KORONADAL CITY -- Foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines, Inc. has conceded that social and security issues remain this year a major threat to its operation, which was claimed to have contributed last year P1.2 billion to the Philippine economy through taxes and goods and services purchased, the 36-page "Tampakan Project Sustainability Report 2008" said.

Albeit the firm's whooping economic contribution, Mark Williams, Sagittarius general manager, admitted that 2008 was a "security nightmare" for their operations.

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Last year, the communist New People's Army (NPA) attacked in separate occasions at least two facilities of Sagittarius, its base camp in Tampakan, South Cotabato and the drill rig in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur.

Two of the firm's workers were also killed and two others were injured in two other incidents that the firm claimed was "not related to the project."

Earlier this year, NPA rebels also attacked the Tampakan police station in punishment to the local police force for "protecting the mining firm." Three policemen and a civilian were wounded in the raid.

Sagittarius has been continuously beset also by unarmed opposition waged by the local Catholic Church and environmental groups on concerns for human health, food security, and the environment.

"While the social and security challenges we experienced during 2008 remain, I believe that by continually engaging with our stakeholders and cultivating genuine partnerships with them based on mutual trust and value creation, we represent the best possible means to create lasting improvements," Williams said.

The firm has adopted the so-called "Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights," which seeks to guide companies "in maintaining the safety and security of their operations within an operating framework that ensures respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms."

Despite the threats, Williams said that among the key goals the company targets to achieve this year include drilling and technical studies, preparation phase for the environmental and social impact assessment and biodiversity and land management surveys.

The company also seeks to realize in 2009 the commencing of the Free and Prior Informed Consent of the indigenous people and planning and engagement for land acquisition and resettlement, he added. (BSS)