MASBATE CITY--Despite lavish comfort for the position given by the mining company as chaplain, Fr. Edgar Monforte has resigned and joined the protesting community against Filminera Mining Corporation-Central Gold Asia Ltd. (FMC-CGA) in Aroroy, Masbate.
This came amidst protests and mass rallies that started last March 14, 2009 and enjoined by the Church, non-government organizations, farmers, fisher folk and concerned inhabitants that the mining operations of the Australian- Canadian firm is expected to bring chaos and destructions more than economic benefits to their town.
Alyansa Tigil Mina’s (ATM) Rodne R. Galicha said Fr. Monforte who receives a monthly honorarium and resides in a luxurious rectory courtesy of FMC-CGA, has 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 everyday which could be converted into P1 billion cash; but under the mining laws the company shall enjoy 6 years of income tax holiday.
Fr. Leo Casas of the Diocesan Social Action Center who is also the vice-chair of the Regional Development Council in Bikol has called attention to the unpaid two per cent excise tax worth P97 million.
To date there are about 50 armed men belonging to Alpha Company 22nd CAFGU Battalion who are roaming around the mining site, while three boats of the 9th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army are anchored at the municipality’s shores with most of its men conducting check points 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. (Elmer James Bandol)