Environmental activist group Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) today called for a “decisive follow-up” after South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. yesterday vetoed a provincial resolution lifting the open-pit mining ban in the province, urging the provincial board to uphold the veto and take action on various permits issued to the Tampakan open-pit mining project.
“Gov. Tamayo’s veto of the attempted lifting of the open-pit mine ban is a victory for the thousands who protested on the streets. We now urge the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato to respect the people’s will by upholding the environment code and taking action against various permits issued to the Tampakan open-pit mine despite its illegal status “ said Leon Dulce, National Coordinator of Kalikasan PNE.
The campaign was led by local alliances in the SOCSKSARGEN region such as the Defend Tampakan and the Tampakan Forum. The formations mobilized twice in front of the Capitol at South Cotobato, to call for the veto of the resolution to amend the environment code.
“We urge Gov. Tamayo and the provincial government to resolve to nullify any permits issued by the national government to the Tampakan mine, and to issue restraining orders against any development activities already initiated by Sagittarius Mines Inc. and other proponents of the mine”, said Dulce.
Online, local and international manifestos were circulated, highlighting that the Tampakan copper mine would be one of the biggest in the world if continued.
“Mindanaoans across the Tampakan area are committed in their struggle to defend their land, lives, and environment. We must sustain our efforts to save Tampakan from destructive large-scale mining, and make it known to our government officials that we are serious and committed to fighting for this,” Dulce ended.#
