Unified Position Paper for the Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the 1993 Maguila-guila Dam T

Unified Position Paper for the Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the 1993 Maguila-guila Dam Tragedy

Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns
(MACEC Mogpog Chapter)

Mogpog, Marinduque, Philippines

December 6, 2003

1. The Story

Exactly ten (10) years ago and almost three (3) years before the much publicized Boac River mine spill even happened, Mogpog had first experienced it all - flashflood of mine waste wrecking havoc to 26 villages/barangays, killing peoples and animals, causing destruction to properties, significantly affecting agriculture, business and hampering almost every economic activities, rendering most people homeless, sick and living in fear. The cause of it all? Marcopper's Maguila-guila Dam collapsed, releasing tons and tons of mine waste into the river and various parts of the municipality.

Marcopper/Placer Dome's response to the tragedy? " It is not our fault! It was caused by unfortuitous event!!! We are not liable but we will give you donations because we are "good company".

II. The Disappointment and Deceit

It was so unfortunate for Mogpog:

• That it had leaders in 1993 who got contented with the "donations" instead of continuing the battle making the company liable and demanding what is due to all.
• That even before the 1993 tragedy was resolved, it was again affected by the mine spill along Boac River in 1996 but again, was the last to recognized as affected area, and with claims stilL unsettled till now
• That it (Mogpog) was identified as one of the affected areas to be covered by USGS Study YET no sure funds are being made available for any rehab projects for Mogpog.
• That there are leaders and politicians who had mastered the art of deceit (they thought…) and making the people believed that they really care for the environment, for Marinduqueños and the Filipinos when the truth is they are no different to the company (MMC/PDI) who caused it all.

III. Our Position and Call

As we celebrate the 10th year Commemoration of the 1993 Maguila-guila Dam tragedy, with greater unity and with stronger force and renewed inspiration emanating from the Almighty God, we reiterate our calls and demands:

1. Urgent rehabilitation of Mogpog River and all areas affected by mining operation in the province.

2. Implementation of Health and Compensation Components/Program for all affected individuals without delaying tactics like "quit claims ".

3. Justice! To the victims of the 1993 Maguila-guila Dam tragedy.

4. No to large scale mining in the province
No to additional, more and new mine waste posing lifetime risk to the environment and its people.

To our Leaders:

Be sincere…make a stand
…think of what is good to your people before even pleasing the IMF-WB with your Mining Act and New National Mineral Policy
…think of what is good for the environment before pleasing the investors and funders of your political campaigns.
…think of what is pleasing to God over and above what will ensure your next re-election.