They are guaranteed confidentiality. While the government is promoting mining as a solution to poverty eradication, neither the rhetoric nor the global evidence convinces local communities that its benefits outweigh its disadvantages.

The Catholic Church in the Philippines maintains its prophetic voice. Local communities using their right to “free, prior, informed consent”, object to mining. The Catholiv Bishops Conference of the Philippines, in 1998. wrote a pastoral letter stating their concerns about mining. Many local bishops are very active in their support for indigenous peoples defending their rights against foreign-owned mining companies who come to claim the land and minerals of the Philippines with disastrous consequences. We invite our readers to write to the Philippine President, Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo, protesting especially about mining concessions granted on the lands of indigenous tribes. ¬

To make a difference, write your address, sign and send this letter to
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,
Malacañang Palace,
Manila,

Philippines.

Your Excellency,

I am concerned with the prospect of mining in the locality of Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur, especially since the area is a vital watershed for parts of both Zamboanga del Sur and
Zamboanga del Norte.

I support the local people, both Christian and the tribal Subaanen, who have defended the area from destruction with their very lives. A People Power picket was launched in 1987-1988 to stop rampant illegal logging perpetrated by a local politician. A campaign in the mid 90’s persuaded the Anglo-Australian corporation Rio Tinto to withdraw from the area.

Now the integrity of the remaining forest and the ancestral lands of the Subaanen people is once again threatened by mining. The mountains of Midsalip are home to protected species of wild life i.e. the Philippine Tarsier and the Philippine eagle have been sighted here. For generations the Subaanen shamans have availed of the medicinal plants to be found especially on their sacred mountain. We are aware of the dire consequences of mining by the TVI Pacific in the Mt. Canatuan area of Dipolog.

I appeal to you, to use your influence to prevent the incursion of mining companies into Midsalip and other ancestral domain areas.

Sincerely,

[ Article above printed in the Magazine of the Columban Missionaries
FAR EAST December 2005]

Please feel free to send copies of replies from the Philippines to
Fr Frank Nally, St Columban’s 28 Redington Road, London NW3 7RB