Borongan bishop warns lifting mining ban to worsen environment crisis

Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez on Tuesday warned that allowing more mining contracts in the Philippines would worsen the environmental crisis in the country.

Varquez made the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the prohibition on allowing new mining agreements in an attempt to spur economic growth.

“New mining operations will only worsen our environmental crisis on top of this health pandemic,” Varquez said over CBCP News.

Varquez called on Duterte to "issue again an executive order for moratorium against mining in the Philippines."

On Borongan Island, Varquez cited that there is no history of responsible mining.

“Our local experience provides enough evidence.. Bagacay, Homonhon and Manicani cry out this truth," the bishop pointed out.

Varquez also cited The Bagacay mine spill disaster in Western Samar's Hinabangan town still haunts the affected communities, especially those along the Taft River in Easter Samar.

Varquez also took issue with approving mining operations in Samar which would make lowland communities more vulnerable to flooding and pollution.

“Locals may be temporarily employed or benefited. But the long-term consequence of a devastated landscape is also incalculable and irreversible,” Varquez said.

The nine-year ban on granting new mining agreements was imposed during the regime of Benigno Aquino, in 2012.

However, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines previously lauded the lifting of the moratorium, noting that it would "contribute to socio-economic growth." -MDM, GMA News