Cyanide impounding pond closed by NPA in Ilocos Sur

CERVANTES, Ilocos Sur -- The Antonio Licawen Front Operational Command of the New People’s Army has permanently closed operations of the Carbon In Pulp (CIP) here in Sitio Makawkawa, Barangay Patiacan on July 23.

In a statement, the NPA said it carried out this military action due to the following:

 1.       The owner of the leaching pad did not recognize the warning sent out by the NPA last January 1, regarding the immediate closure of the said CIPs in the area.

2.       The NPA does not allow any kind of leaching pad especially those that use cyanide which is one of the most toxic poisons which can harm the health of humans, animals and plants alike.

3.       The people of Quirino Ilocos Sur have long been protesting on the cyanide leaching pad in Makawkawa, Patiacan because the said CIP has been operating above the water source of Barangay Patungcaleo, Quirino.

The said CIP has also caused the consecutive fish kills last 2015 in the Balas-iyan River due to irresponsible mining in Barangay Patiacan.

4.       The operator of the CIP was given enough time to voluntarily dismantle the leaching pad.

The said warning was widely distributed to concerned citizens (operators, barangay and municipal officers) and the people of Quirino and adjacent municipalities.

The NPA also conducted a barangay meeting last March 16, in Patiacan to explain the warning statement.

This was attended by the operator of the CIP in Makawkawa, elders and barangay officials.

 “The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army and National Democratic Front- Cordillera People’s Democratic Front (NDF/CPDF) recognizes and advances the right of the people to freely use the natural resources for farming, fishing, and hunting and even mining so as to improve and develop their livelihood,” the statement said.

“With this right though, comes the responsibility of the people to take care of the environment. The CPP-NPA-NDF/CPDF will not allow any activities which will gravely destroy the environment and health of communities. The mining of gold and copper in small scale operations will be allowed as long as the miners ensure the protection of the environment, health and agriculture. The operation of CIPs which is a destructive method of processing minerals is highly prohibited. Just as the revolutionary movement is against the entry of large foreign capitalist mining companies who steal lands and are more damaging to the environment, health, livelihood and communities.

 “This military action of the NPA should serve as warning to the other operators in Patiacan and other areas to stop destructive methods in extracting gold. This also serves warning to large scale mining companies and their mercenary protectors in the AFP and PNP.”