Violence feared to erupt in N. Vizcaya mining site

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Violence is feared to break out in mountainous Kasibu town as anti-mining villagers vowed to stand their ground against the entry of equipment of a foreign mining firm in their area despite an earlier court order for them to clear the road leading to the exploration site.

Last week, provincial sheriffs tasked to implement a court injunction gave the anti-mining residents of Kasibu five days or until tomorrow to vacate the road leading to the exploration site of Oxiana Philippines, backed by an Australian mining firm, or else be forcibly dispersed.

However, the anti-mining villagers, led by tribal elders and supported by environmental groups and the local Catholic Church, vowed to stay on until further consultations between them and Oxiana and government representatives.