining companies, where Indigenous Peoples believe their protests have not been heard.

A Philippine NGO has rejected the attempt by Lafayette Mining to sue it for libel, referring to the case as a spurious example of a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation).