Philippines: Arroyo’s flagship mining project goes bankrupt

” A change in ownership or administration of Lafayette is not enough. The mine should be closed and a mining moratorium should be put in place in Rapu-Rapu island. The mining-affected communities should be rehabilitated and compensated for the losses in livelihood, environmental devastation, and health impacts that we suffered due to Lafayette’s mining operations in our homeland,” Antonio Casitas, Spokesperson of Rapu-Rapu anti-mining alliance Sagip Isla Sagip Kapwa Inc. (SISK) said.

Residents of Rapu-Rapu island will press their demands for rehabilitation and compensation at all costs, Casitas said. “We will continue to fight for as long as the mine continues to exist in our island and for as long as environmental and social justice for the community is not attained,” Casitas said.

Rapu´-Rapu and Sorsogon communities recently wrapped up with a massive eight-day Kampong Bayan in front of the Albay Capitol in Legaspi to call for Lafayette’s closure. This is the second Kampong Bayan and fourth massive protest rally to be held by Rapu-Rapu residents after a fish kill hit at least five barangays after heavy rains on October 28, 2007.

DEFEND PATRIMONY! is a broad alliance comprised of organizations and individuals united in the defense of Filipino people’s rights and national patrimony against the wholesale plunder of our mineral and other natural resources. ###

References:
Bishop Arturo Bastes, Diocese of Sorsogon
Mr. Clemente Bautista Jr., Convenor, Defend Patrimony alliance
Mr. Antonio Casitas, Spokesperson, Sagip Isla Sagip Kapwa Inc. (SISK)

For interviews, please contact Mr. Clemente Bautista Jr., 63-922-844-9787 or 9209099
or through email kalikasan.pne@gmail.com.

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