^

Nation

IPs file raps vs Pichay, others over mining on ancestral land

Philstar.com
December 16, 2016 | 1:45pm
IPs file raps vs Pichay, others over mining on ancestral land

Aside from Pichay, complaints have also been filed against former and current officials of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. File photo

MANILA, Philippines — Representatives of the Manobo and Mamanwa indigenous peoples filed graft complaints against Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. and officials of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau on Friday over allegedly illegal mining on ancestral land.
 
Datu James Biol, a Mamanwa, said that Environment Secretary Gina Lopez would also be included in the complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman. The MGB is attached to the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources.
 
The complaint, which accuses Pichay and the others of graft and grave misconduct, was prompted by the allegedly illegal eviction of the Mamanwas and Manobos for nickel ore mining.
 
Under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, "no ancestral land shall be opened for mining-operations without prior consent of the indigenous cultural community concerned." IP communities are also entitled to royalties from mining on their ancestral land.
 
 
The DENR ordered nickel ore miner Claver Mineral Development Corporation suspended in 2012 due to excessive siltation in the area. 
 
According to an InterAksyon report in CMDC, Pichay took over the company in 2015.
 
Lopez announced the suspension of CMDC in August this year although the same report cites a surprise National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine Coast Guard inspection of a barge in Claver town for nickel ore illegally being loaded for shipment.
 
Last month, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers accused Pichay of taking over the mining company illegally and called for a House probe into what he called Pichay's "nefarious activities."
 
The accusation, made during a privilege speech, came on the heels of a confrontation between the two at a House hearing on constitutional amendments.
 
Pichay, in a radio interview after the incident, said that he believes the rift is because of local politics.
 
"Siya lang ang may galit sa akin, kasi I think in 2007 elections, I put up candidates against them," he said. — Reports by Elizabeth Marcelo/The Philippine STAR

vuukle comment
Philstar
x
  • Latest
  • Trending
Trending
Latest
Trending
abtest
abtest
Deputy LTO chief, business owners shot in Calapan

Deputy LTO chief, business owners shot in Calapan

By Ed Amoroso | 11 hours ago
A heated argument over a routine Land Transport Office checkpoint inspection led to the shooting of the LTO assistant district...
Nation
fbtw
Bomb-maker surrenders from NPA’s Bukidnon group

Bomb-maker surrenders from NPA’s Bukidnon group

By John Unson | 16 hours ago
Another member of the New People’s Army, trained in the fabrication of powerful improvised explosive devices, surrendered...
Nation
fbtw

Comelec to proclaim new Legazpi mayor

By Rhodina Villanueva | 11 hours ago
With a only a few months left before the May 2025 elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to proclaim on Monday Alfredo Garbin Jr. as the new mayor of Legazpi City.
Nation
fbtw
Orio named new 8th Infantry Division commander

Orio named new 8th Infantry Division commander

By Miriam Desacada | 11 hours ago
The Philippine Army has named Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio as the new 8th Infantry (Storm Troopers) Division based here, replacing...
Nation
fbtw
P387.6 million shabu seized in Southern Leyte

P387.6 million shabu seized in Southern Leyte

By Emmanuel Tupas | 11 hours ago
At least 57 kilos of shabu with an estimated value of P387.6 million were intercepted in Liloan, Southern Leyte yesterda...
Nation
fbtw
Latest
abtest
SC fines judge for failure to resolve injunction case

SC fines judge for failure to resolve injunction case

By Daphne Galvez | 11 hours ago
The Supreme Court (SC) has slapped a fine of P200,000 on a judge over a seven-year delay in the resolution of a petition for...
Nation
fbtw

Bong Go extends support to indigents in Virac, Catanduanes

11 hours ago
Sen. Bong Go gave additional assistance to impoverished residents who were affected by Typhoons Carina and Kristine in Virac, Catanduanes on Thursday.
Nation
fbtw
Ex-BARMM local gov’t minister aspiring for seat in region’s parliament

Ex-BARMM local gov’t minister aspiring for seat in region’s parliament

By John Unson | 18 hours ago
The former local government minister of the Bangsamoro region, who was legal adviser to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front...
Nation
fbtw
NCRPO, ACG heads axed over POGO raid

NCRPO, ACG heads axed over POGO raid

By Christine Boton | 1 day ago
The directors of the National Capital Region Police Office and Anti-Cybercrime Group have been relieved from their posts...
Nation
fbtw
CIDG, BIR seize P2.4 billion fake Cigarettes

CIDG, BIR seize P2.4 billion fake Cigarettes

By Emmanuel Tupas | 1 day ago
Counterfeit cigarettes valued at P2.4 billion were confiscated when authorities raided a factory and warehouses being operated...
Nation
fbtw
Recommended
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with