October 21, 2024 – Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, Philippines
A resolution calling for an investigation into alleged land grabbing by PhilSAGA Mining Corp. on the ancestral lands of the Manobo tribe in Agusan del Sur is set to be filed by House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Partylist Representative Erwin T. Tulfo on Monday. The resolution seeks a joint inquiry by the House Committees on Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples and the Committee on Natural Resources. This move aims to strengthen the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 (Republic Act 8371) and the Philippine Mining Act (Republic Act 7942).
The investigation was prompted by complaints from members of the Rodrigo family, Manobo Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who claim that PhilSAGA Mining Corp. has taken over their ancestral lands in Consuelo and San Andres, both located in Bunawan. The complainants, Mary Jane Rodrigo-Hallasgo and Amatorio Rodrigo, say the company deprived them of their land and denied them compensation.
In a statement, Rep. Tulfo emphasized the importance of protecting IP rights, stating, “We cannot allow the rights of our IP brothers and sisters to be violated, especially when they are often left unheard in their struggle against large corporations.”
The inquiry aims to scrutinize the current mining practices, land acquisition processes, and compliance with existing IP laws, including the consultation and consent required from the affected communities. The resolution stresses that while the Philippine government recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples to their ancestral domains, vulnerable IP communities continue to face exploitation, often lacking access to legal and financial resources.
PhilSAGA Mining Operations and Controversy
PhilSAGA Mining Corp., a major player in the mining industry, operates gold mines in the region of Agusan del Sur. The company has been involved in the extraction of mineral resources in areas where Indigenous Peoples reside. In recent years, mining operations across the country have faced increasing scrutiny due to environmental damage and their impact on local communities, particularly Indigenous groups.
While mining companies are required to follow strict regulations, including securing Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from IP communities, there have been reports of companies bypassing these protocols. If proven, this could signal a breach of both the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act and the Philippine Mining Act, which mandates equitable sharing of benefits, including royalties, for the affected communities.
Impact on Indigenous Communities
For the Manobo tribe in Bunawan, their land is not only a source of livelihood but also deeply tied to their culture and identity. Indigenous Peoples often rely on subsistence farming, hunting, and fishing within their ancestral lands. Displacement by mining activities threatens not only their physical well-being but also their cultural heritage.
The case of the Rodrigo family is one of many where IPs are forced to confront powerful mining interests. This has sparked a broader discussion on how laws intended to protect these communities are enforced. The investigation will also examine whether the benefits of mining are equitably shared with local communities or if they are disproportionately shouldering the negative consequences.
Moving Forward
If the resolution passes, the joint committees will conduct hearings to gather testimonies from the affected parties, including the Rodrigo family, PhilSAGA representatives, and government agencies. The investigation could lead to amendments to existing legislation, tightening the safeguards around IP land rights and ensuring stricter adherence to mining regulations.
Rep. Tulfo, who has been vocal about protecting marginalized groups, hopes the inquiry will lead to stronger laws that ensure justice for IPs. “We need to ensure that the laws protecting the rights of our Indigenous Peoples are not only written but fully enforced. Our IPs deserve nothing less than full protection of their land, culture, and dignity,” he added.
This investigation represents a critical juncture in balancing development, corporate interests, and Indigenous rights, shedding light on the ongoing struggle for IPs to reclaim their ancestral lands and preserve their way of life amid expanding mining operations.
