Monday, June 18, 2007 NPA not a threat to mining, but NGOs By Carlo P. Mallo
THE presence of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in mineral-rich areas in Davao Region is not a threat to mining companies operating in these areas.
Instead, an official of an aggrupation of mining firms tagged non-government organizations, advocating for the protection of the environment, as the ones that make "our knees shiver."
Edgar Martinez, president of the Mineral Industry Association (Mina), said these groups are the ones with money and have the capacity to "assault" them and cause investors to back out from mining projects.
"They have the money and the propaganda arm," Martinez said, adding there is no need for them to fear the insurgency movement.
But Carlos Holganza, chief of the Army's 1001st Brigade, said the insurgency movement continues to be active in some mining areas in the region, particularly in Mt. Diwalwal in Monkayo, Compostela Valley.
"They (the insurgency movement) want a stake in the mineral deposits that can be found there," Holganza said.
Meanwhile, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Southern Mindanao has divided the Mt. Diwalwal gold-rush site into three parts to cater to all interested stakeholders.
The MGB has identified areas for the small scale miners, tribal groups, and commercial mining firms.
MGB regional Director Edilberto Arreza said there are still adequate gold values in the Diwalwal gold site, adding that the mining industry in the area is moving "eloquently."
