UNTV News • November 3, 2017 • 6139

MANILA, Philippines – Several residents of two villages in Guiuan, Eastern Samar have asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) not to renew the permit of Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HTC) for its alleged violation of some mining guidelines.

The residents said the contract of HTC already expired last October 27th. This prompted them to ask the DENR to stop the company’s mining of nickel ore in the islands of Homonhon and Manicani.

They claimed parts of the mountainous island have become denuded, and that the mining activities there also affect the sea.

“We want Secretary Cimatu to know the sacrifice and agony of the entire community. The mining contract of the Hinatuan Mining Corporation is about to expire. It has been mining there for 25 years now. And the residents have been having bad experiencing in the island because of their mining activities,” Phil. Movement for Climate Justice Visayas coordinator, Larry Pascua said.

Meanwhile, the DENR agreed to have a dialogue with the residents to discuss their concerns.

However, the agency explained it could not immediately respond to the complaint of the residents as it still needs to undergo proper process.

“We will just only be elevating the information, because the very authority who will approve the MPSA is the secretary,” DENR 8 Assistant Regional Director Carlito Tuballe said.

The residents are hoping the Duterte Administration will act on their concerns especially since the mining activities in their community have already affected their livelihood. – Rey Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue