Campaign groups in the Philippines now have two potential alternative mining laws being discussed by the country’s Congress, as a response to the constant concerns raised by civil society over the activities of mining companies. The new bill, the Minerals Management Bill, was submitted during protests against the current Mining Act on the occasion of its 15th anniversary. These protests highlighted the congressional enquiry on the suspect free, prior informed consent at Bakun. The investigation into the murder of Dr. Ortega continues, and has spurred on the anti-mining campaign to launch a million signature petition. Once again there has been another violent incident at Xstrata’s Tampakan; in this case the murder of an indigenous leader and his wife who were supporters of the mining project. A full investigation is required, but the killing highlights the continued violence and divisions the project has brought to the local B’laan people.
See http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=10775.