Residents of coal-affected communities march to Mendiola on 22 October 2013. Source: Danny Pata, GMANews
Philippines environmental groups have been celebrating a day of action against coal, promoting arguments for alternatives to the construction of coal fired power stations. They expressed disappointment at the Aquino administration’s push for coal-fired power plants.
Human rights and indigenous support groups commemorated the massacre of anti-mining activist Juvy Capion and her two sons by stressing the lack of progress on the murder investigations. Juvy was working to stop London-listed Glencore Xstrata‘s Tampakan project.
The people of Marinduque are still searching for justice after the Marcopper disaster. Catherine Coumans laments the “crumbs” Canadian company Barrick Gold is finally offering the people of Marinduque in compensation, having fought legal battles for so long. A group that has fought for redress is rejecting the reported offer for being too small. (Barrick Gold has significant investment from the UK – see http://moneytometal.org/index.php?title=Special%3ASearch&search=Barrick&go=Go).
See http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=12473.