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| Protests continue in Palawan against Citinickel Mines and Development Corp. Photo from Alyansa Tigil Mina. |
News Release
The militant group Bigkis at Lakas ng mga Katutubo sa Timog Katagalugan (BALATIK) and its local organization in Palawan, Bagong Tinig ng Katutubo sa Palawan (BAGTIK-Palawan), filed complaints against Citinickel Mines and Development Corporation (CMDC) in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“We are filing a complaint because we want Citinickel closed. Its operation destroyed our environment, livelihood, health, and culture,” said BAGTIK Chairperson Fermin Queron on February 13.
“From the very beginning, Citinickel did not respect the indigenous people in Palawan. In fact, it operated without even getting out Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). We just woke up one day and saw them constructing their facilities,” added Queron.
“Citinickel had been operational for just a few years now, but we already feel the destruction it caused. It destroyed our rich natural resources. Our mountains which used to be home to different plants and animals are now gone,” said Queron.
“This environmental destruction has direct effects on our livelihood. Yield from our farm decreased by almost 50% because of the destruction of our lands. Fishermen also have lesser or no catch at all especially when the sea turns to red due to laterite,” added Queron.
“The mining operation also has negative effects on our health. We acquire respiratory and skin diseases whenever we use the water from the river. Respiratory problems like cough and colds became common because of the dust from the operation. In fact, last year, 2 children died because of difficulty in breathing,” said Queron.
“Citinickel also destroyed our ancestral land. In fact, their tenement is just meters away from our sacred burial grounds. This shows how they disrespect our culture,” added Queron.
“The operation of Citinickel did not do us any good. We don’t believe its lies anymore. We want it closed. We will not accept anything less than that.” Ended Queron.
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