Bishops block mining operation in Zamboanga

MANILA, Philippines - Due to the resistance of the Catholic bishops, mining firm Toronto Ventures Inc. (TVI) has been denied permission to operate in Canatuan village in Siocon town in Zamboanga del Norte. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said that bishops from Dipolog, Ozamis, Pagadian, Iligan and Marawi (Dopim) have opposed TVI’s operation. DOPIM bishops drafted a letter opposing any kind of mining operations that encroached and destroyed the lands owned by indigenous communities, said Ipil Bishop Julius Tonel. Tonel said the social action ministry of Dopim is also intensifying information drive and education campaigns among indigenous peoples especially the Subanons. He said that lack of education had led some lumads (natives) to sell their lands, or give way to foreign firms. "The lumads need to understand that their rights to ancestral domain should be protected," Tonel said, adding that offers of big money had lured indigenous communities to sell their lands. The Subanons are the largest indigenous group in the southern Philippines, numbering over 320,000. One hundred years ago their ancestors occupied the whole of Zamboanga peninsula. Tonel said their lands are the only inheritance left for them and the only gift they could give to their children and their children’s children who will continue to practice the Subanons' way of life. The bishop urged the government to repeal the Philippine Mining Code (RA 7942) and to uphold and respect the rights of indigenous peoples throughout the Philippines. - GMANews.TV