DAVAO CITY – The Diocese of Marbel in South Cotabato will remain vigilant until such time when there is no more threat of lifting the open-pit mining ban in the town of Tampakan.
A few days back, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo repudiated a Provincial Board resolution seeking to lift the decade-old ordinance banning open-pit mining in Tampakan.
Marbel Bishop Cerilo Casicas said in a statement that the outgoing Sangguniang Panlalawigan members could still override the governor’s veto on the resolution lifting the ban on open-pit mining.
"As we all heave a big sigh of relief, we are fully aware that the battle for environmental protection and against open-pit mining methods in South Cotabato is not over, '' the bishop said.
Casiscas said the veto truly reflects the sentiment of the general public and at this point of the campaign, they consider this as a victory of righteousness.
"God’s hand truly moves in mysterious but wonderful ways," he added.
The diocese, he said, is thankful for Tamayo’s decision with the people and for standing with the environment.
"Your veto is a testament of a listening governor. On behalf of the waters, the flora and fauna and the peoples of South Cotabato, we offer our deepest gratitude to you for standing up against all forms of pressure and siding with the people of South Cotabato," the bishop added.
Casicas said they are deeply grateful for every person who joined them in the march, and for every prayer and sacrifice made.
"To all the South Cotabateños, those belonging to neighboring provinces and city, and to all our multisectoral support groups – youth, senior citizens, medical practitioners, health workers, farmers, tricycle drivers, irrigators association, IPs and Muslim brothers and sisters and to the long list of sectors we could not completely mention here," he said.
"We express our gratitude to the countless people who have gone out of their way to show their opposition whether through the social media, signature campaign or participating in the mass mobilizations," Casicas added.
In junking the board resolution, Tamayo said he is hoping that the outgoing members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will no longer override his decision and let the next council review it.
The governor said he junked the lifting of the ban on open-pit mining for being prejudicial to the public welfare and inimical to the overall interest of the province.
"Time and time again, it is always stressed that the province's holistic development is anchored first and foremost on its people," he said.
Tamayo said he could not see any compelling reason that a decade-old ordinance to ban open-pit mining needed to be amended since this protects the residents and the environment from any destruction.