THE Catholic Diocese of Koronadal City issued a petition demanding the provincial government of South Cotabato to retain the ban on open-pit mining in the province. Bishop Cerilo Casicas of Koronadal City urged parishioners, particularly the youth, and the legislators of South Cotabato to become more aware of the danger and consequences of allowing open-pit mining in the province. Casicas strongly urged the present administration of South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. to retain the provincial ban on open-pit mining methods in order to protect the natural environment. 'We demand that the Sanggunian Panlalawigan of South Cotabato stands firm in its duty to ensure the safety, convenience and well-being of its constituents,' Casicas said. 'The provincial Environment Code must be upheld, and its provision specifically bans open-pit mining to ensure that the future generations inherit a better society enjoying the fruits of a sound environment. The provincial government of South Cotabato must have to understand the consequences on how they will be affected once open-pit mining is given a chance to operate.'
