Indigenous resistance and repression in the Philippines

Indigenous communities of the Cordillera region of the Philippines vehemently opposed gold exploration activities led by Anglo American subsidiary, Cordillera Exploration Inc, asserting that the operation would damage the environment, and therefore their territorial integrity and cultural identity. After the consultation process took place many indigenous leaders were subject to intimidation and death threats, while others were bribed to support the operation. One of the leaders of the Save Apayao Peoples Organization appeared on a military black list, intended to intimidate civil society activists.

Community leaders attended the Anglo American AGM in 2007 in London to underscore the illegalities of the consultation process and the violations of human rights linked to it.

Curtis, Mark. “Fanning the Flames, the role of British Mining Companies in Conflict and the Violation of Human Rights.” War on Want, London (2007)

Daytec-Yañgot, C. “FPIC: a shield or threat to Indigenous Peoples Rights?.” Internet Available at http://www. thai-ips. org/Documents/FPIC_philippines. pdf (2012).