Govt assures mining investors of better security in mining areas
Malacanang made an assurance Thursday on a more improved security in the country’s mining areas following the attack of the New People’s Army in Surigao del Norte on Monday.
Japanese and Australian mining investors have raised their concerns over the security of mining operations in the Philippines despite the statements of the government for improved security measures.
“We understand their concerns because we’re just as disappointed of what happened there, so we’ve taken corrective actions. We are doing a threat assessment and we’ll facilitative if necessary upon the recommendation of the DND, the AFP and the PNP,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a media briefing in Malacanang on Thursday.
Asked about the immediate actions that the government has implemented so far, he said they are leaving the matter to the military and the police adding that security officials haven’t informed the Palace about recent security adjustments.
The President’s spokesman also made an assurance that the government will look into allegations of abuses committed by mining firms that prompted the Surigao del Norte attack.
It was reported that indigenous peoples were sympathetic with the NPA’s action and even environment adviser Neric Acosta was shocked by apparent violations.
However, Lacierda said the NPA shouldn’t resort to violence in addressing those issues adding there are many pro-environment members of the Aquino cabinet that could have acted on those issues.
“You don’t have to resort to violence to address those things. Puwede namang i-complain sa pamahalaan, si Secretary Paje po nandun, si Secretary Neric Acosta are known to be environmentalists and advocates, so we have strong environmental groups within the government,” Lacierda said.
“That (problem) could have been raised with us kung may mga violations. At kung nakita na ni Presidential adviser Neric Acosta, I’m sure he will look into it,” he added.
NPA guerrillas staged coordinated raids on Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC), Taganito HPAL Nickel Corp. and Platinum Group Metals Corp. (PGMC) operating in Claver, Surigao del Norte, on Monday, killing three security guards.
The rebels burned 10 dump trucks, eight backhoes, two barges and a guest house, the police and the military said. The rebels also seized several guns from private security guards. (PCOO)
