A 15-MEMBER fact-finding mission kicked off on Wednesday to look into the impacts of mining to people and the environment in Negros Occidental. Organized by the Asian Peasant Coalition (APC), an Asia-wide network of peasant organizations and its local partners, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Negros and the Action Solidarite Tiers Monde (ASTM), the mission visited Sipalay and Hinoba-an towns in the province, where mining operations are reportedly starting to adversely affect the people. Mining claims in the province cover almost 380,000 hectares, affecting agricultural and coastal areas. Among the biggest mining companies in Negros are the Philex Mining Corp., Maricalum Mining Corp., MariColet Mines, Philmet Corp., Vulcan Mining Corp., Asturias Chemical Industries, and the Massart Mining and Development Corp. “Contrary to the Aquino administration’s claims that mining will improve the lives of the local residents, our experience in Negros Occidental proves otherwise,” said Greg Ratin, secretary general of KMP-Negros. Seven foreign delegates from India, Indonesia, Belgium, United Kingdom, Nepal and Sri Lanka joined the two teams of the fact-finding mission. Those from other Asian countries also confront land conflicts brought about by large-scale mining operations by multinational corporations. Other delegates from national organizations include scientists, members of the academe, peasant leaders and human-rights activists....
Outcome of this "fact-finding mission" was predetermined. Condemnation of Aquino administration and mining companies. KMP is a CPP peasant front and facilitated the visit of the leftist Asian Peasant Coalition.
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