BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – The House committee on cultural communities started Friday its probe on complaints of villagers against foreign mining firms in the province.
Rep. Carlos Padilla of this mineral-rich province said the committee was conducting the public hearings as part of its investigation into alleged abuses by Australian firms Oceana Gold Philippines and Royalco Philippines, whom the national government has granted permits for the Didipio gold-copper project in Barangay Didipio and exploration activities in Barangays Pao and Kakidugen, all in Kasibu town.
The committee, led by Benguet Rep. Samuel Dangwa, would also investigate the worsening “conflict” among Bugkalots who are on opposite sides on the mining issue.
The committee proceeded to Didipio village yesterday to validate reports of alleged abuses by Oceana Gold, including reported ejection of tribal folk when the firm improved the site for its full-scale mining operations.
The House probe comes just days after the burial of Didipio village chief Paul Baguilat, a known supporter of Oceana Gold project who was shot dead last week. Meanwhile, Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena called for the suspension of all mining-related activities in the province, including the $117-million Didipio project, the region’s first large-scale mining venture.
“We strongly ask the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Mines and Geosciences Bureau and other authorities to suspend all mining-related activities while the investigation on the killing is ongoing. His (Baguilat’s) death is an indication that there is no peace in Didipio,” Villena said.
The Baguilat killing came in the wake of a standoff between the provincial government and Oceana Gold over the latter’s refusal to pay quarry fees. -- CL
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