|
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Diwalwal task force adds to trouble: miners
By Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO -- Miners in Mt. Diwata in Monkayo, Compostela Valley rapped government for creating the National Task Force Diwalwal headed by Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes, saying this is but another move to deprive them of their just share in the gold mines.
Franco Tito, Mt. Diwata (commonly known as Diwalwal) barangay chief, said its creation only showed that government has deeper interest in the gold-rich mountain contrary to its denials.
This virtually negates all of government's reasons for creating the task force.
In an executive order dated June 17, President Arroyo created NTF Diwalwal because of an urgent need to formulate policies relevant to the mining problem in the area.
The task force is also to coordinate the efforts of concerned government agencies in addressing concerns and rationalizing mining activities in the area.
The order cited, among others, the reasons for the creation of NTF Diwalwal, including the continued degradation of the environment in the area and the reported extortion activity of the New People's Army that earned for the rebel group millions of pesos.
Drastic measures
But Tito said he was informed by some Malacaņang insiders that someone inside the Palace is allegedly very interested in the vast gold deposits of Diwalwal and wanted a big share of it.
He claimed it also could not be discounted that with the election fast approaching, some people badly needed money for their campaign.
Tito warned that the small miners would not take this "encroachment" sitting down.
He said that if the need arises, they would again resort to some drastic measures to prevent the entry of the task force people in Diwalwal.
The task force is headed by Reyes, who is assisted by Environment Secretary Elizea Gozun.
Comprehensive plan
Members of the task force are the secretaries of health, social welfare, labor, justice, and local government as well as the director of the National Economic and Development Authority, press secretary, presidential adviser on media affairs, solicitor general and Bureau of Internal Revenue commissioner.
Among the functions of the NTF Diwalwal is the formulation of a comprehensive plan of action in order to create an environment conducive to lasting and sustainable peace.
The task force can also recommend policies and program to ensure coordination, integration and acceleration of government efforts and enhance their effective and immediate implementation.
An Interagency Technical Working Group (IATWG) will also be organized to provide technical assistance to the NTF Diwalwal.
At the local level, a Program Monitoring and Coordination Center (PMCC) will also be organized to handle the concerns on internal security, socio-economic safety nets, information, mining and environment and peace and order in Diwalwal.
EO 217 states that the NTF Diwalwal will exist until such time that the situation in Diwalwal and its environs shall have normalized and upon the recommendation of the defense and environment departments. Sun.Star Davao
(June 26, 2003 issue)
Want Sun.Star news on your mobile phone? Click here.
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
|
|
 |
| click
to comment on this article or discuss it with other readers |
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
MILF, gov't sign pact to resume peace talks