Statement calling for the scrapping of the Mining Act of 1995 and to stop mining exploration in Region 8

SAMAR ISLAND DISTRICT CONFERENCE
United Church of Christ in the Philippines
UCCP Balangkayan, Balangkayan, Eastern Samar
November 18, 2010

“As stewards of God’s creation, we should protect, promote and enhance the ecological balance and the integrity of creation.” [UCCP Declaration of Principles]

The Samar Island District Conference of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines-East Visayas Jurisdictional Area which is composed of 36 local churches, seven worshipping congregations and fifteen mission outreaches from the provinces of Eastern Samar and part of Western Samar, strongly affirms its stand against the liberalization of the country's mining industry by calling for the scrapping of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. The Mining Act has allowed the intensified extraction of our mineral resources endowed by the Almighty Creator.

Mining permits have been granted in Eastern and Western Samar in spite of a moratorium on mining by the provincial governments. Municipalities of General McArthur, Hernani and Llorente are now alarmed by the existing Open-pit Mining in Eastern Samar which recently based their exploration camp site at Barangay Binalay, Gen. Mc Arthur, Eastern Samar which is just near to a military camp.  People also from Jiabong, Motiong and Paranas in the Western part of Samar are also expressing their apprehension for the possible dreadful effects of the existing mining exploration to their environment and to their livelihood and even to their security and possible threats through militarization if ever they will resist against these mining explorations as it happen in the other parts of the country.

To recall, Arroyo has issued Memorandum Circular No. 67, "Directing the Operationalization of the Mineral Action Plan for Mineral Resources Development", and Executive Order 270 and 270-A, "National Policy Agenda on Revitalizing Mining in the Philippines". These memos basically lay out the major policy guidelines to "revitalize" the mining industry by giving more economic and political privileges to mining companies. The MPA signals a renewed effort of the government for the complete sell-out of the people’s mineral resources, sacrificing the rights and welfare of affected communities, and the protection of the environment in the process.

With this, we are one with those who uphold the integrity of God’s creation in challenging and pushing all the people in the region and in the country to resist against these mining explorations, which is, by and large, in the hands of foreign mining companies, and protect our national patrimony as it stands on the unconstitutionality of the Mining Act of 1995.

We also call on our government officials and lawmakers to repeal this very destructive law. No amount of financial or fiscal crisis can justify the devastation of our God-given surroundings that is our legacy.

We know we will be facing harsher conditions but we cannot just close our eyes, shut our ears and do nothing. We will defend our land and resources for our children and for the future generations. We realized that we have to link with the broader public for strength and support. We also realized that it takes courage, sacrifice and patience amidst fear to do the right thing for the people.

OUR RESOURCES ARE NOT FOR SALE! We shall defend them with all our might and power as a people of God of Justice and Righteousness!

Reference: Rev. Jerome Baris, Conference Minister, SIDC