MEMBERS of the Concerned Citizens of Sta. Cruz, Zambales (CCOS) joined other groups in calling for the closure of mining companies in Zambales that violated environmental laws.

In a protest rally staged at the gates of the Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) in Quezon City on September 7, CCOS and other anti-mining groups like the Ang Aroroy Ay Alagaan (4A’s) of Masbate urged the MGB to enforce the law and to close mining firms violating the law.

The CCOS and the 4A’s were supported by the Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), Sanlakas, Aniban ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura, Akbayan, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, and Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center.

CCOS, in particular called for the closure of mines in Zambales that continue to operate despite the Writ of Kalikasan issued by the Supreme Court, as well as closure orders from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“It’s business as usual for the miners in Sta. Cruz. They continue to steal the minerals, destroy our environment, and harass people,” said CCOS chairman Dr. Benito Molino, adding that fishing areas in Santa Cruz have been silted with mud and nickel laterite.

“Mining companies must be held accountable for this,” Molino said.

The protest was held more than a week after the groups requested for a dialogue with President Rodrigo Duterte on mining issues.

The ATM said the Office of the President had forwarded the request to the MGB, but the agency has yet to issue a statement on the matter.

Molino said that basing on its previous actions, the MGB “will just give another set of false promises.”

“Nothing will happen,” Molino said.

Meanwhile, Marilou Verano of 4A’s said the townsfolk in Masbate are getting sick because of operations of Filminera Resources Corporation.

“People in Aroroy are getting sick because of the smoke from Filminera’s facilities and of cyanide-contaminated food and water. The threat of being buried alive lingers as their siltation pond and stockpiles are about to crash,” Verano said in a statement.

“We are hoping that President Duterte will hear our voice and see our struggle to save Aroroy for the next generation,” she added. – GMA News