๐๐ถ๐ด๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ: ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ต ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ฟ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด
For decades, weโsocial movements, human rights defenders, environmental activists, and local communitiesโhave united in our steadfast commitment to protect our lands, our seas and people from the harm of large-scale mining.
Together, we stand as a powerful voice, expressing our collective vision for a just future. We reject the Philippine governmentโs push for mining revitalization and challenge the misleading claims of โresponsible miningโ made by corporations. Our unity and resilience show that a better, just and sustainable future is possible when communities come together to defend their rights to health, livelihoods and a healthy, safe, and resilient environment.
As we band together for Mining Hell Week, organized by Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) and its network of advocates, communities and allies, we amplify our commitment to bring attention to the issues surrounding mining, mobilize communities, and promote sustainable, just alternatives. This yearโs MHW theme, "Digging Deeper: Exposing Death and Destruction of Mining," highlights the stories of those most affected, uncovering the harsh realities and inspiring action for change.
For decades, our communities and environmental activists have stood at the forefront, challenging the destruction and exploitation caused by mining operations. We have witnessed firsthand the displacement of indigenous peoples, the loss of livelihoods, and the irreversible damage to our lands and waters.
Mining Hell Week serves as a platform to bring these stories to the public, mobilize communities, and call for urgent and effective action against corporate greed and environmental destruction in connivance with some in the public sector.
While the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) hosts its annual conference under the theme, "Digging Deeper: A Mining Philippines Policy Forum," we remain resolute in our collective efforts. We anticipate more attempts to mislead the public as mining firms continue their pursuit of social acceptability.
However, we stand united and resilient, shining a light on the truth and justice, in defending our communities and environment.
Environmental activists in the Philippines are increasingly at risk of reprisal and violence โ with the country consistently named as the most dangerous places in Asia for killings of land and environmental activists, according to Global Witness.
For the 11th consecutive year, the Philippines has been identified as the deadliest country in Asia for environmental defenders, according to the latest report from Global Witness. In 2023 alone, 17 environmental defenders were killed in the Philippines, out of the 196 fatalities recorded globally. This brings the total number of environmental defender killings in the Philippines to 298 since Global Witness began its documentation in 2012.
The Philippines now accounts for 64% of recorded environmental killings in Asia, making it the third most dangerous country for human rights and environmental defenders worldwide.
Harassment suits are increasingly being used as a tool to silence environmental activists and human rights defenders in the Philippines. These legal actions are often initiated by corporations, particularly those involved in large-scale mining, logging, or development projects, to intimidate and harass individuals and organizations who speak out against environmentally destructive activities.
Despite these challenges, our communities stand resilient. We believe in a present and future where human rights and indigenous rights are fully respected, where communities are heard and empowered rather than displaced, and where livelihoods are protected, not threatened. We envision a just system and a strong Rule of Law regime where consent processes are honored, ensuring that the voices of the people are central to any development decision.
As we closely examine the impact of mining on the environment, we need to take action. The evidence of bald forests, loss of biodiversity, and the depletion and contamination of life-sustaining fisheries and water sources reminds us of the work ahead.
Yet, amidst the damaged watersheds, polluted air & water, and the increased risks of flooding and erosion in communities like Didipio in Nueva Vizcaya, Sta. Cruz in Zambales, and Aroroy in Masbate, among many others, we find hope in the collective power of those who fight to restore and protect these affected areas.
While mining companies and the Philippine government promote the need for more mining to supply transition minerals for renewable energies, we remain vigilant. We know that true solutions to the climate crisis will not come from those who profit from destruction of our natural life support system. Instead, they will arise from our unified efforts to defend our environment, uphold justice, and create sustainable alternatives that put people and the planet first.
We invite everyoneโadvocates, local government officials, civil society organizations, academe, communities and concerned citizensโto join us in this fight. Together, we can dig deeper to uncover the truth, resist the lies, and build a stronger movement that protects our land, our seas, our rights, and our future.
Call to action
We call on Congress to take urgent action and enact the Alternative Minerals Management Bill, ensuring sustainable and just practices that prioritize the well-being of communities and the environment over corporate profits.
We stand united in advocating for the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs). The cap placed on royalties in the proposed Mining Fiscal Regime Bill undermines their rightful share of the resources from their ancestral lands.
We support the communities and residents of Manicani Island, Guian, Eastern Samar opposing the proposed Manicani Nickel Mining Project of Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC) in Manicani Island.
We envision a future where our oceans are protected and thriving, supporting diverse marine life and sustaining coastal communities. To achieve this, we call for the passage of legislation that prohibits seabed quarrying in the Philippines.
We urge the government to release the cumulative impact assessment for reclamation projects and offshore mining/seabed quarrying in Manila Bay.
We believe in a future where Indigenous Peoples' rights are respected and upheld. We call on the government to take decisive action by sanctioning mining companies who engage in deceptive and unethical practices to obtain consent from IP communities.
We stand united in advocating for the rights of all communities affected by mining. Together, we uplift the voices of Indigenous Peoples, farmers, fisherfolks, women, and youth, ensuring that their rights are protected and their livelihoods preserved.
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