Filipino village against mining giant: 25 years of struggle

Mary Ann Forton is one of the residents who joined that fight. She is a leading figure of women's organization BILEG, which rises for the protection of the environment and the living environment of the local community, with a focus on women's rights. The national NGO Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), a partner organization of 11.11.11, works with them and defends the rights of environmental activists. These activists are often the target of threats, attacks and even murder.
We are spotlighting Mary Ann and her community's struggle in the Expo 'On the trail of environmentalists'.

The village of Didipio is located on the island of Luzon in the Northern Philippines. It is located in a fertile region rich in citrus fruits and other fruits.  Agriculture is one of the most important economic activities.
25 years ago, the Australian-Canadian company Oceana Gold settled near the village to exploit copper and goldThe beginning of a path of suffering for the local population.

Even before the start of mining operations, the company was already guilty of numerous human rights violations: they took agricultural lands of, destroyed occupied houses to clear land and forced displacement of indigenous communities.

With the start of mining, the groundwater pollution en massive deforestation. Even Mount Dinkidi had to make way for a huge open pit mine. This completely changed the existing landscape: water sources dried up and rivers became polluted with chemicalsThe yield of rice and sweet potatoes declined visibly.

From the very beginning, residents came in revolt against mining. They united in the Didipio Earth Savers Multipurpose Association (DESAMA) and the women's organization Bileg Dagiti BabbeThey are receiving support from environmental activists across the country.  11.11.11-partner ATM supported them in mobilisations, provided legal assistance, and put them in touch with national authorities.

In early 2019, a report was published by the UN Rapporteur on Human Rights on the Didipio mine. The report confirmed the human rights violations and the damage to the living environment and the environmentFor the residents, this report was a heartening message. Especially since the permit for the company would expire in mid-2019.

The program resistance van DESAMA en Bileg Dagiti Babbe stirred up again onThey received support from the kerk en local administratorsThey called on President Duterte and the government not to renew the permit for Oceana Gold. For months, residents have been in the barricades to stop the illegal mining activities. Clashes broke out when the company attempted to break through the barricades. The leader of DESAMA was arrested.
Unfortunately, the national government ignored this massive opposition and recently renewed Oceana Gold's license for 25 years.