Bikol Coal Mining Situation

Iloilo CityDecember 3-4 2009

Catanduanes Coal Mining Situation

P6.2 billion worth of coal project from 2005-2008

P9.4 billion worth of coal project from

2008 onwards

Monte Oro

A certain Policarpio

Torres

The company was formed in 2005 to invest in mining, oil and gas and infrastructure in the Philippines.

Enrique Razon Jr.

Owner

Dr. Walter W. Brown

President(Office address: East Tower, Philippine

Exchange Center, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City)

Enrique Razon, Jr.

1. Chairman and President of International Container Terminal Services, Inc., ICTSI Ltd., the International Container Terminal Holdings, Inc., Razon Industries, Inc. and Sureste Realty Corp. 

2. Chairman, ICTSI Warehousing, Inc., and Sureste Properties, Inc. 

3. Chairman and President of Provident Management Group, Inc.

4. Chairman of Monte Oro Resources and Energy, Inc. and Monte Oro Grid Resource Corporation. 

5. Director of Cebu International Container Terminal, Inc., Baltic Container Terminal Ltd., Tecon Suape, , Madagascar International Container Terminal Services Ltd., ICTSI Hongkong Ltd., Contecon Guayaquil SA, Yantai Rising Dragon International Container Terminal Ltd., CLSA Exchange Capital, ABX Pan Globe Logistics, Inc., Kagitingan Printing Press, Kamahalan Publishing Co., National Grid Corporation of the and Xcell Property Ventures, Inc.

6. He is the Chairman of Australian International Container Terminal Ltd.

7. Member, American Management Association, Management Association of the Pacific Basin Economic Council, and World Economic Forum. 

8. Chairman of the Eminent Persons Group for Calatagan. 

9. Director of ICTSI from 1987 to the present, and has been the Chairman from 1995 to the present.

1. Chairman and President of International Container Terminal Services, Inc., ICTSI Ltd., the International Container Terminal Holdings, Inc., Razon Industries, Inc. and Sureste Realty Corp. 

2. Chairman, ICTSI Warehousing, Inc., and Sureste Properties, Inc. 

3. Chairman and President of Provident Management Group, Inc.

4. Chairman of Monte Oro Resources and Energy, Inc. and Monte Oro Grid Resource Corporation. 

5. Director of Cebu International Container Terminal, Inc., Baltic Container Terminal Ltd., Tecon Suape, , Madagascar International Container Terminal Services Ltd., ICTSI Hongkong Ltd., Contecon Guayaquil SA, Yantai Rising Dragon International Container Terminal Ltd., CLSA Exchange Capital, ABX Pan Globe Logistics, Inc., Kagitingan Printing Press, Kamahalan Publishing Co., National Grid Corporation of the and Xcell Property Ventures, Inc.

6. He is the Chairman of Australian International Container Terminal Ltd.

7. Member, American Management Association, Management Association of the Pacific Basin Economic Council, and World Economic Forum. 

8. Chairman of the Eminent Persons Group for Calatagan. 

9. Director of ICTSI from 1987 to the present, and has been the Chairman from 1995 to the present.

Dr. Walter W. BrownDr. Walter W. BrownDr. Walter W. BrownDr. Walter W. Brown

1. Chief Executive Officer, Director of Philex Mining Corporation.

2. He was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from January 1, 2004 to June 24, 2009.

3. He has been a Director for five years since August 1, 2003 and was re-elected on June 25, 2008.

4. He is also a Director and Chairman of PGI and PGPI.

5. He is the Chairman of A Brown Company, Inc. since 1966

6. Chairman and President of Monte Oro Resources Energy Inc., Monte Oro Grid Resources Corporation

7. President and Chief Executive Officer of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Chief Executive Officer of Forum Energy Plc., a company listed with the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange.

8. Director of Petroenergy Resoruces Corporation and ISM communications Corporation.

9. He was the President and a Director of Phil. Realty & Holding Corp. from 1986 to 2001. He was a Director of International Exchange Bank from 1995 to May 2006.

1. Chief Executive Officer, Director of Philex Mining Corporation.

2. He was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from January 1, 2004 to June 24, 2009.

3. He has been a Director for five years since August 1, 2003 and was re-elected on June 25, 2008.

4. He is also a Director and Chairman of PGI and PGPI.

5. He is the Chairman of A Brown Company, Inc. since 1966

6. Chairman and President of Monte Oro Resources Energy Inc., Monte Oro Grid Resources Corporation

7. President and Chief Executive Officer of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Chief Executive Officer of Forum Energy Plc., a company listed with the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange.

8. Director of Petroenergy Resoruces Corporation and ISM communications Corporation.

9. He was the President and a Director of Phil. Realty & Holding Corp. from 1986 to 2001. He was a Director of International Exchange Bank from 1995 to May 2006.

November 8, 2005 - The coal operating contract November 8, 2005 - The coal operating contract was awarded to Monte Oro Resources & Energy was awarded to Monte Oro Resources & Energy Inc. by the DOE.Inc. by the DOE.

The company was awarded more than 2 years for The company was awarded more than 2 years for the coal mining operationthe coal mining operation

Allowing the company to conduct mining Allowing the company to conduct mining operations in 7,000 hectares of land in the towns operations in 7,000 hectares of land in the towns of San Andres, Caramoran and Panganiban of San Andres, Caramoran and Panganiban equivalent to the land area of 132 Luneta Parks equivalent to the land area of 132 Luneta Parks or 3 times bigger than Makati City.or 3 times bigger than Makati City.

Effects of the coal mining Effects of the coal mining operations and the reasons why operations and the reasons why different sectors are opposing itdifferent sectors are opposing it

The mining operations will increase soil erosion The mining operations will increase soil erosion and cause flooding in the towns of Viga, and cause flooding in the towns of Viga, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, San Miguel, Bato, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, San Miguel, Bato, Manambrag in San Andres and Hitoma and Manambrag in San Andres and Hitoma and Milaviga in CaramoranMilaviga in Caramoran

The mining operation near the Hitoma River The mining operation near the Hitoma River will pollute the watershed as well as the will pollute the watershed as well as the operations of mini-hydro plant which will operations of mini-hydro plant which will negatively affect the nergy consumers of the negatively affect the nergy consumers of the province.province.

Effects of the coal mining Effects of the coal mining operations and the reasons why operations and the reasons why different sectors are opposing itdifferent sectors are opposing it

Awarding of the mining contract without public Awarding of the mining contract without public consultationconsultation

Lack of prior consent of the local government Lack of prior consent of the local government unitsunits

Irregularities on the documents obtained by the Irregularities on the documents obtained by the company and the suspicious awarding of the company and the suspicious awarding of the permit to Monte Oro Resources and the equally permit to Monte Oro Resources and the equally suspicious awarding of a small scale mining suspicious awarding of a small scale mining permit No. 2008-018 to a certain Policarpio permit No. 2008-018 to a certain Policarpio TorresTorres

Suspicious contents of this permit:

1. Policarpio Torres has obtained a small-scale mining permit from Reyes in October 2008 just in time for the November 2009 deadline of the COC awarded to Monte Oro

2. Under the permit valid for five years, Torres can extract 7,333 metric tons a year under supervision from Monte Oro

3. The permit also stated that all coal produced by Torres would be sold to Monte Oro

500 hectares in the west block of parcel 1 included in the forest

reservation area

500 hectares in the west block of parcel 1 included in the forest

reservation area

The parcel 1 consisting 2000 hectares in

Panganiban, Catanduanes

The parcel 1 consisting 2000 hectares in

Panganiban, Catanduanes

Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reservation AreaCatanduanes Watershed Forest Reservation Area

Pangalan ng Pangalan ng Biktima/KomunidadBiktima/Komunidad

PetsaPetsa TirahanTirahan KasoKaso

1. Lictin1. Lictin April 2005April 2005 Lictin, San AndresLictin, San Andres Mass evacuationMass evacuation

2. Batong Paloway2. Batong Paloway April 2005April 2005 Batong Paloway, San Batong Paloway, San AndresAndres

Mass evacuationMass evacuation

3. Rizal3. Rizal April 2005April 2005 Rizal San AndresRizal San Andres Mass evacuationMass evacuation

4. Ernesto Nazareno4. Ernesto Nazareno April 25, 2005April 25, 2005 Asgad, San AndresAsgad, San Andres Harassment, illegal Harassment, illegal searchsearch

5. Randy Sumayang5. Randy Sumayang April 25, 2005April 25, 2005 Asgad, San AndresAsgad, San Andres Harassment, illegal Harassment, illegal searchsearch

6. Wilma Clavo6. Wilma Clavo April 25, 2005April 25, 2005 Tibang, San AndresTibang, San Andres HarassmentHarassment

7. Roger Clavo7. Roger Clavo April 25, 2005April 25, 2005 Tibang, San AndresTibang, San Andres Physical AssaultPhysical Assault

8. Maria Marieta 8. Maria Marieta CapistranoCapistrano

August 4, 2007August 4, 2007 San Isidro San AndresSan Isidro San Andres Violation of domicile, Violation of domicile, illegal search and illegal search and harassmentharassment

9. Edmundo Santillano9. Edmundo Santillano December 13, 2007December 13, 2007 Iyao, CaramoranIyao, Caramoran Harassment, illegal Harassment, illegal arrestarrest

10. Elvis Santillano10. Elvis Santillano December 16, 2007December 16, 2007 Iyao, CaramoranIyao, Caramoran Illegal arrest, illegal Illegal arrest, illegal detentiondetention

11. Gemma Santillano11. Gemma Santillano December 16, 2007December 16, 2007 Iyao, CaramoranIyao, Caramoran HarassmentHarassment

12. Benjamin Aquino12. Benjamin Aquino January11, 2008January11, 2008 Iyao, CaramoranIyao, Caramoran Illegal arrest and Illegal arrest and detentiondetention

13. Cerilo Siroma13. Cerilo Siroma January 11, 2008January 11, 2008 Iyao, CaramoranIyao, Caramoran Illegal arrest and Illegal arrest and detentiondetention

14. JR Velasco14. JR Velasco December 19, 2007December 19, 2007 Sitio, Otsenta, Sitio, Otsenta, Sabluyon, CaramoranSabluyon, Caramoran

Illegal arrest and Illegal arrest and detentiondetention

15. Ariel Isuela15. Ariel Isuela December 24, 2007December 24, 2007 Obi, CaramoranObi, Caramoran Domicile, harassment, Domicile, harassment, illegal arrest and illegal arrest and detentiondetention

16. Sabluyon16. Sabluyon January 11, 2008January 11, 2008 Sabluyon, CaramoranSabluyon, Caramoran Illegal detachmentIllegal detachment

17. Iyao17. Iyao January 11, 2008January 11, 2008 Iyao, CaramoranIyao, Caramoran Illegal detachmentIllegal detachment

18. Obi18. Obi January 11, 2008January 11, 2008 Obi, CaramoranObi, Caramoran Illegal dtachmentIllegal dtachment

19. Brgy. Captain 19. Brgy. Captain Josefina TanJosefina Tan

February 1, 2008February 1, 2008 San Isidro, San AndresSan Isidro, San Andres Harassment, Illegal Harassment, Illegal detachment, use of detachment, use of schools, medical and schools, medical and religious establishmentreligious establishment

20. Efren Tolentino20. Efren Tolentino February 2008February 2008 Batong Paluway, San Batong Paluway, San AndresAndres

Physical assault, Physical assault, harassmentharassment

21. Gina Tolentino21. Gina Tolentino February 2008February 2008 Batong Paluway, San Batong Paluway, San AndresAndres

Physical assault, Physical assault, harassmentharassment

22. Narsisa Ponggan22. Narsisa Ponggan February 2008February 2008 Buenavista, CaramoranBuenavista, Caramoran Illegal arrest and Illegal arrest and detentiondetention

23. Nicanor Ponggan23. Nicanor Ponggan February 2008February 2008 Buenavista, CaramoranBuenavista, Caramoran Illegal arrest and Illegal arrest and detentiondetention

24. Capistrano24. Capistrano February 2008February 2008 San Isidro, San AndresSan Isidro, San Andres Illegal arrest and Illegal arrest and detentiondetention

25. Mayngaway25. Mayngaway April 2008April 2008 Mayngaway, San Mayngaway, San AndresAndres

Illegal detachment, use Illegal detachment, use of religious and other of religious and other public placespublic places

26. Batong Paloway26. Batong Paloway April 2008April 2008 Batong Paloway, San Batong Paloway, San AndresAndres

Illegal Detachment, use Illegal Detachment, use of Brgy. Hall/session of Brgy. Hall/session hallhall

27. Jovelio Isuela27. Jovelio Isuela May 17, 2008May 17, 2008 Batong, Paluway, San Batong, Paluway, San AndresAndres

Coercion, Illegal arrest Coercion, Illegal arrest and detentionand detention

28. Gina Santelices28. Gina Santelices May 17, 2008May 17, 2008 Batong, Paluway, San Batong, Paluway, San AndresAndres

Domicile, harassmentDomicile, harassment

29. Mary Jojie Lae29. Mary Jojie Lae May 17, 2008May 17, 2008 Batong Paloway, San Batong Paloway, San AndresAndres

Domicile, harassmentDomicile, harassment

30. Jannah Nicole30. Jannah Nicole May 17, 2008May 17, 2008 Batong Paloway, San Batong Paloway, San AndresAndres

Domicile, harassmentDomicile, harassment

31. Randy Sumayang31. Randy Sumayang June 3, 2008June 3, 2008 Asgad, San AndresAsgad, San Andres Harassment, frustrated Harassment, frustrated murdermurder

32. Rodrigo Sumayang32. Rodrigo Sumayang June 3, 2008June 3, 2008 Asgad, San AndresAsgad, San Andres Harassment, frustrated Harassment, frustrated murdermurder

33. Nodante Ponggan, 33. Nodante Ponggan, Jr.Jr.

July 12, 2008July 12, 2008 Maysuram, CaramoranMaysuram, Caramoran Physical assaultPhysical assault

34. Norman Sales34. Norman Sales July 12, 2008July 12, 2008 Maysuram, CaramoranMaysuram, Caramoran Physical assault, Physical assault, harassmentharassment

35. Jovert Delome35. Jovert Delome July 12, 2008July 12, 2008 Maysuram, CaramoranMaysuram, Caramoran HarassmentHarassment

36. Carlos Abaesa, Jr36. Carlos Abaesa, Jr July 21, 2008July 21, 2008 Maysuram, CaramoranMaysuram, Caramoran HarassmentHarassment

37. Vergel Vallespin37. Vergel Vallespin August 4, 2008August 4, 2008 Codon, San AndresCodon, San Andres Physical assault, Physical assault, harassmentharassment

38. Emilio Capistrano38. Emilio Capistrano August21, 2008August21, 2008 San Isidro, San AndresSan Isidro, San Andres Domicile, harassmentDomicile, harassment

Summary:

38 Total number of HRVs from April 2005-August 2008

Illegal arrest, detention, harassment, physical assault, mass evacuation and illegal detachment were the most common cases.

People’s ResponsePeople’s Response

Senate Hearing on Monte Oro Resources Inc., Coal Mining Operation in CatanduanesPepperland Hotel, Legaspi City

September 18, 2009

Committee on Environment and Natural Resources joint with Committee on

Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon) Congressional Oversight Committee on Clear Air Water Act

Congressional Oversight Committee on Clean Water Act

Present during the consultation were Catanduanes Bishop Manolo Delos Santos, PANGATAMAN-BIKOL, Social Action Center, Bagamanok Rural Waterworks Sanitation, Provincial Board Members, Municipal Mayors of Panganiban, San Miguel and Caramoran, Governor’s Office, Representatives from DOE, DENR, MGB, Monte Oro and different POs and institutions in Albay.

PANGATAMAN-BIKOL was invited to discussed the case of Rapu-Rapu mining. The group believe that what happened to Rapu-Rapu will possibly happen in the island province of Catanduanes.

Gains:Gains:

Official position statement from the Official position statement from the different organizations and institutions different organizations and institutions opposing the project were presented and opposing the project were presented and submitted to the senate committee submitted to the senate committee

Representatives of Monte Oro and DENR Representatives of Monte Oro and DENR declared that they will stop their declared that they will stop their operationoperation

Bishop tells Catanduanes folk: Don’t be Bishop tells Catanduanes folk: Don’t be tempted by job offerstempted by job offers

“ “ They need to keep in mind that whatever jobs They need to keep in mind that whatever jobs they (mining firms) are offering are only for a short they (mining firms) are offering are only for a short while. They should also think of the long term while. They should also think of the long term effect of the mining activities. Once you engage in effect of the mining activities. Once you engage in mining, it only destroys the land. There is nowhere mining, it only destroys the land. There is nowhere to go but destruction”-to go but destruction”- Bishop Arturo Bastes, Bishop Arturo Bastes, PDI August 19, issuePDI August 19, issue

“ “ They need to keep in mind that whatever jobs They need to keep in mind that whatever jobs they (mining firms) are offering are only for a short they (mining firms) are offering are only for a short while. They should also think of the long term while. They should also think of the long term effect of the mining activities. Once you engage in effect of the mining activities. Once you engage in mining, it only destroys the land. There is nowhere mining, it only destroys the land. There is nowhere to go but destruction”-to go but destruction”- Bishop Arturo Bastes, Bishop Arturo Bastes, PDI August 19, issuePDI August 19, issue

“ “ We don’t want our island and our people We don’t want our island and our people to suffer from tragedies brouht about by to suffer from tragedies brouht about by irresponsible mining activity”.-irresponsible mining activity”.-Bishop Bishop Manolo Delos Santos, PDI August 18, Manolo Delos Santos, PDI August 18, 2009 issue.2009 issue.

The bishop asked the faithful to support The bishop asked the faithful to support and stand by the diocese in the struggle and stand by the diocese in the struggle against large-scale mining and the against large-scale mining and the blatant exploitation of the island’s rich blatant exploitation of the island’s rich natural resources.natural resources.

“ “ We don’t want our island and our people We don’t want our island and our people to suffer from tragedies brouht about by to suffer from tragedies brouht about by irresponsible mining activity”.-irresponsible mining activity”.-Bishop Bishop Manolo Delos Santos, PDI August 18, Manolo Delos Santos, PDI August 18, 2009 issue.2009 issue.

The bishop asked the faithful to support The bishop asked the faithful to support and stand by the diocese in the struggle and stand by the diocese in the struggle against large-scale mining and the against large-scale mining and the blatant exploitation of the island’s rich blatant exploitation of the island’s rich natural resources.natural resources.

Catanduanes LGUs Initiatives:Catanduanes LGUs Initiatives:

Gov. Joseph Cua officially wrote a letter Gov. Joseph Cua officially wrote a letter dated August 15 requesting Angelo dated August 15 requesting Angelo Reyes to revoke and cancel the contracts Reyes to revoke and cancel the contracts awarded to Monte Oro.awarded to Monte Oro.

Panganiban Municipal Council passed a Panganiban Municipal Council passed a resolution on November 17, 2008 resolution on November 17, 2008 objecting to the inclusion of 2,000 objecting to the inclusion of 2,000 hectares of the town’s territory.hectares of the town’s territory.

Asosasyon nin mga para Abaca sa Catanduanes (Asociation of Abaca Workers in Catanduanes)

•Initiated massive petition signing opposing the coal mining project in the different barangays of Panganiban. (Panay, San Pedro Sto. Santiago Burabod, San Antonio, Cagdarao, San Nicolas, San Jose, Salvacion, Sta. Ana, Maculiw, Cabuyoan, Taopan). The organization gathered 1, 408 signatures and counting.

•Same petition signing are being conducted in the municipalities of Caramoran, San Andres and Viga.

•Massive barangay discussions

•October 21, rally at Virac, Catanduanes

Albay

Albay Gulf

www.lafayettemining.com

Open mine sa Rapu-Rapu, Albay

Batan Island, Rapu-Rapu, Batan Island, Rapu-Rapu, AlbayAlbay

Coal mining operation started early 2000 Coal mining operation started early 2000 by black diamond company.by black diamond company.

Affected barangays are Liguan,Villa Affected barangays are Liguan,Villa Hermosa, San Ramon, Gabu and Manila.Hermosa, San Ramon, Gabu and Manila.

Goodfound Cement Factory operating in Goodfound Cement Factory operating in the island until nowthe island until now

Plans:Plans:

Catanduanes coal mining summitCatanduanes coal mining summit Regional Environmental Conference Regional Environmental Conference Bicol Bishops letter to Pope Benedict XVIBicol Bishops letter to Pope Benedict XVI Formation of research team to Formation of research team to

investigate the coal mining operation in investigate the coal mining operation in Batan Island, Rapu-Rapu AlbayBatan Island, Rapu-Rapu Albay