MACARTHUR, Leyte – Residents and farmers affected by black sand mining in this municipality have expressed concern for their security and livelihood ahead of the impending operation of a giant cutter suction dredger.

The dredger, which arrived on Jan. 25, is owned by MacArthur Iron Sand Project Corp. (MIPC).

Laurence Medua, MIPC administration manager, said it can process up to one ton of black sand per operation cycle.

Anti-mining advocates gathered on the highway where the ship would pass as it traveled from the shore.

A resident said that aside from being unable to sleep due to ground shaking from dredging activities, their farms have turned into ponds.

Some residents claimed they have been barred from accessing their farms near the mining site for more than a week.

Members of the media accompanying farmers were blocked by armed employees of the mining company from using the barangay road leading to their farms. These employees said they were merely following orders, triggering an altercation.

The group was also barred from their usual route by other employees, who said they would be blocked from all access roads as the area is private property.

Residents claimed to have experienced harassment from the mining firm.

Medua maintained that residents and farmers will be allowed to pass if they seek permission from the company.

Patrocenia Rael of Barangay Maya and Ruben Manaog became emotional during the altercation, as they have not been able to visit their farm for more than a week. Roads leading to their property, including part of the barangay road and irrigation systems, have been dug up.

They also stated that during a previous visit, some employees fired guns, causing trauma to them and their children.

“They have destroyed our lands, now they want to destroy our lives. We have nowhere to go because we have already sought help from the agencies concerned. Our barangay chairman said he would talk to the mining firm after our reports but we have not received any update until now. We have also not received any explanations from our mayor,” Patrocenia said.

Medua stressed that their operations are legal and that no laws have been violated.

The mining firm previously rented lots from residents. Some residents said they have not received adequate compensation. Others said their lots were left with large holes and have not been rehabilitated.

The local government unit of MacArthur and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau have yet to issue statements on the plight of the farmers and residents.