Sendong reveals abuses to Mother Nature--urban poor group

PRESS RELEASE l 18 DECEMBER 2011
KALIPUNAN NG DAMAYANG MAHIHIRAP
Reference: Gloria Arellano, Kadamay national secretary general (0921.392.7457)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines--An urban poor group, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay), has blamed the Aquino government's protection and connivance with large-scale mining and logging firms in Mindanao for the big flash floods that caused rivers in the island to swell and drowned hundreds of urban poor residing along river banks.

Urban poor living near riverbanks were drowned to death, and buried in mud as Sendong hit Cagayan de Oro City , Iligan City and other cities in Mindanao last night. According to reports, it is the most destructive calamity to hit the South in years.

The number of dead had risen to 436, according to the latest Philippine Red Cross (PRC) report, while hundreds are still missing and feared to be buried in thick mud.

"The sad tragedy is another reason why the Filipino people should resist the presence of foreign large-scale mining and logging in the island's thick forests," Gloria Arellano, Kadamay national secretary-general, says.

"In recent years, big mining firms have destroyed hectares of watersheds in Mindanao and have brought down uncounted number of trees. Television footages reveal tons of logs that are washed away to riverbanks in the aftermath of Sendong' havoc," Arellano adds.

Aquino, pro-large-scale mining
The group also slams Aquino's defense of large-scale mining in a recent media interview. The group says between large scale mining and small scale mining, President Benigno Aquino III is batting for the former.

Aquino bared his preference in a media interview in Palo, Leyte last October where he addressed the 67th Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration.

The solution really is large-scale mining that has the capability to correct the damage to the environment but would avoid damage to begin with, Aquino added.

Aquino said that he has ordered a panel composed of the country’s top environment officials to craft a mining policy that will ensure the environment is protected while at the same time maximize the industry’s benefits for the country.

Mining attacks
Recently, big foreign-owned mining firms in Mindanao were raided by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has called on to dismantle “environmentally-exploitative and destructive large-scale mining companies” operating in Caraga Region.

This forced the government to intensify its military surveillance and protection on major mining firms, as the government fears of the attacks to cause jitters in the mining industry and send the message that investments might not be safe without tight security.

Meanwhile, an army general has reportedly cancelled his troops' Christmas party to assist the victims in Cagayan De Oro City and neighboring provinces.

"Instead of protecting the mining firms, it is only right time for the military to aid the victims of the Aquino's destructive abuses to Mother Nature, for investments that have never benefitted its people," Arellano says.

Call for support
The group also calls for assistance for its members and other flash flood victims in Cagayan de Oro City, the city that has been hit worst by the typhoon, as well as in other areas that have been and will be havocked by Sendong.

Kadamay Cagayan de Oro chapter has started its relief drive and operation as of this morning.

"We welcome the overwhelming support of the Filipino people to the victims of typhoon Sendong, as it is high time to share our blessings this Christmas," Arellano says. ###