This page was archived on 31/03/2009 and is no longer being updated.
Since our Kept In the Dark report launched in October 2008, more than 2,000 people have urged BHP Billiton to give communities in the Philippines an informed say over a potentially damaging new mine - but more action is needed
The report revealed how the community of Macambol has been kept in the dark about the proposed mine and how the process to secure indigenous people’s consent for it, as required under Filipino law, was seriously flawed.
In response, BHP Billiton say it has investigated the consent process and found no problems - but has so far been unwilling to share findings with CAFOD.
These actions and this report will give a louder voice and a stronger challenge to the people of Macambol to go further in their quest for self-determination.
CAFOD is disappointed the company has not to date addressed any of the serious concerns outlined in the report.
Therefore it is more important than ever to keep the spotlight on BHP Billiton’s activities in the Philippines through meetings with the company and by keeping up public pressure from campaigners.
Messages of hope and support sent from the UK to the people of Macambol, who will be most affected by the mining development, are spurring them on in their struggle for justice.
“These actions and this report will give a louder voice and a stronger challenge to the people of Macambol to go further in their quest for self-determination” said Jane Maldo from local support group the Interfaith Movement for Peace, Empowerment and Development (IMPEDE).
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has spoken out strongly against irresponsible mining, insisting that “the Church joins in the collective and continuous call against the uncontrollable plunder of our natural resources.”
The Bishops propose a moratorium on mining activities until “the government and the mining companies learn to uphold the right of the indigenous peoples, compensate the affected communities for past damages, and ensure responsible mining practices.” Read more.
In the UK, MPs have pledged their support by signing an Early Day Motion for better regulation of companies, which specifically calls on BHP Billiton and the Philippine government to investigate the problems highlighted in CAFOD’s report.
Good luck with your campaign and your struggle for justice.
My prayers and support for you as you fight to preserve your right to liberty in your own environment.
We are all just one person, but together we can make change happen.
May these people have mercy on your land and spare your environment.
Dear friends in Macambol, I am thinking of you very specially at this time. I am sending a light to light up your darkness and wish you many blessings in 2009.
Just a tiny light, but praying for you all.
May the truth be heard, may wise and compassionate decisions be made. May God bless you and your children. May peace be with you.
I pray each day that you will have the final say in protecting your farmland and the sea for your fishing from indiscriminate mining. May God be with you all.
