Mining operation by Nicua helped cause the massive fish mortality in
Lake Bito!
By SAGUPA-SB
May 10, 2012
TACLOBAN CITY – Contamination from Mining operation and turbidity
are two of the three causes of the massive fish mortality in Lake Bito,
MacArthur Leyte according to the final report of the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The report was made in Bgy
Imelda, MacArthur to the fisherfolks and the barangay officials and to
the municipal officials last May 7.
“The damage caused by Nicua Mining to Lake Bito, the food and
livelihood resource for the people of Brgy. Villa Imelda and of the
nearby barangays can no longer be denied. Hence, those responsible for
the damage, those who failed to prevent the damage from occurring, as
well as those who presented misleading information which sabotaged the
fast and effective response to the problematic situation should be
punished according to the full weight of the law” according to Nestor
Lebico, Secretary-General of Samahan han Gudti nga Parag-uma ha
Sinirangan Bisayas o SAGUPA-SB.
Massive fish mortality in the Lake started in March 14. According to
Barangay officials and fisherfolk leaders, fish mortality has
continued since then. The damage has reached 22 metric tons. Thus
income from mariculture in the lake has been paralyzed.
“We
challenge the LGU leaders of the municipality of MacArthur and of the
province of Leyte to serve their constituents by helping them compel
Nicua mining Corporation / Leyte Ironsands Corporation (NMC/LIC) to
pay for the damage they made. We also ask MGB director de Dios to
explain to the public how come his model for responsible mining acted
irresponsibly,” Lebico ended.
