December 15, 2004
Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte - Over 500 people signed a petition in
the communities of R.T. Lim, Labason, and Sibuco against the expansion
plan of TVI in their area. This petition was first presented to a representative
of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) during
an Environmental Forum in Siocon on November 12th. It was later mailed
to the desks of DENR Secretary Mike Defensor, President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo, and the Mines Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Director Mamao
Macapodi.
The petition stated that "We, the Subanen and Non-Subanen tribes
residing at Malubaal, Guinabukan, Butalian, Bularan, Kipit, and adjacent
communities supported by traditional leaders of seven rivers, Mismamis
Occidental and Baganian Peninsula Zamboanga Del Sur strongly oppose
the expansion plan of TVI and their ongoing mining operation in Mount
Canatuan, Barangay Tabay, Siocon, Zamboanga Del Norte." The petition
also stated opposition to the operations of other mining companies in
the area.
The signatories assert that it is their right and responsibility to
protect their land because the areas lie within their claim of Ancestral
Domain. They state that any projects or programs implemented in the
area should be based on their Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development
and Protection Plan. Thus, they are opposed to any operations which
would destroy the environment in their area.
By law, any company wishing to operate within an ancestral domain must
obtain the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) from the indigenous
people in the area. The petitioners assert that TVI Resource Development
Philippines Inc. is operating illegally in their area because it has
not obtained the FPIC from the people. They have asked the Government
to protect their land and their rights.
-Written by Maryanne Mutch, DCMI
