PALASANG Statement on Davao de Oro mining village (Masara) landslide

  

READ: PALASANG Statement on Davao de Oro mining village (Masara) landslide

Panaghiusa sa Katawhan alang sa Pagpahiuli sa Lasang (PALASANG) extends its sympathies to the affected people (residents and workers of Apex mining)!of the February 6 evening landslides in Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro particularly the families of those who were killed and up to this date missing.

As of February 11, 2024 the Provincial government of Davao de Oro posted that the death toll rose to 54 and 34 injured. Though the figure remains to be validated further there are 64 individuals that are still missing.

It is worrisome too as news reports last February 11, 2024 said that since 2008 Zone 1, Masara has been identified as a critical area and no-build zone by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XI because each assessments made by the agency showed active soil movement in the place and identified it as critical covering the whole of Brgy Masara. And the findings from DENR were only released last month MGB Region XI said.

The tragic incident was evident enough of the dangers brought upon by mining and the degradation or destruction of our forests and the whole environment especially during floods and heavy rains.

PALASANG in its process of foundation since the year of 2023 and even prior to the formal processes understood the interconnection of mining and the climate crisis. Extractive projects do not only destroys the physical infrastructures and environment and kill people but contribute substantially to the intensification of climate crisis and our only way out is to restore our relationship to nature and collectively in all possible means in all levels save the planet (localize food production, Sustainable, Ecological and Empowering Development, policy reforms, ridges to reefs protection campaign, community organizing, renewable energy transition, etc)

We believe that the government will be serious, comprehensive and sincere to undertake measures to prevent similar disasters while responding to the needs of the families and the whole community affected by the landslide.

We also believe that, we, the people have to do more efforts, reflect on our faiths and our moral duty as stewards of creation and massively response to the call of the time - climate emergency.

As we observe and celebrate St Valentine's day and the season of love, let us go beyond interpersonal love relationships. Let us show our love and compassion to our planet, the earth, the creation as we are stewards and children of God.

We are convinced that development must not destroy.

PALASANG
February 12, 2024
Sibagat, Agusan del Sur

Photo edited from Wander Rider

#palasang #balikgubat #lasangislife #sustainabledevelopment #sustainablefuture

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=776929147799986&set=a.460158722810365

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