Environmentalists Mark Anniversary of Rapu-rapu Mine Spill in Front of DENR

Different green groups headed by Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE) with the mining-affected residents of Rapu-rapu, Albay staged a protest action October 10 in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This is to mark the third year anniversary of the massive mine spill caused by Australian-owned Lafayette Mining Limited.

Until now, the affected residents whose health and subsistence were endangered still have yet to receive just compensation from the company and the government. Rapu-rapu was witness to two confirmed successive mine spills and five incidents of fish kills which could have been prevented if the Arroyo government heeded the call of the residents and various scientific recommendations to stop the mining in the area. Being hell-bent on implementing its flagship-mining project, the government sided with the mining company and compromised the welfare of the residents of the island.

Protesters will demand the government to be accountable for the failings of its pet project who have announced bankruptcy due to the pull-out of its investors as a result of the relentless opposition of the people. However, Rapu-rapu is not spared still from future disasters as its new investors, LG Collins and KORES, are granted permission by the Arroyo government to resume operations. The protest will demonstrate that it is President Arroyo, DENR Secretary Lito Atienza, and the mining companies who deserve to be immersed in toxic waters filled with dead fish.