#SUPPORTGINA

TO IMPLEMENT MINING SUSPENSION & CLOSURE NOW!

WE SUPPORT THE DECISION of Department of Environment & Natural

Resources Secretary Regina Lopez to close down 23 mine sites and cancel 75
mineral production sharing agreements (MPSA) covering watershed areas across
the country. The destruction brought by mining operations and disasters in the
country is more numerous compared to the so-called benefits that mining
companies and pro-mining politicians claim.

WE STAND BY HER DECLARATION that mining operations should not be

allowed in watersheds, that when you kill the watershed, you kill life. Putting
the environment and the peoples welfare over mining revenue and profit is the
proper course that the government should take.

WE IMPLORE the DENR chief to include in her order the cancelation of all
mining contracts that cover the Ilocos Provinces. Comprise of a thin strip of land,
mining operations will endanger the limited land and water resources of the
region to which the Ilocanos depend for their livelihood. The region suffers from
dry spells and drought annually; mining operations will increase the suffering of
the people, especially the farmers who largely depend on creeks, streams, and
rivers for irrigation.

WE ENCOURAGE Sec. Lopez to swiftly and fully implement her orders, and
undertake actions to repeal the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, the law that
provides the foundation and shield to destructive and plunderous operation of
mining companies. Besides this unprecedented move from the DENR chief, she
should drive for the enactment of a mining law that prioritize the protection of
peoples rights and the environment.

WE CONDEMN THE MANEUVERINGS AND PERSONAL ATTACKS of the

Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) and their lackeys in the government
against Sec. Lopez. COMPs action to block her confirmation proves how
corporate greed overshadows the peoples welfare in Congress.

WE URGE PRES. RODRIGO DUTERTE to uphold Sec. Lopezs decision against

destructive mines. He should listen to her advice and heed the call of the people
instead of bowing to the threats of mining corporations and cabinet oligarchs.

WE CALL ON THE PEOPLE OF ILOCOS to support the complimentary actions

of environmental advocates and Sec. Regina Lopez for a healthy and balanced
ecosystem for the people.

#SupportGina against destructive mining!

#SupportGina to close big mines!