AN ENVIRONMENTAL advocacy group has warned against the effects of “speculation and baseless claims” during times of tragedy like the recent landslide in a Davao de Oro town, and has asked stakeholders to rely only on facts and verified information in order to foster
accountability.
“Failure to be anchored on facts creates a disruptive misinformed chain, hindering effective response efforts and necessary support and assistance, particularly during socio-economic and environmental challenges,” said Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST) secretary-general, Felix Vitangcol.
Last Feb. 6, a massive landslide occurred in Barangay Masara in Maco, Davao de Oro after days of incessant rain brought by the northeast monsoon and a trough of low pressure area. Thus far, 71 people have been confirmed dead, while 47 are still missing in the landslide..
“When stakeholders rely on factual information rather than unfounded assumptions or personal biases, they contribute to building trust and credibility within the community,” Vitangcol said.
He pointed out that the resource and extractive industries have been on the receiving end of unwarranted criticisms that are “often based on ideological agenda rather than scientific evidence.”
“Such misrepresentation impedes necessary interventions and hampers effective resource allocation on the ground,” he said. “Rather than focusing on addressing critical issues such as the welfare of those directly affected, some exploited the situation to vilify the mining industry,” he added.
PBEST performed a multi-source fact check in order to “set the records straight” about the tragedy.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has not found Apex Mining, the company operating in the area, liable for the disaster.
The landslide was caused by natural factors, specifically continuous heavy rains over two weeks, and not directly by mining activities, PBEST said in a statement.
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga-Yulo said different factors could have caused the landslide, against claims of irresponsible mining practices or the negligence of large-scale mining companies.
Further, there were no mining activities in the area even as it was within the company’s tenement. “The residential area is apparently considered a danger zone,” Vitangcol said.
Vitangcol quoted the DENR as saying that people resided in the hazard-prone area – the very site of the landslide – because that was where their livelihood opportunities lay.
PBEST also found that even before the incident, Apex Mining had been collaborating with local authorities and emergency response agencies including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (MDRRMO) of the municipality of Maco, and the Bureau of Fire
Protection.
Apex had also activated its Incident Command System (ICS), a comprehensive incident management framework, to mitigate any potential problems. This highlights the importance of addressing environmental
risks and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
Apex Mining has been at the forefront of efforts to assist the local government in the aftermath of the disaster, from establishing a helpline to assist residents looking for their missing kin, conducting relief operations, helping survivors deal with psycho-social trauma and providing counselling, and even submitting aerial video footage of
the landslide area for monitoring and evaluation purposes, the statement read.
It has also been coordinating support from other players in the mining industry, in the form of donations and deployment of response teams and ground penetrating radar, it added.
“Mining projects’ sustainability and impact on the environment are indeed a concern that we should not undermine,” Vitangcol said
“The Philippine mining industry is committed to perform way beyond standard compliance to internationally accepted practices. It is important to recognize that mining operations, when conducted responsibly, are not inherently destructive to the environment.
Adherence to stringent environmental standards and sustainable practices minimizes their ecological footprint, thereby mitigating potential environmental impact,” he stressed.
According to Vitangcol, stakeholders should base their assessment and responses on accurate, evidence-based information to ensure accountability and facilitate effective support and assistance efforts.
“Moreover, PBEST emphasizes the need for stringent enforcement of rules and regulations by LGUs to ensure the safety and well-being of their constituents,”.
“Community members need to stay informed about potential risks,” he said..