IMPORTANT INVITATION - TO SAVE MINDORO ISLAND AND OUR THREATENED ECOSYSTEMS
The people of Mindoro are furious with the DENR’s approval of Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for the operation of the Mindoro Nickel Project by Intex Resources.
To express our protest, from November 17 onwards, volunteer-campaigners mostly from Alyansa Laban sa Mina (ALAMIN) will hold a HUNGER STRIKE AND FASTING, in front of the DENR Building in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.
There are already 25 persons who are determined to fast or not to take anything except water, while holding a peaceful vigil in front of the DENR to manifest the protest of the people of Mindoro against the questionable and spurious approval of ECC to Intex Resources by the DENR.
The said hunger strike is planned to be held for indefinite number of days until the ECC is reconsidered and revoked by DENR Secretary Atienza.
On the first day of the vigil (November 17), the 25 hunger strikers will be joined by representatives from the local government units both from Occidental and Oriental Mindoro. The presence and participation of the following local government officials are expected but still to be confirmed, namely: Governor Arnan Panaligan (Oriental), Governor Josephine Ramirez-Sato (Occidental), Vice Governor Estella Aceron (Oriental), Vice Governor Mario Gene Mendiola (Occidental), The Municipal Government of Victoria led by Mayor Alfredo Ortega and Vice Mayor Luis Castillet, the Municipal Government of Sablayan led by Mayor Godofredo Mintu and Vice Mayor Eduardo Gadiano, and other LGU officials.
On the second day of the vigil (November 18), the 25 fasters will be joined by the representatives from the Church, the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan led by Bishop Warlito Cajandig and the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose. The attendance of the two bishops is still to be confirmed. But priest and sisters from the two Vicariates have expressed their willingness to join the vigil and peaceful prayer protest. Seminarians too from stakeholder provinces will join the second day vigil. Bishop Broderick Pabillo of the CBCP-NASSA will be invited to celebrate the Eucharist for the group.
On the 3rd and 4th day of the vigil (November 19 and 20), the 25 hunger strikers will be joined by representatives of peasant group coming from Mindoro and other parts of the region to express their solidarity being one of the primary sectors that will be affected by the mining project. The national peasant federation of PAKISAMA is to be invited, along with other organized peasant groups.
On the 5th day of vigil (November 21), the 25 hunger strikers will be joined by the civil society organizations led by Alyansa Tigil Mina. Other development, HR and environmental organizations to be invited include: LRC-KsK, Philippine Misereor Partnership (PMP), PANLIPI, Ateneo Human Rights Center, ULAN, Haribon, among others. Fr. Robert Reyes will be invited to lead the prayer vigil and to do a “Takbo Alay Para sa Kalikasan” along with other campaign activities.
The succeeding program of activities for the vigil and participation of other solidarity groups/sectors days will be arranged in coordination with Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) and other Manila-based NGOs.
Please join us in this campaign to save our environment!
For more details, please contact:
Fr. Edwin A. Gariguez, ALAMIN/Mangyan Mission
Email address: edugariguez@gmail.com
correction po. Vice Governor Mario Gadiano (Occidental) should be VICE GOVERNOR MARIO GENE MENDIOLA.
pls try to contact the Municipal Mayor of Abra de Ilog (Occidental) he is very supportive to anti-mining campaigns. He might be available to join!
important correction noted! thanks
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