Child labor and unfair labor practices are prevalent in the mining communities in Romblon, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) disclosed on Wednesday, April 14.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Citing results of the research done by its Region IV-B, the CHR said that graft and corruption and environmental concerns have also been unearthed.
"Liberalized mining laws in 1995 were set on the contention that mining can spur growth at the national level but to this date, only environmental problems and human rights violations at the local realm have been set to motion," the CHR said based on the research.
"Indeed, the marble mining industry has placed Romblon into worldwide recognition but has also allegedly, adversely affected the environment and the well-being of the people,” it said.
The research entitled “An Inquiry into the Quarry: Lived Experiences and Narratives in Romblon’s Mining Communities" was done by CHR Region IV-B under the guidance of Director Dennis F. Mosquera, Officer-in-Charge of Desk Office Mindoro Estrella C. Baltazar, and Officer-in-Charge of Palawan Provincial Office John Evan V. Baron. They are all lawyers.
It assessed the current condition of marble mining in Romblon, Romblon “with reference to the human rights of the communities living in the marble quarrying sites.”
Based on research results, the CHR recommended that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conduct a thorough investigation on the issues of unfair labor practices and establish an office to address the problems of mine workers.
It also recommended that local government units (LGUs), the Philippine Mining Regulatory Board, and other related agencies "aggressively monitor" the labor practices of mining companies.
On environmental protection, the CHR said there should be stricter imposition of sanctions and penalties as a deterrent for violating environmental and social laws.
But for companies which are compliant with the laws, the CHR recommended that they be given tax incentives.
The setting up of municipal hotlines was also recommended by the CHR so that the public can immediately report violations of mining, labor and other laws.