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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