SIX months after the fish kill in Rapu-Rapu in 2005, a commission was created whose task was to conduct an in-depth investigation and to come up with their recommendations. The Rapu-Rapu Fact Finding Commission (RRFFC) was “born” amidst the varied and oftentimes contradicting statements from various so-called experts that caused more confusion instead of enlightenment among the Bicolanos as to what really triggered the fish kill and who were really to be held responsible.

        It took the commission at least three months to investigate and to come up with their recommendations. Aside from the document review made by the members of the commission, series of public hearings were made wherein persons whom they (commission) think would be instrumental in giving testimonies significant for the fact finding mission were summoned. Cross examinations among witnesses became a spectacle during the commission’s hectic data gathering activities.

        Finally, in May 2006, the Fact Finding Report was submitted to the President of the Philippines. Among the recommendations given by the RRFFC was to capacitate the DENR, MGB and EMB.

        Maybe the members of the commission sensed that their recommendation to cancel Lafayette’s ECC was a remote possibility. It could be recalled that while almost everybody was wary of the ill effects of mining, the then DENR Secretary Reyes bragged about making the Philippines the Mining Capital of the World.

        Maybe the RRFFC thought that if mining in Rapu-Rapu would not be stopped since it was the Administration’s Flagship project for mining, then it would help at least if the DENR would not only be good at giving mining permits but could also “police” the activities.

        Two years have passed. Now, as it happened before, we seem to face a blank wall. Initial report from the team sent by DENR mentioned of the waters where dead marine life was found was within DENR Standard for cyanide. This “standard” could, however be, FATAL. The Rapu-Rapu Fact Finding Commission’s investigation showed that while DENR was saying the same in 2005, the cyanide count was in reality ways and ways above the tolerable parts per million.

        The initial report about the very recent fish kill in Rapu-Rapu is a clear manifestation of government’s failure to capacitate DENR. As stated, “DENR cannot determine the cause of the fish kill since its expertise and mandate is vested on other competent authorities”. (Are they admitting their own incompetence?)

        If government is really serious of ensuring the safety of the mining communities, then they should be serious in addressing this incompetence. Before anybody else, this expertise should be within the Local Government Unit where the mining operation was permitted. Government should seriously consider the anxiety felt by the local communities while facing uncertainties because of the absence of the so-called “experts”.

        No amount of expert advice could erase the anxiety of the fisher folks whose only means of livelihood is dependent on the quality of their municipal waters. One thing is certain though. The Fishing village is the true expert. Your experience prior to the mining operation in Rapu-Rapu as compared to the incidents of fish kills nowadays is enough.

ROY NELSON G. LAYOSA
via email