Violations of indigenous rights by military and mining operations.

By Belarmino Dabalos Saguing
Rome, Italy 19.10.2013

The year 2013 is characterized by the increase in killings, threats and other Human Rights violation directed against the indigenous tribes notably in the areas of mining operations nationwide.

According to the Oral statement to the UN Human Rights Council – 24th Session
9 – 27 September 2013, Geneva, Switzerland by Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, Northern Mindano Sub-Region (RMP-NMR), Human Rights violation in the Philippines are in major part related to mining operations.

The group cited three instances of the violations against local inhabitants by the mining operators and reportedly aided by governmental agencies:

The first is the magnetite mining operations in the coastal area of Cagayan province, by foreign and local investors. Allegedly, the mining permission was granted with inadequate consultation and consent of the affected communities. The mining operation has negative impact on the right to lively hood, right to water and right to freedom of expression of the local population. The anti-mining groups have received intimidation from the local authority and mining operators due to their opposition.

Secondly is the nickel mining operations in Eastern Samar province, especially in Homonhon Island and in Manicani Island. There has been allegation of human rights violations of the local communities, especially on the right to freedom of expression, access to water, and right to livelihood. In Homonhon, the anti mining groups have been intimidated by the mining operators. No action was taken by the government to protect them. The latest case was on August 5, 2013 where 17 protesters including two underage children were intimidated by the mining company and the security force. Instead of having a dialogue, the mining company filed a case against the protesters. In Manicani Island, despite the government’s decision to suspend the mining operation in 2001, the mining company has been trying to continue their activities. There is no law enforcement for the implementation. The local community is obliged to make human barricade to prevent the company to operate illegally.

Thirdly, is the situation in Matigsalug and Tigwahanon indigenous communities in San Fernando, Bukidnon in Southern Philippines. On 5 March 2012, Mr. Jimmy Liguyon was shot and killed at his home. He strongly resisted the entry of large scale mining companies in his village, where the main source of income is small-scale mining. The police investigated the killing and charged Mr. Alde Salusad and 14 unidentified paramilitary members for the murder. The Court issued a warrant of arrest against him on 30 April 2012, but to date has not been served. The regional office of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines also promised to investigate the case but no official investigation report has been released. The failure to arrest the perpetrators and the continuing militarization of San Fernando led to two mass evacuations of Matigsalugs and Tigwahanons in March 2012 and August 2012.

The mining operations are still on-going in the reported areas and there are little or no change on the situation, In recent months, a spite of murders and cases of threats and intimidations were reported particularly in Matigsalug communities and outlaying areas in Mindanao.

To read more, go to
http://www.rmp-nmr.org/articles/2013/10/01/human-rights-violation-related-mining-projects-philippines