In Manicani Island; Samar board approves extension of mining ops

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — The Provincial Board in Eastern Samar has approved without any objections the resolutions submitted by four barangays in Manicani Island and the municipal council of Guian endorsing the immediate renewal of the mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) of the Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC).

In a resolution authored by the PB’s environment committee, the board said that evidence showed that the “HMC has been responsible and proactive in attending our environment and social concerns, and it is apparent that some of the issues previously raised for the suspension lacked scientific basis."

The move was also backed up by a call lifting the suspension of mining operations of HMC in Manicani Island in Guian.

“HMC has committed itself to emulate the best practices of Nickel Asia in Rio Tuba, Palawan, especially on the rehabilitation, employment generation, social and health services and community development in Manicani,” the PB Resolution 17-241, which was approved on October 9, said.

The PB added that for “fifteen years, our constituents have already lost the opportunity to benefit from sustainable and responsible mining as practiced by HMC–from lost income to lost social development management programs to lost CSR projects and activities.”

“The renewal of the MPSA and resumption of mining operations will greatly benefit our community through the employment of our people and implementation of various programs of HMC… The resolutions passed by the four barangays, and the SB of Guian are concrete manifestations that our constituents are in favor of the renewal of the MPSA and resumption of mining,” it said.

During the discussions, Acting Vice Governor Jonas Abuda temporarily relinquished his post as presiding officer to be able to participate in the deliberations.

Eight board members, namely Byron Suyot, Karen Alvarez, Joji Montallana, Annabelle Capito, Nestorio Cablao, Jaime Ty, Aldwin Aklao and Maximo Zacate voted in favor, while only Jonas Abuda voted against the measure.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau regional head Raul Laput had earlier said that sometime in May 2001, the mining operation in Manicani was suspended by the MGB regional office while applying for renewal again of the mining company's MPSA. The HMC permit will expire on October 28, 2017.

Meanwhile, church officials in Eastern Samar and anti-mining groups have accused HMC of grave abuse and violation of environmental laws in its mining operations, described by them as “future calamity that may arise if the government will continue to ignore the voices of those who are opposing the comeback of mining operations in the island.”

According to Laput, the HMC has been asking the DENR secretary for the extension of its operation for another 25 years.

"Actually we have nothing to do with this, except that all of the required documents under the environment laws should be submitted by the HMC and the decision will come from Secretary Roy Cimato,” Laput said. (FREEMAN)