http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=44668

LEGAZPI CITY - While most of the prelates, clergies and civic organizations in Bicol are strongly opposed to the 30-day test run of the Rapu-Rapu mining operation of Lafayette Philippines, Inc., Bishop Jesus Varela, bishop emeritus of Sorsogon, said the new Filipino management must be given a chance to conduct responsible mining.

Varela, who served as prelate in Sorsogon for 18 years, visited the mining site in Rapu-Rapu on Saturday to check if the risks of mining on the island town could be avoided and substantially mitigated.

He said test-run is critical for three reasons: to demonstrate if the company has complied with all conditions for responsible mining; to show the objections of the anti-mining groups to the continued mining are valid and to determine if the government is capable of strictly enforcing compliance with all relevant laws.

Last Tuesday the CBCP-Bicol chapter, including clergies, nuns, seminarians, students and civic organizations across the region staged the “Black Tuesday” protest against the 30-day test run.
The second biggest protest against Rapu-Rapu mining was led by Bishop Lucilo Quiambao of the Diocese of Legazpi and by the founder of the Society of the Most Holy Trinity community, led by American priest, Fr. James Planagan.

The Catholic leaders mobilized Catholic schools in Bicol to join the protest at Peñaranda Park in Albay.

Quiambao read the pastoral letter of the Diocese of Legazpi expressing opposition for the resumption of Lafayette mining in Rapu-Rapu because it would cause environmental destruction.

The prelate asked President Arroyo and Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes to revoke the environmental compliance certificates for serious violations of the law.

Bishop Varela said the church is not against mining itself but supports responsible mining.

He explained that the final decision on the fate of the company will be made by the DENR as the legally mandated agency of the government, based on facts and scientific data that are obtained through a transparent, closely monitored and credible process.
Rhaydz B. Barcia