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First Posted on Inside Mindanao (www.insidemindanao.com) on May 27, 2010

Mining company divides community
By Leonardo Vicente Corrales of LRC–KsK⁄FoE–Phils

ANISLAGAN, PLACER, SURIGAO DEL NORTE — The entry of a big–time mining company to this sleepy village has put a strain on the relationship on the residents.

What was once a community full of camaraderie and friendship among villagers has now been replaced with suspicion and animosity.

This, after a corporate mining giant Kalayaan Copper Gold Resource (KCGR) has entered this community with intention of exploring it for precious minerals.

The KCGR is a mining consortium between Anglo American of United Kingdom and Manila Mining Company (a subsidiary of Lepanto Group of Companies).

According to some of the residents, the KCGR went around the community and offered sums of money to those they can convince to support their intent of exploring Anislagan.

It was reported that those who accept the money KCGR offered were promised a bright future by turning against their neighbors who have from the start objected to the proposed exploration.

A farmer–resident said he was offered to be given a monthly "incentive" that is quadrupled to what he is earning in his farm if he will keep an eye on his fellow villagers who have staunchly opposed to KCGR's exploration plans.

A group, posing as staff of a non-government organization (NGO) who the residents hardly know, was spotted around the village talking to people and listing their names.

"They promised a bright future for me and my family if I will take their offer," the farmer said.

"They even assured me that once the mining activities start, my sons and I will be given a job at the mines. They assured me my life will be much better if I will only follow what they asked of me," he said.

Although he declined the offer, he was told that many of his neighbors have already accepted the cash incentives. This, he said, has soured the good relationships among the villagers.

Those who have been convinced have started to behave strangely and have been seen buying items that were considered as luxurious.

Another resident, a mother of two, was quick with her reply on the said offer: "You can take your money with you. I will not exchange my family's life and my principles for a few silver coins."

Poor as they are, she said she and the majority of the people of Anislagan who have remained steadfast in their objection will do everything to protect their homes and their community from exploitation of a large mining company.

"They are just here to take away the minerals without caring for the people's future. Once they are done, they will leave us in a deplorable state and a destroyed environment. We will not allow that to happen," a widow, who is against the mining exploration, said.

END