Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley (19 May) — After two weeks of his 60-day preventive suspension from an alleged abuse of authority imposed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board), publicly known anti-mining advocate Mayor Ignacio Taruc of Buguey, Cagayan Valley, is again slapped with another suspension yesterday, filed by Provincial Board the due to a case of simple misconduct.

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), an advocacy group and a people’s movement that upholds the rights of the present and future Filipinos against the persisting injustices related to mining, encourages the Mayor of Buguey to stay strong amidst political pressures.

“Mayor Taruc is headstrong in his opposition to the controversial black sand mining or magnetite extraction project in his town, as he has accurately observed the possible negative impacts of these mining operations to their area. Not surprisingly, pro-mining parties have been upset and continue to strategically destroy his credibility to govern,” said ATM Coordinator Jaybee Garganera.

“Mayor Taruc’s case is common to other environmental advocates’ who are also faced with similar challenges of being sued in a form of Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) in an attempt to scare them into dropping their protests against a corporate initiative. Although Mayor Taruc may be outnumbered by his political colleagues, his opposition to mining is backed up by the loud voices of his constituents, the Catholic Church and the civil society network of ATM”, added Garganera.

“Furthermore, Buguey wetlands have been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA), significant in staging and wintering area for migratory waterbirds but the site has no official protected status yet. Mayor Taruc’s initiatives would prevent further destruction and disturbance that may be caused by mining operations in the area” added Anabel Plantilla, an officer from HARIBON.

The magnetite extraction project in Buguey was issued legal permits to operate by the provincial government, but is currently put on hold by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) last April 22 in violation of Batas Pambansa 256 that prohibits mineral extraction within 200 meters from the coastline.

ATM is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations convened by HARIBON, Legal Resource Center – Friends of the Earth Philippines (LRC/FOEI) and PhilDHRRA. (PR)