Organizers said that that the Surigao del Sur delegation held a picket at the Taganito Mining Company and Taganito High Pressure Acid Leach in Claver, Surigao del Norte this morning before proceeding to the MGB office.
Local historian Fernando Almeda Jr. said today’s protest was the largest anti-mining rally ever being held in this city.
Castro said they are calling on the attention of the MGB and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) to come up with solutions regarding the serious environmental problems now facing the Caraga Region.[]
She said that the mining has great negative impact on health, agriculture and aquaculture, and even caused the displacement of lumads.
Engr. Noli Arreza, acting regional director of MGB-Caraga, opened his office for a dialog with protesters. It was still ongoing as of press time.
Edgar Canda, coordinator of Bayan Muna, said that operations of mining companies must be stopped, adding that these brought nothing beneficial to the host communities.[]