Bishops nix extension of mining project in South Cotabato
Marbel Bishop Cerilo Alan Casicas led a petition that seeks to declare the Tampakan copper-gold mining project in Tampakan, South Cotabato as illegal.
The petition, Bishop Casicas said, was forwarded to Malacanang as an appeal to the President to nullify the 12 year extension by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau on the Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) given to Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) over its Tampakan mine operations.
“We respectfully believe that the extension of the FTAA beyond the powers of the MGB and the same must be declared void, especially as the mining operations will impact on critical environmental areas,” said Bishop Casicas over Radio Veritas.
Bishop Casicas personally handed over the petition to Malacañang along with Marbel Social Action Director Fr. Jerome Millan and lawyers from the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC).
LRC Direct Legal Services Coordinator, Atty. Rolly Peoro stressed that SMI should have conducted public consultations, environmental impact assessments and other necessary procedures following the expiration of the FTAA for Tampakan mines .
“These safeguards are there to ensure that the utilization of our natural resources is held accountable to the highest office and therefore highest regulatory scrutiny,” Atty. Peoro said.
Other Church leaders who signed the petition include Cotabato Archbishop Angelito Lampon; Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo; and Digos Bishop Guillermo Afable.
Bishop Casicas said he is counting on the best judgment of the President to safeguard the environment and protect the welfare of the affected communities.
“This constitutional power was exclusively lodged to your office, as the President, being the father of the nation, is entrusted to represent the best interests of the Filipino people. May your guidance and leadership of our country be blessed upon by our shared faith to protect the environment,” said Bishop Casicas.
The Tampakan mines will cover around 10,000 hectares of land and will extend to the provinces in Soccsksargen and Davao del Sur. In 17 years, the project is expected to generate 375,000 tons of copper and 360,000 ounces of gold every year.