DAVAO CITY – The Agusan Petroleum and Minerals Corporation (Agpet) mining exploration could destroy the Aliwagwag Protected Landscape (APL), which was declared in 2011 through Presidential Proclamation 139, said environmental group Panalipdan.
In a statement on Friday, Panalipdan-Southern Mindanao cited their sources in the Mines and Geosciences Bureau as showing that the exploration permit E145 of Agpet, renewed on November 2014, already excluded the APL area, an indication of the MGB’s apprehension that it would have damaging impact to the landscape.
“In the original permit, E145 includes areas inside the APL. In the new map posted in the MGB website, the APL area hit by the original E145 permit was erased,” said Prof. Chiara Respecia, spokesperson of Panalipdan.
“However, the exploration allowed in E145 permit which falls outside the APL could also destroy the ecosystem supporting the APL. In fact, the exclusion of APL areas in the original permit is proof that the government recognize the potential damage to ecosystems the mining project would induce,” Respecia said.
Respecia said MGB can be held accountable for the damage which can occur in the affected ecosystem by allowing mining exploration in the area.
“This project would definitely have negative impact on the riparian ecosystems supporting and including the Cateel River, a very important source of water for many areas in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley,” Respecia said.
The group is reiterating their call for the MGB to cancel the permit of AgPet. (davaotoday.com)
