From Magellan to Hinatuan: How mining keeps Eastern Samar deeply wounded

First of 2 parts

FIVE hundred years ago, on March 16, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan landed on the shores of Homonhon Island in what is now part of the municipality of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines, after more than a year of rough sailing on the high seas. Known for his exploits as a seafarer and a risk-taker of gigantic proportions, he appeared to be driven more by monetary rewards than by some kind of patriotic anchor. He led an expedition for the King of Spain — his benefactor — instead of his native country, Portugal. Spain and Portugal at the time were locked in a battle for supremacy as imperialist powers.