LEONCIO "Ka Parago" Pitao, leader of the First
Pulang Bagani Battalion of the New People's Army (NPA), expressed strong
opposition on Wednesday against any mining activities in the areas of Paquibato
District, Davao City.
"Ang among barog diha kung kitang mga pobre, kitang mga taga dinhi maoy maka benepisyo sa mina, sugot mi. Pero kung mga langyaw maoy muari, ayaw na lang," Pitao told reporters in an interview somewhere in Paquibato District.
Pitao said he has been very consistent in his anti-mining stance ever since.
He would strongly oppose these activities especially when military operations are exercised just to protect mining companies that enter the protected areas of the second district of Davao City, he said.
Pitao and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte almost have the same reasons on why they oppose mining, one of the things that the local chief executive dislikes the most.
"Wala pa namo na nasabutan ni mayor. Wala pud koy balita sa iya, tagsa ra mi magkita," Pitao said when asked if they were able to discuss mining together.
2nd District Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang earlier said that at least two mining firms from Manila have applied for permits for explorations in Paquibato and Marilog Districts.
Seeking approval are the Alberto Mining Corporation and Penson's Mining Corporation.
The City Council expressed its opposition against any mining activity in the city.
In fact, Dayanghirang has mulled on crafting an ordinance that will make the city free from any mining activity.
However, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Mine Management Division chief Wilfredo G. Moncano said that the two mining firms had already signed memorandum of agreements (MOA) with the lumad chieftains and village chiefs in Paquibato district to do exploration in the area.
The MOA was signed on February 18, 2011.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.