We are adding our voice to amplify the calls of the residents of Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. With renewed fervor, we pledge our full support to the ongoing peoples’ barricade against Oceanagold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI) and congratulate them on their perseverance to stop the unlawful and destructive mining operations.
Indigenous peoples and the community of Didipio in Nueva Vizcaya mounted a peoples barricade to stop the large scale gold and copper mining operations of Oceanagold, an Australian-Canadian mining corporation. The local government unit has issued a restraining order after the foreign mine’s Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) expired last June 20, 2019 on its 25th year. The mining giant, however, has defied these orders claiming that it can continue operating on the premise that their application for FTAA renewal has been endorsed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to the office of the Philippine President.
Pending the President’s approval of their application, Oceanagold filed a petition for preliminary injunction. The Regional Trial Court denied this finding no sufficient evidence to support the claim of Oceanagold that they are authorized to continue mining operations thru the endorsement of line agencies. Thus, any continued operation by the mining corporation is illegal.
The years of exploitation and the environmental destruction that the mining caused has earned the ire of the community, environmental advocates and groups and even the local government officials. The ongoing barricade they have mounted since the beginning of this month is a testament to the peoples objection to the company’s attempt to extend their plunder of Didipio’s mineral reserves.
We stand with the indigenous peoples and the community of Didipio in their fight to protect land and resources and put an end to corporate greed. We enjoin everyone to amplify the calls and bring this issue to a wider platform to consolidate the peoples strength and voice against OGPI.
Oceanagold, out of Nueva Vizcaya now! No go for Oceanagold!
For Reference:
Jill Carino, AIPNEE Coordinator
