There is still a chance to stop the Didipio mine before operations begin and the worst environmental effects are felt. Before mine waste can flood their valley, the Didipio Earth Savers Association wants to generate a flood of international letters to convince the government to recognize their rights and stop the mine.
Please send your letter to the president today, with a copy to the NCIP chair.
For a model letter click here.
NOTE: Physical letters have the greatest impact. US postage to the Philippines is 98 cents.
Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel
Manila 1005 PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 736 1010
E-mail: corres@op.gov.ph
Atty. Eugenio A. Insigne, Chairman
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
2nd Floor N. dela Merced Building,
Cor. West and Quezon Avenues,
Quezon City, Metro Manila, PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 373-97-65
Email: eugenioinsigne@ncip.gov.ph or resource@ncip.gov.ph
Congratulate the president for the Philippines’ exemplary legislation which recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ right to free, prior, and informed consent for mining projects that would affect them. Express concern over reports that these laws are not being fully implemented to protect Indigenous Peoples’ lands, natural resources, and rights.
Express special concern about violations of the law in Didipio, where since 2002 Indigenous Peoples and local and municipal councils consistently have voted against the OceanaGold-Philippines Inc. mine, and where the actions of OGPI and the military are causing environmental destruction, economic losses, hunger, fear, and grief throughout the affected population. Ask her to recognize and honor Didipio’s Indigenous people’s expressed opposition to mining, immediately halt all OGPI operations, and take necessary steps to safeguard the Didipio region’s natural resources and the rights of its Indigenous Peoples.
Cite the recently published “Concluding Observations of the United Nations Committee for the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD),” and urge the president to address them. Ask her to create an independent body to hear and act on complaints of violations of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.
