Thursday, July 24, 2008 Another tribal council joins cry vs Mandaya group
TWO tribal councils whose ancestral domains are part of the mining site of BHP Billiton and Asiaticus Mining Corporation have expressed their support for one of the two mining firms, which are now locked up in a debacle.
The two tribes also seek for the nullification of an earlier resolution, which they claimed was only made by one tribe and has prejudiced their rights.
The Magum and Cabuaya tribal councils recently expressed support through a joint resolution for the foreign mining giant BHP Billiton to continue mining operations in Macambol and Cabuaya areas, province of Davao Oriental.
In the resolution, the tribal councils sought to make the Mandaya Tribal Council resolution No. 230 series of 2008 as null and void as it was a violation of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (Ipra Law).
Members of the Manobo-Mandaya tribe of Cabuaya as well as members of the Magum and Macambol Proper tribal communities felt deprived with the Mandaya Tribal Council resolution that excluded them from representing and participating in drafting the said resolution.
Both tribes from Macambol and Cabuaya got into conflict as the local partner Asiaticus Corporation decided to rescind its contract with the foreign-firm BHP Billiton.
It also filed a case before the Makati court for Billiton’s alleged failure to comply with the joint venture agreement.
The Makati Regional Trial Court issued an injunction order for Billiton to stop using, occupying, exploring, developing, and exercising acts of ownership of mining rights in the Pujada properties.
Contradicting the claim of the Macambol Tribal Council, some tribal leaders from the Macambol and Magum area objected to the purpose of the Mandaya tribal resolution.
What they said as disenfranchisement of the tribal members pushed the Magum and Macambol Proper leaders and members to organize and be known as the Magum Tribal Council.
Both tribal councils, the Magum and Cabuaya tribes, also said the City of Mati passed a resolution supporting Asiaticus Mining Corporation without the requisite committee and the conduct of public hearings.
The same was also accused on the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Regional Office endorsing the said resolution to the central office without proper hearing and consultation.
The Magum and Cabuaya tribal councils stressed the need for responsible mining operations to proceed to effect economic development in their area. (CPM)
