Press Release
29 January 2013
“The filing of charges against the victims of typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental is like rubbing salt to the wounds of tragedy and injustice. “
Thus said Davaoeña and Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Luz Ilagan as the Philippine National Police in Compostela Valley filed charges of “public disorder” against Barog Katawhan’s (People Rise Up) leaders Grace Curso, Bello Timdasan and Carlos Trangia; Balsa-Mindanao’s Prof. Mae Fe Ancheta-Templa; environmental rights group Panalipdan’s Juland Suazo; Bagong Alyansang Makabayan’s (Bayan) Sheena Duazo; peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas’ Tony Salubre; and Leny Camino.
Charges were filed after 7,000 protesters barricaded last week in Compostela Valley to demand the termination of all mining and logging permits in the area.
“The Aquino government’s adamant refusal to heed their legitimate demand to put an end to the destructive mining and logging operations in Mindanao practically subjects then further to the dangers that environmental plunder poses to poor Mindanao communities,” said Ilagan.
“More than pity or relief, the victims of typhoon Pablo need justice. They need comprehensive, well-rounded rehabilitation efforts that should include, at the very least, the temporary ban of all large scale mining and logging operations in the region.”
For Reference:
REP. LUZVIMINDA C. ILAGAN 0920-9213221
Jang Monte (Public Information Officer) 0917-4049119
