Atienza warns mining firms not to form militia groups

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has warned private mining firms against forming their own militia groups, even as the government agency tries to ensure the security of all mining concerns through the creation of an Investment Protection Force.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose L. Atienza said he understands the need for some mining firms to create their own security force but warned that the DENR would not tolerate the creation of para-military forces.

He stressed out that the DENR and the Minerals Development Council, along with the Department of Interior and Local Government, the local police and military, are all working together to focus on providing better security to existing mining concerns.

“It is government’s job to maintain order,” Atienza said while acknowledging that “any attack on any installation has a negative impact on investors.”

“We will not allow everybody to have their own militias, CAFGUs or armed groups,” he added.

In a press briefing, Atienza acknowledged the continuing concern of some mining firms for their safety from attacks by disgruntled local communities, indigenous groups and even environmental groups.

Such attacks have disrupted and even set back the timetable of some projects. Atienza said these concerns must be addressed by the government if it wants to attract more investments into the mining sector.

Reports of attacks on ongoing projects paint a negative picture of the Philippine mining sector, Atienza noted, adding that the government, must provide “predictability and dependability if government wants to attract investors.”

One prominent attack was that on Australian mining firm OceanaGold’s copper-gold project in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

Oceana Gold has temporarily suspended operations on the project.

Although it has not pulled out, the Australian mining firm has expressed frustration about the seeming lack of security for its investment.

Atienza denied reports that OceanaGold is now creating its own para-military force.