PMPI and PROMISI Press Release
11 May 2021
Guiuan, Eastern Samar – Manicani environmental defenders, Protect Manicani Island Society, Inc. (PROMISI), stage yet another silent protest at the Eastern Samar State University as the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Guiuan Marine Reserve Protected Landscape and Seascape (GMRPLS).
One of the GMRPLS PAMB’s agenda is to conclude the field assessment in the island of Manicani in relation to the application for a Special Use Agreement in Protected Area (SAPA) of Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC) for the planned causeway construction in Brgy. Banaag and the rehabilitation of the existing causeway in Brgy. Buenavista, Manicani Island.
In 2017, Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corporation attempted to file for the renewal of its mining contract in Manicani Island but was denied by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), amidst a camp-out held by PROMISI members and support organization in front of the of agency’s central office. HMC remains in the island despite the non-renewal of its mining contract.
Manicani Island along with portions of Homonhon Island, Candulo, Suluan, Tubabao, Calicoan, and their surrounding reefs, and mainland Guiuan municipality are part of the RA 7586 “National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992″ and RA 11038 Expanded National Protected Area System Act (E-NIPAS Act).
Melody Asia of the Partnership Mission for Peoples’ Initiatives (formerly Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc.) said, “HMC’s presence in the island and the un-rehabilitated former mine site contravenes Section 20 of the E-NIPAS Act that mandates all areas must be restored or rehabilitated by the permit holders once their permits, contracts, or agreements ended and without renewal.”
Fr. James Abella, Parish Priest of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Manicani Island said, “This project is quite alarming especially that it is going to be funded by HMC.” He continued, “Many are asking what it is for? Is the project their new ticket to operate again in the island?” PROMISI demands from GMRPLS PAMB to deny HMC’s application for a SAPA permit and compel the mining company to rehabilitate the mine site and altogether exit the island. They chide HMC for its lack of transparency and accountability to the community and demand from the mining company, to release their rehabilitation plan and discuss the same to the community. In this time of pandemic, they also call on the LGU to prioritize social and health services and support the livelihood of those negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
