Green groups to join Bonifacio Day protest actions

ATM Press Release November 30, 2017 Anti-mining alliance call for environmental revolution

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) will march with the Kalipunan ng mga Kilusang Masa (KALIPUNAN) tomorrow, Nov. 30, 2017 as part of the massive protest actions to celebrate Bonifacio Day. The environmental group stated that Bonifacio’s revolutionary passion is a good reminder for all environmental activists that a similar revolution is needed to protect the environment. “We need to start an environmental revolution to protect our food, water, forests, biodiversity and small-islands”, said Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator. He compared the on-going struggles of mining-affected communities in Manicani Island, Easter Samar and in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, as the new and real revolution of the people for a better future. Residents of Manicani have been encamped in front of the DENR for 20 days already, demanding the immediate stoppage of mining operations in their islands whose mine permit expired last Oct. 27, 2017. The alliance is marching with KALIPUNAN as part of the broader social movements who are calling for genuine implementation of the peoples’ agenda, including the right to a safe and sound environment, land rights, secured labor rights, freedom from violence for women, and right to dignified housing. ATM reiterated that despite the positive pronouncements from Pres. Duterte on addressing the mining issues and concerns, there has been no concrete resolution since he appointed Roy Cimatu as DENR Secretary. We are marching to Mendiola to bring the message to Pres. Duterte that we need real change, and not the threat of a revolutionary government or dictatorship, Garganera concluded. ### ALYANSA TIGIL MINA (ATM) is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who are opposing the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. ATM is a member of KALIPUNAN. For more information: Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, (0917) 549.82.18 nc@alyansatigilmina.net Karl Santos, ATM Media and Communications Officer, 09171491717 – media.comms@alyansatigilmina.net