Photo by Ellen Red

CORTES, SURIGAO DEL SUR—About 800 residents of Barangay Burgos, Cortes, Surigao del Sur signed a petition asking government officials not to approve the proposed mining operation in Barangay Burgos.

Portion of the petition states, "We definitely oppose the planned mining operation here in Burgos. We once again ask government officials not to approve mining permits here in Burgos so that no destruction (environmental) will come to this peaceful place."

Last May 25 in Barangay Burgos, a procession against mining was held. The said procession was attended by the indigenous people in the area, the Manobo–Mamanwa, the settlers, parishioners of St. Cruz Chapel, Burgos, Cortes, Surigao del Sur, and personnel from non–government organizations.

In an interview with Fr. Glenn Melo, parish priest of St. Cruz Chapel, he said, "I definitely oppose (the proposed mining operation in Burgos) because this will only bring about environmental destruction. How can the people farm and fish when the environment is already destroyed?"

Most of the residents of Burgos are farmers and fisher folks.

Based on Barangay Burgos Resolution # 4, series of 2008, majority of the Barangay Councilors favorably endorsed the proposed small–scale mining, specifically for copper and gold, of Galden L. Galila "within the area of Barangay Burgos, Cortes Surigao del Sur." The said resolution was approved on March 3, 2008.

In an interview with Castro Cubero, Barangay Chairman of Burgos, he said, "Approval (of the mining permit) will still take time because it has to pass through many processes."

In an interview with Linda Banaag, not her real name, one concerned tribe member in Barangay Burgos, said the the indigenous people in Burgos is divided. Others have consented to the entry of small–scale mining because they were paid, Linda said.

The proposed small–scale mining area is within the ancestral domain claim of the Kahugpongan sa Tribung Mamanwa–Manobo sa Lanuza, Cortes ug Tandag (KATRIMMA LACORTAN).

Engr. Roel C. Caseñas Jr., project coordinator of Green Mindanao Association and one of those who joined the May 25 procession against mining in Burgos said, "We believe that when nature strikes back because of the destruction made, not only one will be affected but the whole community will be affected as well."

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