increased militarization and the alarming number of human rights violations in mining areas bear witness to this. The Catholic bishops, siding with the indigenous peoples, have come out strongly against mining in their statement this January “We believe that the Mining Act destroys life. The right to life of people is inseparable from their right to sources of food and livelihood. Allowing the interests of big mining corporations to prevail over people’s right to these sources amount to violating their right to life.” This is the position adopted by civil society members, NGOs and Indigenous Peoples organizations whom the fact finding team met. Ms Short and the team applaud the Bishops stance. They believe that unless serious steps are taken to ensure adherence to the rule of law and international best practices the governments mining policy will inevitably lead to further hardships for poor communities, increased corruption, human rights abuses and ultimately destabilization of the country.

Despite claims that a lack of resources is the basis for lack of enforcement of mining regulations, it is clear that the real problem is lack of political will. The Philippines government should demonstrate to its people and to the world that it is committed to upholding international best practices. Doing so is the only way to avoid the destruction of its indigenous peoples, its rich biodiversity and guarantee a truly sustainable path to development for all of its people.

Current government plans target up to 30% of the country for mining. The majority of this land is inhabited by the most vulnerable sections of society and is rich in biodiversity vital for the future sustainability of the country. Mining if implemented on the scale planned would be nothing short of disastrous for the country. Lessons should be learned from the past. Major logging projects destroyed tropical forests and are estimated to have benefited only 65 families in the entire Philippines. Mining as it is currently envisaged may benefit even fewer. A more balanced, long term strategic approach towards planning of mining activities is absolutely essential. In the absence of such a plan and immediate actions to ensure that best practices are implemented one would be justified in drawing parallels between the impending eruption of the Mt Mayon Volcano, in the region of the Rapu-Rapu mine, where 28,000 people have been evacuated and the social, economic, human rights and environmental volcano that will threaten the political stability of the country.

A report of the fact finding mission will be published mid September. This will be followed by a number of actions - the aim of which will be to pressurize the government of the Philippines, international financial institutions, mining corporations and their home governments to ensure that responsible mining practices are adopted.