Mining firm rapped for rape of DavOr forests

Environmental rights network PANALIPDAN Davao Oriental Chapter demanded that commercial logging in Davao Oriental be permanently stopped and that PhilYoubang Mining Corporation, a Chineese Mining Firm, be penalized for its brazen logging operations in Brgy Macambol in Mati.
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In a fact finding mission in Sitio Sopsopon, Brgy Macambol in Mati town last June 9, PANALIPDAN – DavOr found out that Philippine Youbang Mining Corp. which has a mining permit to mine 1,000 has in Mati has also been doing extensive logging operations in the area.

Sr. Stella Matutina, osb, spokesperson of Panalipdan Davao Oriental said, “Philyoubang’s logging operations are destructive to the environment. Mostly, they cut Magkuno or iron wood, Banile and other premium species like Tangile. They cut century-old wood and completely uproot the whole tree including the stumps. From what was seen in their logdeck, more than 1000 cubic meters already have been cut and harvested by this company.”

The fact finding mission team also observed that Philyoubang’s operations has damaged second growth trees and other species in Sitio Sopsopon, Brgy Macambol which is located between two protected areas — Pujada Bay Protected Seascape and Mt. Hamiguitan Range, a government – declared “wildlife sanctuary” based on Republic Act No. 9303 or the Mt. Hamiguitan Range and Wildlife Sanctuary Act.

PANALIPDAN hence fears that Philyoubangs logging and consequently, mining operations will cause severe damage to these sanctuaries and their resident species.

For instance, Mt. Hamiguitan hosts around four hundred (400) hectares of “pygmy forests”, exotic plants and wild animals. Rattan, timber and non-timber products which are the sources of community livelihood is also abundant here.

Philyoubang claims to hold a Private Land Timber Permit which was awarded to it by the Regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). However, PANALIPDAN SMR insists that this permit should never have been given at all due to the critical location of Brgy Macambol.

Francis Morales of PANALIPDAN Southern Mindanao also lashed at the DENR for allowing and giving the company ‘s permit to mine the area.

“Along with the permit to mine the area, mining companies are also given timber rights. Its part of the whole destructive cycle of large scale mining. They have to shave off the mountains to be mined so this doubles their earnings,” said Morales.