MANILA, Philippines 03/18/2009 | 08:18 PM The chaplain of a Masbate-based mining firm quit his post in protest over the firm's activities, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said Wednesday night.
An article on the CBCP website (www.cbcpnews.com) said chaplain Fr. Edgar Monforte resigned and joined protests against Filminera Mining Corp.-Central Gold Asia Ltd. in Aroroy, Masbate..
It said this came amid protests and mass rallies that started on March 14, and supported by the Church, non-government organizations, farmers, fisherfolk and concerned residents..
Alyansa Tigil Mina's Rodne Galicha said Fr. Monforte, who receives a monthly honorarium and a luxurious rectory courtesy of FMC-CGA, resigned in favor of the clamor to close the mining company..
Monforte is now one of the leaders of the continuing resistance of the people, Galicha added..
He said FMC-CGA is expected to get about 30,000 grams of gold every day, which could be converted into P1 billion cash; but under the mining laws the company shall enjoy six years' income tax holiday..
Fr. Leo Casas of the Diocesan Social Action Center, vice chairman of the Regional Development Council in Bicol, promised to bring the issues and concerns of the aggrieved farmers and fisherfolk and the local government of Aroroy due to unpaid 2 percent excise tax worth P97 million..
To date there are some 50 armed men belonging to Alpha Company 22nd CAFGU Battalion who are roaming the mining site..
At least three boats of the Army's 9th Infantry Battalion are anchored at the municipality's shores and most of its men are conducting checkpoints and searches, Galicha said..
The mining firm has countered the people's protests by declaring a five-day work holiday at the site and gave banquet, free bingo socials and all sorts of sports to deodorize the protesters legitimate demands, the CBCP said. - Source: GMANews.TV