STA. CRUZ, Zambales—Joining the world in observing Human Rights Day, about 500 displaced mine workers belonging to Coalition of Mine Workers, Families and Communities and supporters gathered in front of Sta. Cruz town to air their sentiments on Thursday.
They called the attention of Sta. Cruz municipal officials and other agencies of the government like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to ensure to protect the rights of everyone.
The coalition said they made the call amidst fear that the baseless allegations of some anti-mining groups would affect the impartiality of concerned government offices to the detriment of their own rights.
“We just want to be sure that the government will protect our right, if members of the anti-mining group have right, so us also who are legitimate residents of Sta. Cruz, we have right for livelihood and whatever benefits we can get from the industry,” the coalition said.
“We hope that it would be based on scientific study the decisions of the concerned government agencies in dealing with the mining issues,” the coalition added.
The mine workers are also calling to lift the suspension of the operation of two mining companies Eramen Minerals Inc. and LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc. in Sta. Cruz.
The DENR Mine and Geosciences Bureau already lifted the suspension of Benguet Nickel Mines Inc. and Zambales Diversifies Metal Corp.
CMWFC is composed of mine workers in Sta. Cruz and nearby towns and their families adhering to responsible mining.