Sibuyanons Against Mining
Sikaran Para sa Sibuyan: May 3-8, 2008
New Website: www.sibuyan.com
The island of Sibuyan. The red areas indicate the mining applications and some small-scale operations. This map is based on documents from Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Mining applications in the villages of San Fernando, Romblon: Canjalon, Otod, Azagra, Campalingo and Panangcalan wil still be included in the final plotting of the map.
From now on, we will be using our new website:
For relevant articles and resources you may still visit this SAM blog.
Thank you.
Sibuyan Mining Case: The Geneva Document
W o r l d O r g a n i s a t i o n A g a i n s t T o r t u r e
P.O. Box 21 - 1211 Geneva 8
Switzerland
Tel.: 0041/22 809 49 39 / Fax: 0041/22 809 49 29
E-mail: omct@omct.org / Web: www.omct.org
OMCT ACTION FILE (PHL 121207.ESCR)
Addressing the economic, social and cultural root causes of violence
Your action is called for in the Sibuyan Island case
Mining activity on Sibuyan Island, Romblon Province, the Philippines,
must be halted to prevent further killings and violence
The peaceful opposition by local communities and indigenous people to mining that violates their rights and endangers their way of life on the Filipino Island of Sibuyan has been met with violence resulting in the killing of some 17 persons, including the recent fatal shooting of the leader of a protest movement by a security guard of the Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation on 3 October 2007.
Respect for the rights of local communities inscribed in Philippine law, notably the 1997 Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, has been overridden by the application of the 1995 Mining Law designed to promote foreign investment. This has resulted in many illicit mining activities and increased opposition of the populations directly concerned. To prevent further violence and killings, the International Secretariat of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) calls on the
future. OMCT recommends calling on the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people to assist the independent commission. OMCT also calls on
OMCT further calls on the
The mining situation on the island
The liberalization policy undertaken by the Government of the Philippines is aimed at increasingly attracting foreign investment and the 1995 Mining Code was conceived for this specific purpose.
According to the Island’s residents, up to 6 rivers would be affected by the new mining investments; in this respect, indigenous peoples in the island will be directly affected, although they hold a certificate of ancestral domain title covering almost 20 per cent of the island.
The Sibuyanons Against Mining Movement also reports that a further 13 mining sites have been planned on the island.
The killing of the anti-mining activist
OMCT has learned that on 3 October 2007, hundreds of anti-mining activists were protesting in Sitio Olango in Barangay España, San Fernando, Sibuyan Island. The protest was aimed at opposing the mining activities in the area; during the demonstrations Armin Marin, one of the activists, was killed by a gunshot. Marin, 42 years old, was a former member of the environment group WWF-Philippines and a municipal councillor of San Fernando town in Romblon.
Reportedly, Mario Kingo, a member of the private security guards of Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation, was inside the company jeep holding a gun. Following a heated confrontation with the security guards, Marin, who was leading the protest, was shot in front of the temporary office of the mining firm.
The dynamics of the killing are tainted by contradictions and conflicting versions. Police filed a murder case against Mario Kingo; according to this report, Kingo claimed self defence, explaining that when driving the firm’s jeep, the path was obstructed by the rally held by Marin and other protesters. The gun used by Kingo - a 38 caliber - was then sequestered, and it was subsequently found that two bullets had been used. Witnesses say that they heard three gunshots.
Irrespective of the exact dynamics of the event, OMCT expresses its serious concern that an individual engaged in a legitimate and peaceful protest was killed by a firearm, all the more since the killing occurred during the above mentioned gun ban.inter alia, the 1995 Mining Code, which in many cases offers mining permits on those indigenous lands in theory protected under the IPRA. Indeed, the Mining Code hinders the proper application of the IPRA.19 OMCT wishes to draw the attention to the provisions of the Mining Code that are of particular concern in this respect:20- 100% of the foreign ownership is allowed (previously there was a limitation up to 40%).
Legal context
Indigenous peoples’ rights are protected and guaranteed by the Filipino law. Indeed the 1997 Philippines’ Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA), is shaped on the provisions of the draft of what is now the UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples' Rights. Undeniably, on paper, IPRA provides for the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples; furthermore, it foresees mechanisms to halt projects that do not have the explicit consent of the communities they affect. However, in concrete terms, these provisions are systematically undermined by,
The British NGO Survival International described the 1995 Mining Code as “the major current threat to the future of tribal people in the Philippines”. Mining activities not only have a high environmental impact, but also represent, for the poorest people of the country, a threat to their livelihood and lands.
- A corporation may claim an area up to 200 Blocks (1 block = 81 hectares) onshore and up to 400 block offshore, while individuals face the restriction of 20 blocks in one province and 40 within the country.
- Companies can repatriate all profits and are guaranteed against expropriation by the State. Tax holidays are allowed.
- The Government commits itself to ensure the removal of all obstacles to mining, including settlements and farms in the implementation of the Mining Code is also in contradiction with Section 16 of
Article II of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines; “The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthy ecology in accord with rhythm and harmony of nature”.
Indigenous peoples communities and organisations have been struggling for their socio-economic rights for many years. However, due to the lack of political influence, as well as the failure of the competent agencies to apply the law, cases are repeatedly decided in favour of mining companies. In addition, not all communities are aware of their rights and their remedies; many of them lack legal means to file a complaint. In many cases companies and government bodies have claimed they met the requirement of free and prior consent, however, later investigations showed that the majority of the populations affected opposes the mining activities. In this respect, government’s agencies continue to fail to register or record opposing positions and these consequently remain unacknowledged.21OMCT is concerned that, even though on paper, law in the Philippines defends indigenous peoples’ economic, social and cultural rights, mining still represents a concrete threat to indigenous peoples’ lands, since many mineral deposits lie on indigenous territories, and hence to their livelihoods and well being.http://www.cmln-sea.org/nations.php?id=21
Mining activities’ impact on economic, social and cultural rights
OMCT is also concerned that economic policies aimed at promoting investment in mineral extraction are frequently neither balanced with the human rights of communities involved, nor are in line with the right to basic necessities such as clean air, safe water and unpolluted soil. The absence of adequate protection leads communities to struggle for their rights. Indeed, communities resist development projects that destroy their traditional economy, community structures and cultural values. This, in turn, can provoke violent reactions by security forces hired by mine owners against the objecting communities, including harassment, ill-treatment, arbitrary arrest, torture and forced disappearances.
OMCT, in particular, expresses its deep concern at the killing of Armin Marin that took place in a general situation of insecurity, protest and discontent resulting from the poor implementation of mining policy in the Philippines. It is an example of the violent consequences of the mining policy of the Philippines and of the unscrupulous promotion of mining at the cost of the social, economic and cultural rights of people concerned.
1
2http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/snapshot/snapshot.asp?symbol=PEL.AX
3 http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=felMaragay_oct29_2007 4http://www.austrade.gov.au/Mining-to-the-Philippines/default.aspx 5http://www.newint.org/issue299/light.htm6 http://www.piplinks.org/indigenous_rights/indigenous_rights.htm 7“Mining in the Philippines : Concerns and Conflicts (Report of the Fact Finding Mission, July-Augusthttp://www.iucn.org/themes/ceesp/Wkg_grp/Seaprise/Mining%20in%20the%20Philippines%208 http://www.alyansatigilmina.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=185&Itemid=379 http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press1670.htm 10http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=felMaragay_oct29_200711 The Fact Finding mission was organized by: CEESP (Commission on Environmental, Economic and
2006)”
-%20Concerns%20and%20Conflicts.pdf
Social Policy), the Irish Centre for Human Rights, the Society of St. Columban , and PIPLinks
(Philippines Indigenous Peoples Links). On 25 January 2007, the former UK Minister for International “Mining in the Philippines : Concerns and Conflicts” (Report of the Fact Finding Mission, July-http://www.iucn.org/themes/ceesp/Wkg_grp/Seaprise/Mining%20in%20the%20Philippines%20-“Murder in paradise: green groups in arms”. The Inquirer, 6 October 2007http://bulatlat.com/2007/10/green-groups-condemn-killing-anti-mining-advocate-romblonhttp://www.infomine.com/news/headline/welcome.asp?NewsID=69339http://www.alyansatigilmina.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=185&Itemid=37http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=92896
Development, Clare Short, currently Member of the UK Parliament, has launched a critical report on
the destructive mining practices in the Philippines, following a fact-finding mission, led by the UK MP,
in the Philippines, in July -August 2006.
12
August 2006)
%20Concerns%20and%20Conflicts.pdf
13
14
15
16
17
18
(village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections on the forthcoming 29 October 2007.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is the competent authoritiy for the implementation of the ban.
21
“Breaking Promises, making profits” A Christian Aid and PIPLinks Report (2004)http://www.piplinks.org/indigenous_rights/indigenous_rights.htmThe Commission for the Elections established a gun ban in view of the Synchronized Barangayhttp://www.comelec.gov.ph/announcements/resolutions/2007/res_8298.html 19http://www.piplinks.org/development_issues/philippines_report.pdf 20http://www.mgb.gov.ph/policies/Republic%20Acts/RA%207942.htmSibuyan Island is an island in the Romblon Province, south of Manila, in the Philippines. The island enjoys global importance thanks to its flora and fauna, including the fact that 33 per cent of the island (44,500 hectares) is covered by forest and has been declared a national park. The island has a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants and is the home of the Sibuyanons Mangyan Tagabukid indigenous group of some 1,500 individuals living in two separated areas. Agriculture and fishing are crucial sources for their economic development.1The first mining establishment on the island was approved in July 2006. Recently, the Australian company Pelican Resources (PRL),2 under the guise of small-scale mining operations, established a large-scale nickel mining plant on the island.3 The result is a joint venture with the Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation, a consortium of mining companies. Furthermore, one of the world’s largest mining companies, BHP Billiton, has secured an agreement with the holders of the project that will supply 500,000 tones of laterite nickel per annum. The agreement will initially last for 5 years and with the possibility of a an extension of further 8 years.4 Specifically, the Mining Code allows greater foreign ownership, and provides for repatriation of profits and tax breaks in favour of international mining companies. Indeed, it was described by the Mining Journal as “among the most favourable to mining to be found anywhere”.5 Foreign companies themselves were invited to help draft the law during a workshop held on the occasion of the 1993 Pan Asian Mining Congress.67 Last year 8,000 people marched to the mining site to express their disagreement.89 Many of the residents of the island are opposing the projects.10 A report of a fact finding mission conducted in August 2006 and led by the British Member of Parliament and former Minister, Ms. Clare Short,11 highlighted that provincial government and the companies involved are ignoring the needs of local communities. The mission pointed out that the mining projects are taking place with little or no public consultation, and despite the protests and the opposition of the majority of the Island’s inhabitants to such projects.12Following the recent violent events, including the case in question, residents of Sibuyan Island and other groups are now demanding the withdrawal of mining operations and the removal of all permits to explore and mine on Sibuyan. The people of Sibuyan are afraid that private security guards will use force and violence again in the future.13 Indeed, as reported by the Filipino NGO Kalikasan and mentioned above, so far 17 killings related to the people’s opposition to mining projects in their respective areas have taken place.141516 According to the version of the events advanced by the Sibuyan Nickel Properties, Marin died accidentally, and Kingo was attacked by the rally’s participants. Conversely, WWF, quoting witnesses, stated that “the jeep driver held Armin with his left hand, while he pointed a gun at the councilor’s mouth with his right hand”.17 The police regional director, Louie Palmera, stated that Kingo was also charged with contravening the gun ban that had been established by the Commission on Election.18Government of the Philippines to halt mining activities on Sibuyan Island and to establish an independent commission to review respect for the rights of the local population, to seek ways to protect their rights in themining corporations and their partners and owners to carry out their activities in strict respect for the human rights - economic, civil, cultural, political and social - of the populations affected by their activities and establish control mechanisms that ensure the respect for those rights and ongoing dialogue with the populations concerned.European Union to ensure human rights are respected in the implementation of the 2007-2013 EU-Philippines Country Strategy Paper. This report has been prepared in close consultation with Philippine non-governmental organisations.
Victory for Sibuyanons!
May the year 2008 be the beginning of enlightenment for all.
We must save our island.
The Power of the People shall prevail!
This may happen in the future
Photographs taken from geocities.com/cantingasriver and cajidiocan.com.
Cantingas River Now (The cleanest and greenest inland body of water in the Philippines since 2005 as proclaimed by the government.)
Cantingas River After (Note that there's a pending mining application in the area just behind the mountain in the background adjacent to the river.)
Senate Bill and Resolutions on Sibuyan
Senate Bill No. 1798 filed by Sen. Loren Legarda: AN ACT ESTABLISHING MT. GUITING-GUITING NATURAL PARK LOCATED IN SIBUYAN ISLAND, PROVINCE OF ROMBLON, AS A NATURAL PARK AND ITS SURROUNDING AREAS AS BUFFER ZONES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT 7586
Senate Resolution No. 170 filed by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV: RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, INTO THE BRUTAL SLAYING OF ENVIRONMENTALIST COUNCILOR ARMIN MARIN OF SAN FERNANDO, ROMBLON, AS WELL AS THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO INQUIRE INTO THE ISSUANCE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AD NATURAL RESOURCES, UNDER FORMER SECRETARY ANGELO REYES, OF ALL LOGGING PERMITS IN THE ISLAND OF SIBUYAN, WITH THE END IN VIEW OF CAUSING THE CANCELLATION OF THESE PERMITS
Armin's Death Highlighted in London Protest on Dec. 5, 2007
(Written by Fr Frank Nally for Independent Catholic News: http://www.indcatholicnews.com/philcam436.html)
A cold wind blew through Park Lane, Central London, on the night of 5 December as a small group of protesters supporting the Campaign for Human Rights in the Philippines (CHRP) held banners for two hours and chanted for the Philippine president to "Stop the Killings in the Philippines". The vigil was being held outside the Four Seasons Hotel, Hamilton Place, Mayfair, where President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines was attending a meeting.
President Arroyo was in London to meet with British businessmen interested in investing in the Philippines. Britain has the highest trade volume and portfolio investments in the Philippines of any European country. The president also met with Prince Andrew who has become a special ambassador for the giant mining and energy companies interested in exploiting natural resources in the Philippines. Mining has become a particular focus of environmental and land rights protests since President Arroyo passed new laws opening up mining to foreign investors.
The Philippines is currently the second most dangerous country in the world after Iraq to be a journalist. It is the second most dangerous country in the world after Colombia to be a trade unionist. Over 800, church workers, trade unionists, environmentalists and peasant leaders have been murdered since 2001.
Reports by Amnesty International, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and the UN Commission for Human Rights have all detailed the human rights abuses, the role of the Philippines military, and the failure of the Arroyo Administration to end the climate of impunity.
The CHRP has called for:
An immediate stop to the political killings in the Philippines.
An end to the climate of impunity.
An end to British exploitation of natural resources in the Philippines until there are effective environmental safeguards and genuine consultation with affected communities.
Those who speak up for basic human, social and environmental rights are often targeted by death squads. "I know they are going to kill me next, but never will I abandon my duty to God and my ministry to the people," were words of Bishop Alberto Ramento of the Philippine Independent Church, a courageous advocate of human rights in the Philippines, who was shot dead on 3rd October 2006. On 3rd October 2007 Armin Marin, a local councillor and environmental activist, was shot dead on Sibuyan Island, while protesting over a proposed mining project, which has attracted British investment.
The Philippines government continues to brush aside issues of large scale corruption and betrayal of public trust. Campaigners at the vigil urged President Arroyo to be converted to the cause of the poor, not to the cause of the powerful and rich and to international capital.
DENR under fire: the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committe Hearing on Mining
In a recent Senate committee hearing on mining, held on Monday, November 26, 2007, Region IV-B OIC DENR Regional Dir. Rolando de Jesus said that there are 12 large-scale mining applications for the whole Sibuyan Island. Documents from the DENR shows that there are three exploration applications of Czarstone Mining Corporation affecting four villages in San Fernando town, Filipinas Top Rock Mines and Development Inc. affecting two villages in the same town, and Mr. Rommel Ibuna affecting five villages in the Magdiwang and two in Cajidiocan.
Furthermore, after a discussion on Mabini and Taclobo villages mining cases by SAM's Rodne Galicha, Sen. Pia Cayetano (Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources) and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile suggested that the operation should be cancelled due to the violation of the Small Scale Mining Act of 1991 prohibiting the use of heavy equipment. They also criticized de Jesus of not actively monitoring the mining applications and operations in Sibuyan Island specifically the involvement of large and foreign mining companies (such as BHP Billiton and Pelican Resources, Ltd.) in small scale mining operations (by Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corp. with All-acacia and Sun-Pacific) that violates same law.
Rodne Galicha of SAM was invited as resource person in the hearing with Atty. Ria Muhi of LRC-KsK/FoE, Jaybee Garganera of ATM and Dr. Blas Tabaranza of Haribon Foundation, Romblomanon Dr. Christopher Silverio, Chief Science Research Specialist in the Environmental Division of the Industrial Technology Development Institute at the Philippines Department of Science and Technology, the undersecretary regional directors of DENR. Romblomanons who present during the senate hearing were Lando Tan, Beverly Schnell, Engr. Rotoni, among others.
Sibuyan case highlighted in an International document
The report says:
On 3 October 2007 a large group of islanders took part in a demonstration against the project. In the course of the demonstration one of the protest leaders, Councillor Armin Marin, was shot dead by SNPDC’s chief of security, who has subsequently been charged with murder. Councillor Marin was a prominent campaigner in the community, and environmental groups have reiterated their calls for the nickel exploration project to be halted in the wake of his death."
Please visit http://wow.webbler.org/?lid=15142 to download the whole report.
They are threatened so they filed charges
The charge is a kind of a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) suit. It is an attempt to scare those who oppose into dropping protests against a corporate initiative.
3 More Exploration Applications Discovered
Out of 12 villages of San Fernando municipality, only five remain without any application. In a document discovered by SAM, villages of Otod, Azagra, Campalingo and Panangcalan are included in an exploration application. Another application shows that Mt. Conico (a mountain adjacent to Cantingas River) will be affected. An application includes the village of España.
Present mining areas are the villages of Taclobo and Mabini.
In a recent forum of a mining company on November 13, 2007, it was discovered the Filipinas Top Rock Mines (FTRM) conducted a public consultation, however, because of disappointment, the people walked-out again. According to sources, a former congressman of Caloocan delivered a message through a speaker phone. Later, it was discovered that he was former congressman Egay Erice, allegedly one of the owners of San Roque Metals, Inc. (SRMI) which operated in Tubay, Agusan del Norte, which was recently closed by the government because of its illegal and irresponsible operation. Hence, FTRM might be the new name of SRMI.
AMRSP Supports Sibuyan advocacy
The Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP), a group famous for their social, religious and human rights advocacy since martial law, lead by its Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission (JPICC), a partner of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) together with its mission partners: Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP), Urban Missionaries (UM), Women and Gender Commission (WGC) and the Task Force for the Orientation of Church Personnel (TFOC), with the Philippine Misereor Partmership (PMP), joined Sibuyanons in their struggle against environmental exploitation and human rights violation in its Solidarity Mission from November 16-18, 2007.
The mission included the exposure to the mining sites, interaction with the people, and an island-wide prayer caravan rally which ended in the tomb of slain environmentalist councilor Armin Marin. The mission assessed by the group was a successful one for its impact on the people was immense, thus giving more hope and strength to the struggle. Sibuyan priests were thankful for their presence.
The Sibuyanons Against Mining movement with the Church look forward for partmership with AMRSP to continue the advocacy.
No to Filipinas Top Rock Mines
On the 40th day (November 13, 2007) of hero and martyr Armin Marin's burial, the Filipinas Top Rock Mines, a company in which Armin and his companion opposed its operation on October 3, 2007, will conduct a public forum in España, San Fernando, Romblon.
We see this as an insult to the martyrdom of the slain environmetalist and the will of the people of España, of Sibuyanons and Romblomanons.
NO TO MINING
NO TO FILIPINAS TOP ROCK MINES
NO TO ORE ASIA MINING DEVELOPMENT, CORP.
NO TO JKL BROTHERS MINERALS QUARRYING ENT.
NO TO MR. HERODION MOLO
NO TO MR. ROMMEL IBUNA
NO TO SNPDC
NO TO THE CABARRUSES
NO TO ALL ACACIA RESOURCES
NO TO SUN PACIFIC RESOURCES
NO TO SUNSHINE GOLD, PTY.
NO TO PELICAN of Australia
NO TO ALTAI of Canada
NO TO BHP BILLITON
NO TO CORRUPT, BLIND, DEAF AND DUMB
PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Espaņa Elementary and High Schools Teachers: Do not be afraid.
The teachers who joined the October 3, 2007, picket, two days before the World Teachers' Day celebration, against environmental destruction are threatened to be charged criminally and administratively.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) through former Congresswoman Etta Rosales expressed its support for the concerned teachers.
Above all else, what the teachers are fighting for is for the future and rights of their pupils and students.
The following are some international and national legal documents:
Rights of teachers
(from UNESCO Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teaches)
79. The participation of teachers in social and public life should be encouraged in the interests of the teacher's personal development, of the education service and of society as a whole.
80. Teachers should be free to exercise all civic rights generally enjoyed by citizens and should be eligible for public office.
----------------------------------
SECTION 4. Norms of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees. — (A) Every public official and employee shall observe the following as standards of personal conduct in the discharge and execution of official duties:
(a) Commitment to public interest. — Public officials and employees shall always uphold the public interest over and above personal interest. All government resources and powers of their respective offices must be employed and used efficiently, effectively, honestly and economically, particularly to avoid wastage in public funds and revenues.
(b) Professionalism. — Public officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill. They shall enter public service with utmost devotion and dedication to duty. They shall endeavor to discourage wrong perceptions of their roles as dispensers or peddlers of undue patronage.
(c) Justness and sincerity. — Public officials and employees shall remain true to the people at all times. They must act with justness and sincerity and shall not discriminate against anyone, especially the poor and the underprivileged. They shall at all times respect the rights of others, and shall refrain from doing acts contrary to law, good morals, good customs, public policy, public order, public safety and public interest. They shall not dispense or extend undue favors on account of their office to their relatives whether by consanguinity or affinity except with respect to appointments of such relatives to positions considered strictly confidential or as members of their personal staff whose terms are coterminous with theirs.
(d) Political neutrality. — Public officials and employees shall provide service to everyone without unfair discrimination and regardless of party affiliation or preference.
(e) Responsiveness to the public. — Public officials and employees shall extend prompt, courteous, and adequate service to the public. Unless otherwise provided by law or when required by the public interest, public officials and employees shall provide information of their policies and procedures in clear and understandable language, ensure openness of information, public consultations and hearings whenever appropriate, encourage suggestions, simplify and systematize policy, rules and procedures, avoid red tape and develop an understanding and appreciation of the socio-economic conditions prevailing in the country, especially in the depressed rural and urban areas.
(f) Nationalism and patriotism. — Public officials and employees shall at all times be loyal to the Republic and to the Filipino people, promote the use of locally produced goods, resources and technology and encourage appreciation and pride of country and people. They shall endeavor to maintain and defend Philippine sovereignty against foreign intrusion.
(g) Commitment to democracy. — Public officials and employees shall commit themselves to the democratic way of life and values, maintain the principle of public accountability, and manifest by deeds the supremacy of civilian authority over the military. They shall at all times uphold the Constitution and put loyalty to country above loyalty to persons or party.
(h) Simple living. — Public officials and employees and their families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. They shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form. XXX
WWF Philippines' Documentary on Sibuyan Island Conservation
This is a film set on the remote Sibuyan Island, a paradise island in the Philippines. This film tells the story of an illegal logger turned conservationist who loves his native land. The martyr environmentalist Armin Marin was one of his companions in their quest to protect and help the indigenous peoples and the island. Join us in our quest to save the island, now against mining.
London Protest Against SIbuyan Mining
Protest action in front of the Queen Elizabeth Conference Center where the BHP Billiton's Annual General Meeting was held on October 26, 2007 in London, UK. L-R: Jo Villanueva of Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center/Kasama sa Kalikasan-Friends of the Earth Philippines (LRC/KsK-FoE), Lodel Magbanua of Philippine Indigenous Peoples Links (PIPLinks) with foreign supporters.
October 23, 2007 Schedule
“UNDER SIEGE: Sibuyan Island People’s Call for Slain Environmentalist Councilor Armin Marin’s Justice and Action Against the Rape of Sibuyan Island.”
Liturgical Service and Multi-Sectoral Candle Lighting
at Bantayog ng mga Bayani
with the family of Councilor Marin,
the clergy, religious, nuns
and human rights and environmental groups
October 23, 2007, Tuesday, 6pm, EDSA corner Quezon Ave.
Radio Hopping
Radio Veritas, DWIZ, DZBB, DZMM/DZRH
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Sibuyan Mining and Human Rights Forum
La Salle Taft
1:00 PM
October 25, 2007 (Thursday)
Activities to be announced later.
October 26, 2007 (Friday)
Tribute to Armin and Fund-Raising for his Family
(Armin's father, Uncle Doming will be there with his children)
with artists Noel Cabangon and Gary Granada
Conspiracy Bar
Visayas Avenue, Quezon City
7:00 PM
October 23, 2007: Mob at the DENR
Inday Marin Live on Radio Veritas
(Photo to be posted)
Radio Veritas 846 interview with Rodilisa 'Inday' Marin, wife of slain Councilor Armin Marin. L-R: Msgr. Pedro Quitorio (CBCP spokesman), Sr. Pinky Barrientos, FSP, and Inday Marin.
Sec. Atienza Meets Councilor Armin's Family
Kapihan sa Sulo Hotel conversation with DENR Sec. Atienza. L-R: Raylin Rios, Gloria Marin and her daughter Eliza, Rodilisa Marin (wife of Councilor Armin), Atty. Ariel Marin, and Sec. Lito Atienza. (Photo by Nene Rios.)
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Sec. Lito Atienza during the Kapihan sa Sulo Hotel in front of top mass media journalists facilitated by Manila Times' columnist Julius Fortuna as facilitator, assured that he would spare Sibuyan Island from mining if the investigation would enable him to do so considering the uniqueness of the island.
He promised to help the bereaved family in any way. However, Mrs. Inday Marin, wife of Councilor Armin, strongly demanded that justice for her husband is the pullout of all mining companies in Sibuyan Island and denying all mining applications, as well.
{ Last Page } { Page 1 of 5 } { Next Page }
Scientific Studies
Mt. Guiting-guiting Flora and Fauna PhotosPlease Sign
GuestbookPetition Online 2007
Recent Entries
Sikaran Para sa Sibuyan: May 3-8, 2008New Website: www.sibuyan.com
Sibuyan Mining Case: The Geneva Document
Victory for Sibuyanons!
This may happen in the future
Hot Links
Alyansa Tigil MinaRomblon Post
Sanrokan
Romblon Homepage
Sibuyan Info (Deutsche)
Bunsuran Caravan