Regions
Australian firm told to respect villagers' stance on mining

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya: A provincial board member has told Australian OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc. (OGPI) to respect the independence and right of barangay (village) officials in opposing the firm's mining operation in their village.

'It is harassment when their (barangay officials) independence becomes a reason for the mining firm not to release funds because they are obliged to release such funds for the development of the community where they operate,' board member Edgardo Balgos said.

DIVIDED COMMUNITY Didipio villagers in the copper and gold deposit-rich upland town of Kasibu in Nueva Vizcaya rally in support of Australian OceanaGold’s renewal of its financial or technical assistance agreement or FTAA. PHOTO BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO