6 hurt as NV villagers block gold mine road project

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – At least six villagers were hurt in last Wednesday’s demolition to pave the way for the construction of a road leading to a British firm-operated gold mine project here. 

Police, however, denied any injuries among the protesters of the Runruno Gold-Molybdenum road project, saying the demolition was “generally orderly and peaceful.”   

A British-owned giant mining firm, FCF Minerals,  was contracted to undertake the multibillion-peso mining project in Barangay Runruno, Quezon here. 

The project is expected to start commercial operation next year following almost a decade of exploration and construction. 

“We are saddened to hear such report. That is something beyond our control as the implementation of the demolition was the discretion of the court,” a mining officer, who requested anonymity, said of the reported injuries. 

The road construction resumed after the 72-hour temporary restraining order issued by the regional trial court to stop the firm’s entry and acquisition of the lot for the mining project, had lapsed. 

The FCF is seeking passage to its mine sites through the lots of the petitioners. 

Reports said some of the affected residents have been demanding as much as P100 million per hectare.