Surge of Resistance: Coal Resistance March in Mindanao

Sweet Sweat! Sounds alike words to describe the feelings of the more than 150 permanent walkers and thousands more walkers along the way who joined municipality to municipality from Lala, Lanao del Norte to Iligan City.

The 5-day 92KM Coal Resistance Walk aimed to mobilize movements and organizations to support the resistance; engage local government units to pass resolutions and or ordinances supporting the campaign; and to show to the world that there are resistance against the destructive coal projects.

Inspired by the experiences of the communities affected by the projects in (300MW CFPP) Pulot, Ozamis City; (540MW CFPP) Libertad, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte; and (20MW CFPP) Kiwalan, Iligan City marchers took the long road.

Climate Walkers were received by social and faith-based organizations along the road with thumbs up, support streamers, food and refreshments, cheers, waving flags and others have joined the walk to a certain stop.

The walk also has stops at night in Kolambugan, Maigo, Kauswagan and Iligan.

Some municipal executives and legislators received the marchers and at the Provincial Capitol in Tubod, it has been known that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan have passed a resolution to cancel GNPower’s ECC.
Solidarity performances by cultural groups and performers add more power to the marchers and the overwhelming support from the communities along the way.

The walk also received insults and oppositions specially those who are trapped with their support to local politicians. Masked men introduced themselves as government intelligence agents also tried to harass the marchers but the other way around happened.

The walk was participated by activists from Lanao del Norte, Iligan City, Misamis Occidental, Ozamis City, Caraga Region, Maguindanao province, Cotabato City, Lanao del Sur and joined by an international student from Brazil.

Now, the Resistance is surging and organizations who received and joined the walkers committed to go on with the battle opposing the coal projects in the region.

It was noticeable that more than 80% of the marchers were women and not less than 70% were young people. Indeed, there is a hope in this struggle – from the peasantry, urban and rural poor, fisher folks, development works, faith-based organizations, disaster survivors, Bangsamoro, Indigenous People.
“We will never be tired of defending our communities and our environment,” Aya said, one of the marchers.

To walk through from Lanao del Norte to Iligan City, the Coal Resistance March (Lala to Iligan City) is the second time since 1985 – the People’s Exodus (Kapatagan to Iligan City) against the Martial Rule (dictatorship time). – LMK-Ranao. 27 July 2015

photos: from Coal Resistance Movement FB Page

PNoy Failed! ADVANCE the FIGHT for HUMANITY and ECOLOGY! - LMK

July 27, 2015

As we continue fighting for a sustainable, healthy and balanced ecosystem, activists in Iligan City staged a protest action on July 27 in time of President Aquino III's 6th and last State of the Nation Address as continuation of the recently concluded 92KM Coal Resistance March.

Together, the Coal Resistance Movement and Liga ng Makabagong Kabataan declared that:

   - The PNoy administration failed to substantially involve the grass-roots communities of the Indigenous Peoples, Bangsamoro and Majority Filipino nationality in the peace building process in Mindanao;

   - The PNoy administration failed to alleviate the situation of the majority population despite the poured resources in the Conditional Cash Transfer program;

    -  The PNoy administration failed to protect and promote ecological balance and provide a safe and healthy ecosystem to its people. Instead the government promotes destructive and extractive industries like mining, coal projects, land conversions and others;

   -  PNoy’s administration failed the workers assaulted by contractualization and informalization. Further, it has never been serious in implementing the labor standards protecting the workers and migrant workers;

   -  PNoy administration abandoned the peasantry and agricultural sector. It failed to strictly implement the agrarian reform program;

    -   The economy under PNoy favored the richest of the country making their profits surge leaving the majority population from the margin;

    -  The government made the disaster survivors beggars of their rights;

    - 'Tuwid na Daan' failed to abolish corruption. Instead, it made PNoy and its allies immune from suits even DAP and PDAF were declared Unconstitutional by the Supreme Court;

    - The Young People were left out of the priority programs of the government. Instead, they were treated as commodities ready for sale thru its vocational programs and migration policies;

    - It failed to give justice to the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre, Journalist Killings, Human Rights Violation victims, Victims of the Mamasapano incident, and others.

In summary, the PNoy government has been speedily offered Philippine patrimony and sovereignty to foreign powers and corporate interests – (Visiting Forces Agreement to Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, Public-Private Partnership).

We demand:

     - The passage of the Green Bills (legislative) measures to promote, protect and preserve the environment and the peoples;

     - To finally JUNK Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and review and strengthen the Renewable Energy Act;

       - Cancel all permits and operations of gold and coal projects in the Philippines;

      - Strengthen the Local and Community-based economies;

     -  Abolish and Stop Contractualization of Labor;

      -  Jail all of those involve in PDAF and DAP scandals;

      - Prioritize Social Services than Militarist programs;

      -  Scrap Philippine Mining Act of the Philippines;

      -  Indigenous Peoples Rights Act in the Bangsamoro;

      - End Impunity and Jail those responsible for Human Rights violations and killings.

     - Pass the Freedom of Information Bill;   
     - Speed up the Land Distribution for the Landless peasantry

To the Peoples in the Philippines, advance the fight for the environment and humanity!

Reference Person:

Nino Omelio

Liga ng Makabagong Kabataan/09487889700/lmkabataan@yahoo.com

92-KILOMETER COAL RESISTANCE MARCH DECLARATION

"We, the 92-KM Coal Resistance Marchers representing 38 local and national organizations working in various sectors and communities from Misamis Occidental-Ozamis City, Lanao del Norte, Iligan City, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Cotabato City and Caraga Region declare:

The Island of Mindanao, according to Mindanao Power Monitoring Council, generates more than enough electricity needed by the consumers, thus additional coal-fired power plants in Iligan City, Ozamis City and Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte are not necessary. Mindanao is home to Agus-Pulanggi Hydro Power Complexes which have a combined generating capacity of more than 900 MW;

The series of blackouts in the island is an orchestrated move to facilitate the interest of the investors who want to profit in power generation and distribution tapping coal as the main energy resource;

In Mindanao, eleven coal plants are expected to break ground within five years from now until 2020. This will dwarf the renewable energy share in the power mix, thus, undermining the current community and private sector efforts to veer away from fossil fuel dependence. The Philippines has more than 200,000 MW of untapped renewable energy potential;

The operation of coal plants will pollute Iligan and Panguil Bays given the inherent presence of toxic elements in coal. This will displace significant numbers of fisherfolk whose livelihood largely depend on fishing;

The host communities and those communities within the overlapping 35 to 50-kilometer radius according to the air dispersal modeling of the coal power plants will also suffer the adverse effects of air pollution;

The lack of social acceptability defines the process by which coal plants are introduced into host communities. Our national experience would show the absence of informed consent and participation of these communities in the construction of coal projects yet they suffer the worst effects of coal plant operations;

Far from involving communities, leaders are being harassed or intimidated into submission as in the case of Libertad Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte where community leaders have been dealt with threat, slapped with suits, and displaced without proper compensation and relocation;

Since the industrial period, the world has seen the historical rise of carbon dioxide emission and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which are responsible for heating the earth and altering the natural climate pattern favorable for the survival of all species on earth. This has spawned slow onset impacts as well as cataclysmic typhoons and cyclones;

Recently, Mindanao has become one of the most affected areas of typhoons and other natural calamities that displaced millions of peoples, destroyed countless lives and  properties;

The establishment of more coal-fired power plants in Mindanao and throughout the country will not only increase the emission of carbon dioxide in the global scale but will also heighten the vulnerability of its communities in the face of climate change. To date there are 17 existing coal plants and 29 more loom over the horizon with the Government’s continued reliance on coal;

We are alarmed by the danger this coal industry has caused and will cause on humanity and the survival of the only planet we live in: Earth;

We join and support the call for a coal-free Philippines. We join and support the call for renewable energy as an alternative to fossil fuel burning."

NO TO COAL PLANTS!

YES TO RENEWABLE ENERGY!

Iligan City, Lanao del Norte

25 July 2015

Coal Resistance Movement (CoRe)

Kilusang Maralita sa Kanayunan (Lanao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Cotabato ug Maguindanao Clusters)

Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ)

Demokratikong Kilusang magbubukid ng Pilipinas- Lanao- Lala, LDN

Freedom from Debt Coalition- Western Mindanao

Mindanao Peoples’ Peace Movement – Lanao- Iligan-Misamis Oriental and Occidental Cluster

Lanao Fisheries Advocacy Network – Lanao

Gitib, Inc. – Ozamis City

Lapayan Power Movement Organization- Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte

Our Rivers, Our Life PhDilippines (OROL PH)

Liga ng Makabagong Kabataan -Iligan, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur

Youth for Climate Justice – Misamis Occidental

Nagkahiusang Mag-Uumang Organiko- Agusan del Sur

Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Kolambugan- Kolambugan, LDN

Nagkahiusang Mangingisda sa Caromatan- SND, Lanao del Norte

Teduray-Lambangian Youth and Student Association – Maguindanao

PiekSalabukan Mieggulipit nga’K Subanen Gatawg Ginsalugan (PIEMSUGG) – Misamis Occidental

BANWA TINABURAN – Mis. Occ.

Tri-People Organization against Disaster- Cotabato City

Mindanao Tri-People Women Forum- Cotabato City

Power Alternative Agenda in Mindanao (PALAG Mindanao)

Sanlakas- Mis Occ.

Muntay Active Youth Leaders Association- Kolambugan, LDN

MasterPeace - Agusan del Sur

Filipino Katoliko Youth Association- Sibagat, Agusan del Sur

Alyansa ng Kabataang Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan (AKMK)

Ranao Women and Children Resource Center – Iligan City

Lanao Aquatic Marine and Fisheries Center for Community Development – LDN

Ranao Disasters Response and Rehabilitation Assistance Center- Iligan

Youth Organization of Christian an Muslim – Maigo, LDN

Liangan West Farmers Association- Maigo, LDN

Titunod Farmers and Tillers Association – Kolambugan, LDN

Kaagapay OFW Resource and Service Center – Cotabato

Tri-People Youth for Change- Cotabato

Bantay Dagat Organization- Kolambugan, LDN

Sumpay-Mindanao, Inc.- Iligan

Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uumang Muslim ug Kristiyano- SND, LN

Mindanao Tri-People Youth Center- Iligan

Bukluran ng mga Kababaihan sa Kapatagan- Kapatagan, LDN

Contact Persons:

Remo Fenis
CoRe Movement
09202716138
resistcoal@gmail.com

Lourdes Anabieza
PMCJ - Western Mindanao
fdcwestminda@yahoo.com

CoRe, PMCJ: ‘The Climate Walk is just the beginning’

CoRe, PMCJ: ‘The Climate Walk is just the beginning’

ILIGAN CITY - Graced by different local and national media outlets, the Coal Resistance Movement together with the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice formally ended the 92-kilometer climate walk through a Press Conference held on July 25 at Iligan city.

With representatives coming from different participating organizations composing the Coal Resistance Movement and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice-Western Mindanao, each spoke in front of the media to express their vehement opposition against the surge of coal projects throughout the country especially in Mindanao.

“Not all legal is moral”, says Atty. Jennifer Ramos, counsel representative of Ozamiz-based NGO Gitib, as she questions the moral implications of the approval of coal-fired power plants by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

No PH Law that prohibits coal plants

The Environmental Management Bureau Region 10, national authority responsible for pollution prevention and control, and environmental impact assessment, already stressed during a previous interview that there is no law in the Philippines that prohibits coal-powered projects.

“As long as the investors meet the standards and requirements then I have no reason to deny their application”, says Region X EMB Director Sabdullah Abubacar 

Director Abubacar is also the chairman of the Multipartite Monitoring Team (MMT) of the 540 MW coal plant in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte owned by Ayala-affiliated GNPower Ltd. Corporation that oversees the compliance and the conditions set by the Environmental Compliance Certificate.

Series of Campaigns

“The climate walk is just the beginning of a series of massive campaigns that the Coal Resistance Movement and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice will put up to show the growing consciousness of people in terms of climate issues”, says CoRe Movement representative Mark Mandar.

During the press conference, the ‘1-Million Signature Campaign’ was also launched headed by Atty. Aaron Pedrosa of the Energy Group of PMCJ-Western Mindanao.

Last ‘whistle stop’

Last July 24, the 300 climate walkers, armed only with banners and facemasks that says 'Coal Kills', dramatized their opposition of coal-fired power plants in front of the French-owned LaFarge Cement where another 20 MW coal-fired power project will be built by the same company.

The protest in Kiwalan marked the end of the 92-kilometer climate walk and coal resistance march which lasted seven (7) days starting in Lala, Lanao del Norte on July 19.

Prior to the LaFarge protest the walkers also staged their opposition at the Iligan City Hall on the same day where members of the city executive and legislative received the demand letters of the walkers containing their vehement opposition against the proliferation of coal-fired power plants throughout the country especially in Northern Mindanao.

Currently, Northern Mindanao has three coal plants underway: the 300 MW coal plant in Ozamiz city by Ozamiz Power Generation Incorporated; the 20 MW coal plant in Kiwalan, Iligan city by LaFarge Cement and; the 540 MW coal plant in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, the biggest in Mindanao set to be fully operational by 2017.

Climate Walkers to GNPower: 'Get out from our land!'

KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte—“GNPower, get out from our land!”

These were some of the words echoed by some 200 climate walkers as they took their demands in front of the Ayala-affiliated GNPower where the 540 MW coal-fired power plant is currently being constructed in a 100-hectare land on July 23.

“Our rights were devalued”, said Moning, in her 30s, one of the hundreds of displaced locals of barangay Libertad due to the construction of the coal plant between two barangays teeming with marine life protected-sanctuaries. She added, “They [LGU] forced us to be relocated even when we do not want to”.

In the first quarter of the year, more than 300 households suffered displacement because of the construction of the coal plant set to be fully operational by 2017.

A few months ago, the affected residents of Kauswagan allegedly received threats, harassments and false promises from their mayor and from GNPower staff. They already took their demands to the provincial government but the promises of help from the officials remained afloat.

“If we can’t rely on the government [to give action on the on-going struggle], the people will speak up, demonstrating the resistance to what destroy the people and the environment,” said Remo Fenis, CoRe Movement head secretariat.

A day before the GNPower demonstration, the climate walkers also rallied to the municipal hall but was met by some ill-mannered officials.

The 7-day 92-kilometer climate walk and coal resistance march started on July 19 in Lala, Lanao del Norte and will end on July 25 in Iligan city.

The environmental advocates come from Lanao del Norte, Ozamiz City, Iligan city, Cotabato, Maguindanao and Caraga Region to participate in the march.

The walk is spearheaded by the Coal Resistance Movement with partner organizations including the Philippine Movement for Climate Justiuce – Western Mindanao.

To the mockers, 'Thank you'

The climate walkers do not march for the sole purpose of changing the minds of the people in authority in the coal issue; WE march to also let the people know that THERE IS A PROBLEM IN COAL [PLANTS]

During the first four days of the walk we have been met with massive support by the communities complete with smiles, waves, food, water, cheers, and flaglets. we want to extend our heartfelt THANK YOU! to those who showed their support on the streets. It renewed the strength on our tired feet and aching limbs.

For those who mocked our efforts and tried to pick a fight in the most ungainly manner, we also want to say 'thank you'.

To the mockers, thank you for responding. I am sorry to tell you that it was still our gain. Why? Because at least we know that you have received the message and we made you think. on how you would respond to that later is entirely up to you. Good luck.

To the people who tried to pick a fight, well, you know what you did smile emoticon thank you for making it fun and showing us that YOU DO NOT EVEN HAVE A VALID ARGUMENT TO COUNTER US. Newsflash. Calling the other group crazy in lieu of an actual response is not a valid rebuttal.

Tomorrow is another quest against coal fired power plants and WE WILL CONTINUE WALKING! see you.

-Seian
 CoRe Movement