Mining-affected communities intensify protest with barricades

MINING-affected communities have intensified their opposition to mining operations, citing the risk of catastrophic floods and landslides amid widespread corruption in flood control projects across the country.

- Jonathan L. Mayuga

At a press conference in Quezon City dubbed Mining Hell Week, Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), said that despite protests and strong opposition to mining, the number of approved projects increased under the Marcos administration over the past three years.

Many mining communities have experienced flooding and landslides as a result of mining, Garganera said, aggravating the worst impacts of climate change. This becomes even more alarming because of the recent expose of massive graft and corruption in the flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), he said.

“Since July 1, 2022, the approved projects have increased, expanding the mining areas,” he said.

“Mining triggered floodings in Palawan, in Sibuyan, Romblon, and in Surigao del Sur,” he said.

Garganera said historical flooding in 2023 and 2024 has worsened, while areas like Brooke's point, Palawan, are now experiencing flooding because of mining.

During the press conference, community leaders from five anti-mining barricade sites called for an end to mining activities in their respective communities.

Brenie Morcilla, Secretary-General of Unahin Natin Lagi and Diyos (UNLAD) from MacArthur, Leyte, shared that they put up a barricade last February 2 to prevent a huge cutter suction dredger from passing through to extract black sand from their agricultural lands.