Philippines Update

Philippines Update

24th December 2006

Although the most recent typhoon to the Philippines (or allegedly a political storm) ended up forcing the cancellation of the ASEAN summit in Cebu, civil society groups still met to discuss mining issues, where indigenous leaders from the region spoke out. An earlier typhoon deepened Lafayette's troubles when it struck the troubled Rapu Rapu mine. Though damage was light to the mine, there was a new controversy over any impact the mine may have had on landslides on the island. One of the latest political actvisits to be murdered is Atty. Gil Gujol, who had acted for local residents and others in a class action suit against Lafayette. Please support an urgent action in protest at his death. (Talking of urgent actions Greenpeace South East Asia has updated its action to ABN-AMRO at http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/en/news/abn-amro-keeping-track-of-laf). Yet more mining permits have been approved, including one for Oxiana, and there were no real surprises when Xstrata excercised its option on the giant Tampakan project. We publish at appeal to protect the small-scale miners of Mount Diwalwal. We are pleased to announce the launch of new websites from Friends of the Earth Philippines (LRC) in Davao and report that the libel case, brought against DCMI, by supporters of TVI's Canatuan mine has been dismissed.