Vice guv hits NPA's claims vs. mining in Negros island

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Negros Occidental Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. recently issued his reply to the statement of rebel spokesman Frank Fernandez on mining activities in southern Negros, saying that the call on re-operations of mining firms there came from the people and their public officials.

Alvarez said the residents and government officials in southern Negros Occidental wanted mining operations to continue as these provide them livelihood and ushers in progress and development.

Fernandez, in an earlier statement, said the revolutionary movement will implement the policy of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for the total ban of the destructive mining operations and explorations in Negros Island.

He said the NPA has been ordered to launch military and political struggles, aimed at stopping the ongoing mining explorations and operations of Philex Mining, Philmet Exploration and Essensa Mining Corporations, as well as 40 other mining companies that have pending mining rights applications in Negros.

Massive mining operations in the mountains of Negros Occidental and Oriental have already covered 40 percent of the total land area of the island, or 80 percent of the total agricultural land, said Fernandez.

There is a possibility that Negros Island may soon be transformed into a desert, because of mining operations, he added.

Fernandez also alleged that Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and other government officials “ignored the gargantuan destruction of environment caused by mining operations” and committed the crime of grave economic plunder, and become traitors of the national patrimony.”

Alvarez countered: “This is a free country, they (the rebels) can say what they want to say, nobody is stopping them.”

He however said that he is just supportive of the decision of the people in the area and the officials, including 99 percent of the barangay captains in Sipalay City who expressed their approval of the re-operation of mining firms there.

The vice governor cited that at least 120 hectares of his family’s landholdings were affected by tailings from the mining firms in the area but they were only paid P500,000.

“Even then, we are looking at the benefit it can give to the people in the area especially employment and taxes generated by the local, provincial and national government,” he said.

One mining company in Sipalay used to employ 4,000 workers with a monthly payroll of P3 million, said Alvarez.

So far, those that will be operating in southern Negros again are Philex Mining Corp., owned by business magnate Manny Pangilinan, and the Maricalum Mining Corp., which has negotiated with the provincial government for its unpaid taxes to be able to resume operations. (FREEMAN)