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Steadfast vs mining
The Bicol Alliance Against Mining fervently denounces the
desperate initiative of Lafayette Phils. Inc. of holding a
dailogue on Februray 16, 2006. We believe that a dialogue’s basic
element is mutual trust, which in this case, is evidently missing.
We know for a fact that the very purpose of their so-called
discourse is to legitimize their resumption of operation by making
use of a “Moro-Moro” consultation.
Even with the new management of Lafayette under its new Chairman,
President and CEO, the fact remains the same that Lafayette wants
to resume mining operation in Rapu-Rapu, and, there’s nothing new
about it.
No amount of assurance of transparency could change the fact that
mining is an environmentally destructive activity. Resumption is
the next step in mind of Lafayette. This dialogue as they say
would be a venue for the different sectors to express their
sentiments. However, expressing one’s sentiments is totally
different from being heard.
Prior to the mining operation, Lafayette and its supporters from
government used (abused) the term consultation during their
clamour for social acceptability. This so-called dialogue they are
calling for would be the same.
We remain steadfast with our position.
1. Immediate closure of Lafayette Mining Operation in Rapu-Rapu;
2. Compensate the affected communities;
3. Clean-up the mess brought about by the mining operation;
4. Make the concerned agencies/officials accountable;
5. Scrap the Mining Act of 1995; and
6. Review the mining industry-dependent development strategy.
Bicol Alliance Against Mining
