Miguel "Myke" Magalang and his work "Col. Maximo Abad: Exultations and Twinges in his Life Stories"

 

The province of Marinduque commemorates the 120th Anniversary of the Battle of Pulang Lupa on September 13 in Torrijos, Marinduque. 

The late historian and environmental champion, Miguel 'Myke" Magalang employed patience and hard work to gather information from primary and secondary sources and other significant government documents in the writing of his work, COL. MAXIMO ABAD, EXULTATIONS AND TWINGES IN HIS LIFE STORIES

MAGALANG'S INTRODUCTION:

The eminence and prominence that Col. Maximo Abad played in the war for independence by the people of Marinduque during the Filipino-Spanish War and the Filipino-American War, and his post-war achievements, feats and exploits that significantly changed the course of history and story of this Island Province. Eli Obligacion in his blog endeavoured in “Tracing the Footsteps of Col. Maximo Abad” (Obligacion: 2009) where he mentioned that:  

“Lt. Col. Maximo Abad is probably one of the most elusive among the Filipino soldiers who fought during the Philippine-American War, the hero who led the Marinduque revolutionary forces and defeated the Americans in the “Battle of Pulang Lupa”. During the last four decades after the first commemoration in Marinduque of this, now annually-celebrated event, facts about Abad have remained equally elusive.  

“So little is known about him – the Maximo Abad who tenaciously adhered to the cause of Marinduque’s defense and Philippine Independence.”

As student of history, the author was challenged to also add up to the needed information on Maximo Abad and to fill in the gaps, little by little, on his life story. With the initial information gathered by Obligacion, patience and hard work were employed to look for and gather important information from primary sources of local history and other significant government documents, secondary sources and other references in order to validate the information in his initial research. 

This paper is a work in progress for the last few years. References were compiled since the year 1998 (Philippine Independence Centennial) to give light to the various periods in the life stories of Col. Maximo Abad and other events in the island of Marinduque and the Pueblo of Boac. This aims to provide references to students and teachers of local history so that the future generations will have a fair and better understanding of the lives and contributions of our local heroes, and the events that shaped the historical and cultural development of this Island.

INITIAL YEARS OF MAESTRO ABAD IN MARINDUQUE: THE SPANISH ERA

The author has found a short biography of Maximo Abad in the “Galeria de Filipino Ilustres” (Artigas y Cuerva: 1917) which is available in the University of Michigan Digital Collection. Pages 18 and 19 of the “Galeria” are provided below for reference purposes.

This is a valuable find which gives enough information on Maximo and validates some events in the life of Maximo posited by Obligacion.

Magalang's work can be accessed in CURTIS SHEPARD'S website in this link 

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6702

AN ACT DECLARING SEPTEMBER THIRTEEN AS BATTLE OF PULANG LUPA DAY AND A SPECIAL NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE

Section 1. Every September thirty is hereby declared as Battle of Pulang Lupa Day and a special non-working holiday in the Province of Marinduque to commemorate the battle of Pulang Lupa. Sec. 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. Enacted without executive approval, February 10, 1989.

PGen Camilo Pancratius P Cascolan is guest of honor 

and speaker in this year's anniversary celebration

Message from Canada on the passing of Councilor Myke Magalang

Shown in  photo: Vice-Mayor Dante Marquez, Dr. Catherine Coumans and Councilor Miguel "Myke" Magalang. In pursuit of the Marinduque environmental case in Canada

Dr. Coumans Sends Condolences to the Magalang's Family

Posted by Romeo Mataac, Jr., Marinduque News Online:

Catherine Coumans of MiningWatch Canada sent her condolences to the bereaved family of the late Councilor Miguel “Myke” R. Magalang.

Dear All,

My heart is incredibly heavy at this news of our untimely loss of Myke. I met Myke in 1988, when I first arrived in Marinduque with my husband. Over the course of more than a year on the island, and in the many years to follow, he became a dear friend, as well as a trusted and much appreciated source of wise counsel. Myke was one of the most intelligent and passionate people I knew. His research skills and ability to martial facts into persuasive texts for action were rare gifts, as was his ability to see the bigger picture and look far down the road, while remaining strategic in the day to day and ongoing struggle for justice in Marinduque. It breaks my heart that he will not be with us here, when we finally reach that goal. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, who he loved so deeply, and to his daughter who meant the world to him.

In gratitude for his friendship and deep sadness at his loss,

Catherine

(Research Coordinator Catherine Coumans works with MiningWatch Canada's expert advisors, staff, and Directors to ensure the accuracy, focus and timeliness of their information resources and research efforts. Tasks include monitoring government and industry initiatives affecting MiningWatch interests, supporting participation of MiningWatch members and associates in consultations and negotiations, representing MiningWatch perspectives in meetings, presentations and negotiations as required, and preparing and/or co-ordinating written briefs and submissions as required. Her focus area is the Asia-Pacific region.)

Recalling the speech of Councilor Magalang: Quo Vadis, Elusive Justice?

A Colloquium for local government functionaries on the alternative venues for the Marinduque Case versus Placer Dome Inc. and Barrick Gold Corporation sponsored by the Municipal Government of Boac. Legislative Session Hall, 2F New Municipal Government Building, Boac, Marinduque, August 13, 2014 (8:00am-01:00pm).

In our search for environmental justice and fair compensation for all the damages wrought by the irresponsible mining operations to the people and environment of this Island which culminated in the March 23, 1996 Boac River Mining Disaster, there is a need for competent legal representation of the municipality of Boac and the people of Marinduque in general as the civil case against Placer Dome Inc. and Barrick Gold Corporation is pursued in other forum or venue – either the Philippines or Canada. 

In the midst of uncertainties and unpredictable direction the Nevada Case is proceeding, there is a need to fill in the gap for expert information if only to ensure that the people of Boac and Marinduque are not deprived of their right to access to information, participation, and justice. The colloquium, therefore, aims to provide venue for intelligent discussions towards collective action and commitments through the appreciation of: (a) the advantages or disadvantages of pursuing the case in Canada; (b) exploring the possibility of engaging pro bono lawyers from Canada; (c) analyzing the corporate social responsibilities of Canadian mining companies throughout the world; (d) strengthening local government functionaries’ roles on governance of the extractive industry; and, (e) deepening the collective commitment of local government officials to pursue justice for the victims of mining in the province.

Salamat po sa lahat ng mga Punong Barangay na dumalo gayundin sa lahat ng kinatawan ng mga Pamahalaang Bayan ng Mogpog, Gasan at Buenavista.

Magalang passed away on May 22, 2016 after spending a day in comatose. His remains lie in state in Boac, Marinduque.

Konsehal Myke Magalang of Boac has died

Malaking kawalan sa Bayan. Konsehal Myke R. Magalang
Tagapagtaguyod ng Sining, Kultura at Lokal na Kasaysayan; pakikipaglaban sa mga usaping Pangkalikasan at Pangkomunidad; Mabuting Pamamamahala at pagsugpo sa Kahirapan

Konsehal Myke Magalang ng Boac, Pumanaw na

ni Romeo Mataac, Jr., Marinduque News Online 

Pumanaw ngayong araw, Mayo 22, 2016 ang isa sa masigasig at kasalukuyang konsehal ng bayan ng Boac na si Miguel "Myke" R. Magalang.

Si Magalang ay tumakbo bilang Sangguniang Pambayan Member noong nakalipas na Mayo 9, 2016 National and Local Elections sa ilalim ng Partido Liberal subalit hindi pinalad na manalo.

Bago ang kanyang pagpasok sa pulitika, si Konsehal Magalang ay aktibong nagsulong at kumatawan sa Marinduque sa laban nito sa Marcopper Mining Corporation. Siya ay nagsilbing Executive Secretary ng Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns (MACEC).

Narito ang mga isinulong na ordinansa at adbokasiya ni Magalang bilang isang responsableng opisyal ng Bayan ng Boac at respetadong mamayan ng Marinduque.

Ilang ordinansa na inakda at isinulong ni Kon. Magalang noong 2001-2004

068 s. 2001: Municipal Scholarship Ordinance
070 s. 2002: People’s Participation & Empowerment Ordinance
072 s. 2002: Business License Plates Ordinance
073 s. 2002: Health and Diagnostic Ordinance
074 s. 2002: Provident Fund Ordinance
076 s. 2002: CARE for Indigents Ordinance
077 s. 2002: Heraldic, Local History, Culture & the Arts Ordinance
079 s. 2002: Trees Farming & Butterfly Propagation Ordinance
080 s. 2002: Employees’ Grievance Settlement Ordinance
081 s. 2002: Gawad Boakeño Ordinance
083 s. 2002: Typographical Error Ordinance
084 s. 2002: Personnel Selection & Merit Promotion Ordinance
085 s. 2003: Investment, Enterprise and Tourism Code
086 s. 2003: Municipal Waters Ordinance
087 s. 2003: Cellular Phones Regulatory Ordinance
088 s. 2003: Solicitations Regulatory Ordinance
089 s. 2003: Youth Welfare and Development Ordinance
090 s. 2003: Barangay Frontline Workers’ Welfare Ordinance
091 s. 2003: Reorganization Ordinance of 2003

Mga ordinansang inakda at isinulong ni Kon. Magalang sa Ikawalong Sanggunian: 2013-2016

147 s. 2013: Land Registration and Administration Ordinance
148 s. 2013: Providing for the Internal Rules of Procedures
149 s. 2013: Frontline Workers’ Retirement & Separation Ordinance
150 s. 2013: Creating a Market Specialist I (SG-11) Position
151 s. 2013: Night Market Ordinance
152 s. 2013: Gustavo Sto. Domingo Complex Ordinance
153 s. 2013: Daang Teofilo Roque Ordinance
155 s. 2014: Procedures in Administrative Investigation
157 s. 2014: Boac Children’s Social Protection Code
159 s. 2014: Volunteerism for Rural Development Ordinance
166 s. 2014: Edmundo Reyes Sr. Sports & Athletic Arena Ordinance
168 s. 2014: Information & Communications Technology Ordinance
170 s. 2015: Farmers & Fisherfolks Month Ordinance
171 s. 2015: Gusaling Luis Aliño Hidalgo Ordinance
177 s. 2015: Public Employment Service Office Ordinance
178 s.2015: Tubong as Intangible Cultural Heritage Ordinance
181 s. 2015: Fire Protection Ordinance
190 s. 2015: March 24 Historical Infamy Ordinance
192 s. 2015: Philhealth Capitation Fund for the Poor Ordinance
194 s. 2015: Public-Private Partnership Ordinance
195 s. 2015: Creating Priority Positions in the LGU
196 s. 2015: Senior High School Scholarship Ordinance
209 s. 2015: Granting of One Time PEI for LGU employees
207 s. 2016: Insurance for Day Care Children Ordinance
208 s. 2016: Insurance for Barangay Functionaries Ordinance
Kabilang ang inakdang 183 na makabuluhang Resolusyon (2013-2016)

Mga naging misyon sa ibang bansa (1999-2015)

1999: Volunteer Mission, World Scout Bureau, Seoul, South Korea;
2007: Guest Campaigner, APEC Ministers Meeting on Mining, Australia
2007: Guest Lecturer, International Guest Program, Austria
2009: Keynote Speaker, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
2009: Delegate, Al Gore Course on Climate Change, Australia
2009: Delegate, Asian Workshop on Social Accountability, Indonesia
2009: Delegate, Int’l Negotiation on Climate Change, UN, Thailand
2009: Panel Reactor, Publish What You Pay Conference, Canada
2010: Delegate, Int’l Conference on Dev’t Cooperation, EU, Nicaragua
2011: Delegate, Asian Reg’l Workshop on Extractive Industry, Thailand
2012: Delegate, UN Conference on Sus. Dev’t, (Rio+20), Brazil
2012: Case Study Presenter, Conference on the EIA Process, Thailand
2012: Delegate, Case Sharing on Social Accountability, Thailand
2014: Participant, Int’l Learning & Meeting on DRR, Manila-Iloilo-Albay
2015: Campaigner on Climate Change, Brighton-London-Manchester, UK
2016: Mentor, International Training – Al Gore Leadership Corps, Sofitel

Lubos ang pakikiramay ng Marinduque News Online sa pamilya Magalang. Konsehal Myke will be a great loss to our society. Indeed, you will surely be missed.

Konsehal Myke Magalang's work "Col. Maximo Abad: Exultations and Twinges in His Life Stories"

Photo: Abad en route to surrender, Boac, Marinduque Is. P.I.,” from the Harry H. Bandholtz papers ca.1890 - ca. 1937 which are in the repository of the Bently Historical Library, Item No. BL003767 and accessed by the author (Miguel R. Magalang) through umich-bhl-9436 on November 09, 2014, 10:00PM.

Valuable long hours of work have been spent by Konsehal Myke Magalang in researching, compiling and writing "COL. MAXIMO ABAD: Exultations and Twinges in His Life Stories". On the occasion today, Sept. 13, of the Battle of Pulang Lupa, Col. Maximo Abad, foremost hero of the Philippine-American War in Marinduque is once again remembered.

The author, Magalang is the Chairperson of Kilusang Pangkasayayan ng Bayan ng Boac; and Chairperson, Committee on Education, Local History, Culture & the Arts of the Sangguniang Bayan of Boac (2013-2016).

His work with the following Introduction may be accessed here.

INTRODUCTION

The photo above attests to the eminence and prominence that Col. Maximo Abad played in the war for independence by the people of Marinduque during the Filipino-Spanish War and the Filipino-American War, and his post-war achievements, feats and exploits that significantly changed the course of history and story of this Island Province. Eli Obligacion in his blog endeavoured in "Tracing the Footsteps of Col. Maximo Abad”  (Obligacion: 2009) where he mentioned that:

"Lt. Col. Maximo Abad  is probably one of the most elusive among the Filipino soldiers who fought during the Philippine-American War, the hero who led the Marinduque revolutionary forces and defeated the Americans in the “Battle of Pulang Lupa”. During the last four decades after the first commemoration in Marinduque of this, now annually-celebrated event, facts about Abad have remained equally elusive.

"So little is known about him  –  the Maximo Abad who tenaciously adhered to the cause of Marinduque’s defense and Philippine Independence."

As student of history, the author was challenged to also add up to the needed information on Maximo Abad and to fill in the gaps, little by little, on his life story. With the initial information gathered by Obligacion, patience and hard work were employed to look for and gather important information from primary sources of local history and other significant government documents, secondary sources and other references in order to validate the information in his initial research. 

This paper is a work in progress for the last few years. References were compiled since the year 1998 (Philippine Independence Centennial) to give light to the various periods in the life stories of Col. Maximo Abad and other events in the island of Marinduque and the Pueblo of Boac. This aims to provide references to students and teachers of local history so that the future generations will have a fair and better understanding of the lives and contributions of our local heroes, and the events that shaped the historical and cultural development of this Island.  - Miguel R. Magalang, Col. Maximo Abad: Exultations and Twinges in His Life Stories

Also read:

Remembering Col. Maximo Abad on National Heroes Day, Marinduque concentration camps, burning of houses

Marinduque stakeholders on Barrick in solidarity with US protest rally

The initiative of environmental activists from Nevada to highlight the lawsuit filed in 2005 by the provincial government of Marinduque against Barrick Gold through a protest rally in Las Vegas, where the case goes for oral arguments tomorrow, did not go unnoticed by the municipality of Boac, Marinduque.

Through a resolution on motion of councilor Miguel "Myke" Magalang, and unanimously approved, the municipal council of Boac has expressed gratitude and solidarity with the environmental group, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN), the Coalition for Nevada's Wildlife and other civil society organizations participating in tomorrow's protest, February 3.

In the resolution, the municipal government also stressed that earlier consultations with the provincial government and local stakeholders established that Canada is the "more acceptable and favorable venue to continue to hear the merits of the case against Placer Dome, Inc. and Barrick Gold Corporation".

The question of finding the more appropriate legal forum came about after the complete rejection by the province of the unjust and unacceptable proposed settlement agreement offered by the mining company.

In a bizarre twist, however, contrary to an understanding by all concerned stakeholders to fully explore the possibility of engaging pro-bono Canadian lawyers, an appeal was instead filed by the US legal counsel before the court for the case to stay in Nevada or be dismissed in favor of re-filing in the Philippines. 

It will be recalled that on the proposed deal, the same legal counsel had dared the province after prolonged period of consultations to "take it or leave it". After its resounding rejection he then held the position as conveyed by his 'expert witness' during such consultation with stakeholders that "Canada's jurisprudence no longer allows the filing of lawsuits for cases that did not happen in Canada". 

This did not sit well with some local officials and environmental groups who wondered which of the contending parties the said lawyer might really be representing.

The municipal government alongside the Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns (MACEC), has likewise requested the Nevada environmental group to amplify and reiterate this stance of the Marinduque people during the protest rally and news conference "as time and space make it impossible for this august body to articulate its concerns before the Nevada Supreme Court".

Environmental activists in Manila signify their outrage against mining corporations, also highlighting the Marinduque vs. Barrick case during a march to Mendiola in March last year.

Also read:

Protest in Nevada on Marinduque-Barrick Gold case Feb 3

Quo Vadis, Elusive Justice?

QUO VADIS, ELUSIVE JUSTICE? by Konsehal Myke Magalang

A Colloquium for local government functionaries on the alternative venues for the Marinduque Case versus Placer Dome Inc. and Barrick Gold Corporation sponsored by the Municipal Government of Boac. Legislative Session Hall, 2F New Municipal Government Building, Boac, Marinduque August 13, 2014 (8:00am-01:00pm). 

In our search for environmental justice and fair compensation for all the damages wrought by the irresponsible mining operations to the people and environment of this Island which culminated in the March 23, 1996 Boac River Mining Disaster, there is a need for competent legal representation of the municipality of Boac and the people of Marinduque in general as the civil case against Placer Dome Inc. and Barrick Gold Corporation is pursued in other forum or venue – either the Philippines or Canada. 

In the midst of uncertainties and unpredictable direction the Nevada Case is proceeding, there is a need to fill in the gap for expert information if only to ensure that the people of Boac and Marinduque are not deprived of their right to access to information, participation, and justice. 

The colloquium, therefore, aims to provide venue for intelligent discussions towards collective action and commitments through the appreciation of: (a) the advantages or disadvantages of pursuing the case in Canada; (b) exploring the possibility of engaging pro bono lawyers from Canada; (c) analyzing the corporate social responsibilities of Canadian mining companies throughout the world; (d) strengthening local government functionaries’ roles on governance of the extractive industry; and, (e) deepening the collective commitment of local government officials to pursue justice for the victims of mining in the province.

Salamat po sa lahat ng mga Punong Barangay na dumalo gayundin sa lahat ng kinatawan ng mga Pamahalaang Bayan ng Mogpog, Gasan at Buenavista.

Dr. Catherine Coumans was invited by the Municipal Government of Boac to this event. She is Research Coordinator who works with MiningWatch Canada’s expert advisors, staff, and directors to ensure the accuracy, focus and timeliness of their information resources and research efforts. Tasks include monitoring government and industry initiatives affecting MiningWatch interests, supporting participation of MiningWatch members and associates in consultations and negotiations, representing MiningWatch perspectives in meetings, presentations and negotiations as required, and preparing and/or co-ordinating written briefs and submissions as required. Her focus area is the Asia-Pacific region.

With Vice-Mayor Dante Marquez, Dr. Coumans,
Konsehal Myke Magalang

BM Adeline M. Angeles and BM Allan Nepomuceno

With Barangay Captains from the municipality of Boac and
representatives from the other municipalities of
Mogpog, Gasan and Buenavista.

Kasong Marcopper: Mananatiling bulag, pipi at bingi pa rin kaya sila sa pagbabaka-sakali?

"Hindi tayo mga pulubing maninikluhod ng limos mula sa mayamang minahan. Tayong mga mamamayan ng Islang ito na may dignidad at paninindingang naniningil ng kanilang inutang na responsibilidad!!! Mabuhay ang marangal na lahing Boakenyo at Marindukenyo!" - Konsehal Myke Magalang, Marso 24, 2014

Matatandaang bagamat paulit-ulit na inaanunsiyo sa publiko ng ilang mga bokal ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan na Oktubre 2013, pa lamang diumano ay "isinuka na"ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ang mungkahing settlement agreement, wala namang maipakitang opisyal na Resolusyon ang mga kinauukulan na walang dudang ganito nga ang isinasaad.

Sa katunayan ay nanatiling aktibo silang mga kinauukulan sa kapitoyo ng Marinduque sa pagtawag ng mga pagpupulong upang mabago ang daloy ng pagtutol ng mga mamamayan at lunukin ng buong-buo ang isinuka nang mga kondisyones.

Naroong himukin nila ang ilang mga personalidad na 

pumunta sa islang-lalawigan gamit ang kanilang mga pangalan at tanggapan upang silawin at bulagin ang mga Marindukenyo sa pamamagitan ng mga makabagbag-damdaming mga pananalita.

Salamat sa taimtim na mga panalangin, hindi naman natinag sina Juan at Juana Marinduke na sadyang maalam kumilatis ng katotohanan sa pagkakataong ito!

At bagamat pormal na ipinaalam na ng kumpanyang Barrick Gold sa Korte Suprema ng Nevada na makalipas ang dalawa at kalahating taon ay hindi nga nagawa ng mga partidong makarating sa isang kasunduan, at dahil dito ay hiniling na nga ng Barrick sa Korte na iwanan na ang proseso ng negosasyon at ituloy na ang pagdidinig sa naudlot na kaso, tila nananatiling bulag, pipi at bingi pa rin hanggang ngayon silang mga kinauukulan, sa pagbabaka-sakali pa rin kaya?

Dahil kaya totoong hindi nga sapat ang kanilang nalalaman tungkol sa mahaba nang narating na usaping ito na alam at batid naman ng mga mamamayan at ng buong mundo? O dahil kaya sa pananatiling tahimik ng liderato ng lalawigan hinggil sa usapang salaping ito sa lumipas nga na dalawang taon at kalahati, at hanggang ngayon ay wala pang maliwanag na senyas o "senyasan"?

Ngayong pormal na naghain na ng kanilang posisyon ang Barrick, mananatiling bulag, pipi at bingi pa rin kaya ang dapat na noon ay nauna nang nagpahayag ng kanilang kapasiyahang naaayon sa kalooban ng Sambayanang Marindukenyo? Hindi kapasiyahan nilang mga sabik lamang makalikom ng salaping para sa kanilang mga bulsa?

Para sa kaalaman ng lahat, sumusunod ang kopya ng Respondent's (Barrick Gold) Status Report and Request to Vacate Stay, June 30, 2014, mula sa kaukulang website ng Supreme Court of Nevada sa kasong ito:

Isa sa mga pagpupulong noong nakaraang taon tungkol
sa kasong ito na ginanap sa Session Hall ng Kapitolyo ng Marinduque.

Tinigil na ng Barrick ang sumemplang na negosasyon sa Nevada case; hiniling na ituloy ang naudlot na pagdinig sa kaso

June 30, 2014 naghain ang Barrick Gold sa Supreme Court of Nevada ng status report at kahilingang ihinto na ang negosasyon, na ayon sa mga lokal na pamahalaan ng Marinduque ay isang kasunduan na hindi nila kayang lunukin. Sa kabila ng mga pananalitang binibitiwan ng ilang mga miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Marinduque na ang kasunduan ay "isinuka na" noon pang Oktubre 2013, nanatiling aktibo ang ilang kinauukulan sa pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Marinduque, maging ilang mga tanggapang nasyunal at mga abogado ng pamahalaan upang maisulong pa rin ang nasabing kasunduan sa gitna ng mga protesta.

Ayon sa nabanggit na binitiwang kahilingan ng Barrick sa Korte ng Nevada, "bagamat ang mga partido ay nakipagnegosasyon ng walang masamang hangarin sa loob ng nakalipas na dalawang at kalahating mga taon, hindi nila nagawang makarating sa isang kasunduan tungkol sa settlement". ("although the parties have negotiated in good faith over the past two and one-half years, they have been unable to reach agreement on settlement.")

Dahil dito hiniling ng Barrick sa Korte na iwanan na ang proseso ng pansamantalang paghihinto sa kaso na naging daan para makapag-usap ang mga partido, at ituloy na ang pagdidinig sa kaso.("For this reason, the respondents request the Court to vacate the stay, restore this appeal to the Court’s active calendar, and schedule the
completion of briefing so that this appeal may proceed to conclusion."

Sumusunod ang pahayag ni Konsehal Myke Magalang hinggil sa pinakahuling balitang ito:

IPAGDIWANG ANG TAGUMPAY @NEVADA CASE SETTLEMENT NEGO FAILED!

Updated 11 hours ago

Sa pinakahuling pagsusumite ng Lalawigan ng Marinduque ng Status Report sa Korte Suprema ng Nevada kaugnay sa negosasyon nito sa Barrick Gold kaugnay sa settlement agreement, sinabi nito na hindi na sila hihingi pa ng palugit para sa pagpapatuloy ng negosasyon. Sa katulad namang dokumentong isinumite ng Barrick Gold, hiniling nitong tapusin na ang negosasyon sapagka't hindi nito nakamit ang anumang kasunduan. Hinihintay na lamang natin ang pinal na desisiyon ng Korte upang tuluyan nang ipinid ang pinto ng negosasyon.

Ang magiging implikasyon nito, haharapin ng Lalawigan ang apela nito hinggil sa pag-dismiss sa kasong isinampa laban sa Barrick Gold na dinisisyunan noong Pebrero 2011 at ganito ang sinasabi ng Korte:

1. Barrick’s Motion to Dismiss on the Ground of Forum Non Conveniens is hereby GRANTED. As forum non conveniens is an equitable remedy, and to insure that equality is done, the dismissal of the case is conditioned on Defendant’s performance of certain acts that Defendants represented they would undertake. These conditions are as follows:

a. Defendant’s consent to jurisdiction in either British Columbia or Ontario on claims that arise out of same general facts as the instant suit;
b. Defendant’s waiver of any statute of limitations defense that may be available to them in either British Colombia or Ontario that did not exist on the filing date of this lawsuit;
c. Defendant’s agreement not to raise any forum non conveniens issues or defenses in either the British Columbia or Ontario courts; and
d. Defendant’s stipulation that both damages and injunctive relief are available in the courts of British Colombia and Ontario;

2. The Province’s Cross-Motion for Conditioned Dismissal in Favor of a Philippine Forum is DENIED.
3. Barrick’s Motion for Stay is DENIED AS MOOT.
4. The Province’s Motion for Rule 16 Conference is DENIED AS MOOT.
5. The Province’s Third Amended complaint is DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE in its entirety.

Anumang kahinatnan ng apela, paghahandaan naman ang susunod na yugto ng kaso upang ipagpatuloy ito para kamtin ang katarungan para sa lalawigan, mamamayan at kalikasan. Pag-uusapan kung saan ito didinggin: Pilipinas ba o Canada?

Ang nakaraang karanasan sa settlement negotiation ay isang hamon sa lahat na maging bukas ang mga konsultasyon at diskusyon upang kasabay ang mamamayan sa anumang desisyon ng pamahalaan.

Sa panig ng Sangguniang Bayan ng Boac, maraming salamat po sa mga kasamang Sanggunian ng bayan ng Buenavista, Gasan at Mogpog sa inyong ibayong suporta sa aming inisyatibang Resolusyon; gayundin sa mga Liga ng mga Barangay ng Boac, sa direkta at hayagang suportang ipinagkaloob sa aming paninindigan nina Bokal Tet at Bokal Mark, sa kalipunang sibil at mga kaibigang NGOs sa Kamaynilaan, sa pagsasapubliko ng aming paninindigan sa pamamagitan ni Eli Obligacion, at sa lahat ng mamamayang Boakenyo na nagtiwala't nagpalakas sa aming paninindigan upang labanan ang hindi makatarungang mga termino at kundisyon ng settlement agreement ng Barrick Gold.

Salamat din po sa Pamahalang Lalawigan ng Marinduque at sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa inyong matamang pakikinig sa aming tinig. Mabuhay ang nagkakaisang tining ng Marindukenyo.

Nasa ibaba naman po ang aming pinakahuling Resolusyon na aming pinagtibay noong Hunyo 17, 2014:

==========================

RESOLUTION NO. 2014-081: RESOLUTION URGING THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF MARINDUQUE AND THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN OF MARINDUQUE TO TERMINATE THE NEGOTIATIONS WITH BARRICK GOLD CORPORATION AND PLACER DOME, INC. IN RELATION TO THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON THE NEVADA CASE, EXPLORE OTHER FORUMS OR VENUES TO PURSUE JUSTICE AND OBTAIN REMEDIES THAT ARE ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE PEOPLE AND THAT WOULD FOCUS ON THE HEALTH AND LIVELIHOOD CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE REMEDIATION AND/OR REHABILITATION OF THE MINING-IMPACTED ECOSYSTEMS OF MARINDUQUE, AND FOR OTHER RELATED PURPOSES

PRINCIPAL AUTHOR: HON. MIGUEL R. MAGALANG
Chairperson: Committee on Good Government
CO-AUTHORS: Hon. Sonny L. Paglinawan, Hon. Benjamin M. Solomon I,
Hon. Luisito S. Laylay, Hon. Aurelio J. Leva III, Hon. Rolando M. Larracas
Hon. Carlos M. Palomares, Hon. Bernadine E. Opis-Mercado

WHEREAS, the municipality of Boac through this august Body, as a primary stakeholder to the ‘parens patriae’ civil case or damage suit filed by the province of Marinduque against Placer Dome, Inc. and Barrick Gold Corporation in Nevada, U.S.A., has officially manifested its collective position on the proposed settlement agreement related to the case as can be gleaned from the below-listed Resolutions, and that this official position was strongly supported by the sixty-one (61) barangays of the municipality, the Sangguniang Bayan of the municipalities of Buenavista, Gasan, and Mogpog as well as by civil society organizations, as we hereby strongly reiterate the letters and intent of the said Resolutions:

RESOLUTION NO. 2013-100 – RESOLUTION EARNESTLY REQUESTING THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN OF MARINDUQUE TO RENEGOTIATE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE PROPOSED NEVADA CASE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT OFFERED BY BARRICK GOLD IN RELATION TO CASE NO. CV-S-05-1299-BES-RJJ PER THIRD AMENDED COMPLAINT LODGED AT THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, DISTRICT OF NEVADA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND ENSURE THAT SAID TERMS AND CONDITIONS ARE ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE PROVINCE AND THE PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS OF MARINDUQUEÑOS, dated December 18, 2013;

RESOLUTION NO. 2014-023 – RESOLUTION AMPLIFYING THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF THE EIGHTH SANGGUNIANG BAYAN OF BOAC IN RELATION TO THE PROPOSED NEVADA CASE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT OFFERED BY BARRICK GOLD CORPORATION TO THE PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE, REITERATING THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN RESOLUTION NO. 2013-100 DATED DECEMBER 18, 2013 AND FOR OTHER RELATED PURPOSES dated February 24, 2014; and,

RESOLUTION NO. 2014-028 – RESOLUTION FURTHER CONSOLIDATING AND GALVANIZING THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF THE EIGHTH SANGGUNIANG BAYAN OF BOAC IN RELATION TO THE PROPOSED NEVADA CASE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT OFFERED BY BARRICK GOLD CORPORATION TO THE PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE IN THE LIGHT OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND AMENDMENTS OFFERED BY BARRICK GOLD, REITERATING THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BODY’S RESOLUTION NO. 2013-100 DATED DECEMBER 18, 2013 AND RESOLUTION NO. 2014-023 DATED FEBRUARY 24, 2014 AND FOR OTHER RELATED PURPOSES, dated March 10, 2014.

WHEREAS, this august Body as well as the people of Boac have not been informed by the Province of Marinduque and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Marinduque, to date, on the development of the negotiations on the proposed settlement agreement even if the most recent Nevada Supreme Court Order of May 29, 2014 for the extension of the stay of the appeal for an additional 30 days will expire on June 30, 2014 within which period both Parties to the case are supposed to file their stipulated status report on the negotiations discussions;

WHEREAS, this august Body hereby reiterates the people’s feeling of being betrayed by the legal team, both foreign and local, which represent the Province in the said case for not giving due consideration to our official stance and recommendations as we await official answers to our Resolutions which we officially submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Governor;

WHEREAS, we also reiterate hereof that the terms and conditions of the proposed settlement agreement is unjust, unacceptable and unconscionable to the people of Boac and the amount of $20 Million offered by Barrick Gold is not comparable to the damages inflicted to the people and environment of the municipality and the province, and is far below the amount of $75 Million environmental clean-up fund Barrick has invested in its Pueblo Viejo mine which it acquired in the Dominican Republic and posted in its own website: (http://www.barrick.com/files/pueblo-viejo/Pueblo-Viejo-Environment-Water-Fact-Sheet.pdf) which provides the following information:

“At the Pueblo Viejo mine in the Dominican Republic, Barrick is remediating significant environmental damage left behind by a previous mining operation at the site, which closed in 1999 with no proper environmental reclamation.

“Before Barrick’s arrival, highly acidic, untreated water was seeping from the old mine site into local rivers. Today, all water from our operations is safely treated at a water treatment plant on site before being discharged into the Margajita River. Water processed on site is treated in accordance with Dominican government mining standards and International Finance Corporation (IFC) guidelines. The treatment process is closely monitored and controlled, and has already resulted in a vast improvement in the condition of the Margajita River. The river is returning to its natural color after flowing dark red for decades due to acid rock drainage (ARD) that was not properly treated by the mine’s previous operator. Sampling shows a marked decrease in the acidity of the river and there are early signs that aquatic life is returning to the river.
xxx
“Barrick acquired a majority interest in Pueblo Viejo in 2006 and manages operations at the mine through Pueblo Viejo Dominicana Corporation (PVDC), a joint venture in which Barrick holds a 60 percent interest, with Goldcorp holding the remaining 40 percent.
xxx
“Since acquiring control of Pueblo Viejo, PVDC has re-vegetated 3,500 hectares of land, built a large water treatment plant to treat water on site before discharging it into the Margajita River and, acting as an agent of the government, removed 180,000 cubic meters of contaminated soil left from prior operations.

“PVDC also agreed to provide $75 million to fund the clean-up of historical liabilities that are the responsibility of the Dominican government. The management plan for the clean-up phase is currently awaiting government approval.”

WHEREAS, on May 29, 2014, the House Committee on Natural Resources convened a Committee Meeting which included on its agenda the hearing on the Marcopper Disaster Update, which based on its official website: http://www.congress.gov.ph/commsched/schedule.php?d=28&m=05&y=2014 gave the following data:

“House Resolution No. 4: Urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to immediately: (1) file a class suit against Placer Dome, Inc. and Marcopper Mining Corporation for the extensive damage it has caused to the Province of Marinduque and to the country's ecosystems; (2) enlist the support of U.N. agencies and environmentalist groups/NGOs to help them in successfully prosecuting this case; (3) issue an order to withhold Marcopper's operation or participation in the mining industry, if any, in the Philippines until said companies complete their rehabilitation of Marinduque; (4) disqualify Placer Dome, Inc., its affiliates and any company where Placer Dome, Inc. has an interest in, from any future participation in the mining operations by foreign mining companies in the Philippines pending the satisfaction of claims by the suit's petitioners and by the Philippine Government (Rep. Regina Ongsiako Reyes)

“House Resolution No. 525: Urging the DENR to immediately: (1) submit a progress report on the concrete actions it had taken to date pursuant to HRs 757 and 04 of the 13th and 16th Congress, respectively; (2) conduct a detailed environmental impact assessment of the Tapian Pit, San Antonio Pit and other mine structures at the Marcopper site; (3) undertake a concrete action and/or disaster risk management program to ensure the safety of Marinduque Province and Marinduqueños from further catastrophic effects in the event that a 'Yolanda' type or category typhoon hits the province; and (4) make an accounting of the reported rehabilitation fund amounting to $13 million that Placer Dome Inc. had allocated for Marinduque Province (Rep. Regina Ongsiako Reyes)”

WHEREAS, records of the Nevada case, according to the official website of the Nevada Supreme Court, reveal the following significant timelines and events or developments:

SIGNIFICANT TIMELINE
& EVENTS AND CASE DEVELOPMENT
http://caseinfo.nvsupremecourt.us/public/caseView.do?csIID=26104

February 11, 2011: District Court Judge Valerie P. Adair of the District Court, Clark County, Nevada issued its “Findings of Fact and Conclusion of Law and Order” in relation to Case No A511078 – “Provincial Government of Marinduque, a political subdivision of the Republic of the Philippines, Plaintiff, vs. Placer Dome Inc, and Barrick Gold Corporation, Defendants, which among others, GRANTED Barrick’s Motion to Dismiss on the Ground of Forum Non Conveniens, and DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE in its entirety the Province’s Third Amended complaint.

March 16, 2011: The Province (Appellant) filed its Notice of Appeal in the Supreme Court of the State of Nevada

August 29, 2011: Appellant filed its Opening Brief
October 31, 2011: Respondent’s Brief was duly filed

November 15, 2011: Appellant and Respondent mutually filed a “Stipulated Motion for Stay” “to allow the Parties time to pursue settlement.” They both argued that they “are now in settlement discussions that they anticipate may lead to a resolution of [the] matter.” The Parties requested that the appeal be stayed for 90 days from the date of entry of the Court.

December 06, 2011: 90-day stay was granted by the Court ordering the Appellant to file Status Report within the same period.

March 05, 2012: Parties submitted Stipulated Status Report informing the Court that the Parties are still in settlement discussions and requested additional stay of at least 90 days.

May 25, 2012: The Court considered the status report and ordered the filing of the second status report within 90 days.

August 24, 2012: The parties filed their status report informing the Court that the settlement discussions “is an extraordinarily complex case and thus settlement negotiations have taken longer than the Parties anticipated.” The Parties requested for another additional stay of 90 days.

August 31, 2012: The Court accepted the status report and granted the request for additional 90 day stay; and ordered for the submission of the third status report within the 90-day period.

November 30, 2012: A status report was filed informing the Court that the “Parties have made significant progress, but settlement discussions have taken longer than the Parties anticipated. The Parties recently met in San Francisco for three days with a mediator. The Parties anticipate that continued settlement discussions may lead to a resolution of this matter.” An additional stay of at least 60 days was sought.

January 29, 2013: Another status report was filed by the Parties informing the Court that they “have agreed to a proposed framework but certain terms remain unresolved.” Another additional stay of at least 60 days was requested.

February 11, 2013: The Court too cognizance of the two updated stipulated status reports and granted the request for additional stay of at least 60 days.

April 11, 2013: The submitted status report argued that the “discussions, as a practical matter, have been slowed by the current election season in the Philippines, which will culminate in elections mid-May 2013.” The parties sought for another additional stay of at least 60 days.

April 29, 2013: The Court granted the request for another additional stay of 60 days.

June 10, 2013: The status report noted that “new officials will assume their positions on June 30, 2013. The Province believes the most fruitful dialogue will be had after the Province’s period of transition is completed, to allow additional new officials to more fully participate in settlement discussions.” Another additional stay of at least 60 days was sought.

July 23, 2013: The Court favorably granted another additional stay of 60 days.

September 23, 2013: The submitted status report informed the Court that “negotiations have advanced, and the Parties believe that they will be able to provide the Court with much more detail about the status of a possible resolution within two weeks. However, due to the status of settlement negotiations, the Parties are unable to provide that information with the Court today.” The Parties requested for an additional stay of at least two weeks.

October 01, 2013: The Court noted that the Parties have filed a fifth stipulated status report and ordered that the stay should remain in place for an additional two weeks.

October 15, 2013: The parties, through a status report informed the Court that the “negotiations have advanced, and the Parties had hoped to provide the Court with much more detail about the status of a possible resolution today. However, due to status of settlement negotiations, the Parties are unable to provide that information with the Court today.” Additional stay of at least 60 days in the appeal is again requested.

November 01, 2013: The Court again granted the requested 60-day additional extension.

December 27, 2013: The submitted status report informed the Court that “the typhoon that caused major destruction in the Philippines in November has diverted attention from settlement negotiations and delayed resolution in this matter.” Another extension of 60 days for the stay was requested.

January 10, 2014: The Court ordered the stay to remain in place and extended it for another additional 60 days.

March 12, 2014: The stipulated status report informed the Court that “the Parties remain engaged in productive settlement discussions. Those negotiations are advancing, but the Parties need additional time to continue working toward a resolution.” The Parties requested again for additional stay of at least 60 days.

March 24, 2014: On the 18th Anniversary of the Infamous Boac River Mining Disaster, the Court ordered the stay to remain in place for another 60 days.
May 22, 2014 The status and noted that the “Province is currently working to address associated deliverables but requires and requests more time in light of delays due to the Lental break and subsequent Legislative recess.” Additional extension of 30 days stay was requested.

May 29, 2014: The Court ordered the stay to remain in place for an extended period of additional 30 days.

WHEREAS, after two years and seven months into the negotiations process on the Nevada Case, the terms and conditions of the proposed settlement have not been acceptable to the people, and in the event the said settlement proposal will not prosper, the Province will face the appeal proper and shall contest the February 11, 2011 Order of the District Court of Clark County in Nevada which postulates the quoted portion hereof:

1. Barrick’s Motion to Dismiss on the Ground of Forum Non Conveniens is hereby GRANTED. As forum non conveniens is an equitable remedy, and to insure that equality is done, the dismissal of the case is conditioned on Defendant’s performance of certain acts that Defendants represented they would undertake. These conditions are as follows:

a. Defendant’s consent to jurisdiction in either British Columbia or Ontario on claims that arise out of same general facts as the instant suit;

b. Defendant’s waiver of any statute of limitations defense that may be available to them in either British Colombia or Ontario that did not exist on the filing date of this lawsuit;

c. Defendant’s agreement not to raise any forum non conveniens issues or defenses in either the British Columbia or Ontario courts; and

d. Defendant’s stipulation that both damages and injunctive relief are available in the courts of British Colombia and Ontario; and

2. The Province’s Cross-Motion for Conditioned Dismissal in Favor of a Philippine Forum is DENIED.

3. Barrick’s Motion for Stay is DENIED AS MOOT.

4. The Province’s Motion for Rule 16 Conference is DENIED AS MOOT.

5. The Province’s Third Amended complaint is DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE in its entirety.

WHEREAS, despite this Order, this august Body is convinced that justice shall be pursued in order to obtain indemnity and reparation to the health and livelihood of the people of Boac and Marinduque and the damages to the environment as well as the remediation and rehabilitation of the impacted ecosystems.

WHEREFORE, on motion of HON. MIGUEL R. MAGALANG, Chairperson of Committee on Good Governance, Public Ethics and Accountability, duly seconded and unanimously approved, the 8th Sangguniang Bayan of Boac, in session assembled hereby,

RESOLVED, as it hereby resolves and urges the Provincial Government of Marinduque and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Marinduque to terminate the negotiations with Barrick Gold Corporation and Placer Dome, Inc. in relation to the proposed settlement agreement on the Nevada Case and explore other forums or venues to pursue justice and obtain remedies that are advantageous to the people and that would focus on the health and livelihood concerns of the people and the remediation and/or rehabilitation of the mining-impacted ecosystems of Marinduque,

RESOLVED FURTHER THAT transparent processes be ensured in all processes, enlist the participation of all stakeholders, and build on consensus before any action is undertaken.

RESOLVED FINALLY that duly certified copies of this Resolution be furnished to the Office of the Governor of Marinduque, Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Marinduque, all Sangguniang Bayan in Marinduque, the, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Environment, the Mining Industry Coordinating Council – Office of the President, Tthe Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, the Foundation for Philippine Environment, all Sangguniang Barangays of Boac, the various media organizations, civil society organizations and other concerned organizations, institutions and entities for their information, reference and/or appropriate action.

ADOPTED on June 17, 2014.at Boac, Marinduque.

Mga larawan: Konsehal Myke Magalang

18th anniversary of Boac River disaster commemorated: Marinduqueños still demand justice

Boac, Marinduque— Marinduqueños continue to demand for justice and reparation for the victims of the Marcopper toxic mine tragedy that killed Boac River.

Boac barangay officials and residents converge at the Boac Covered Court for today's commemoration of the 18th anniversary of the Marcopper mining disaster.

Organized by the local government leaders of Boac with the Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns (MaCEC), residents walked towards the Boac River to offer flowers and continued with a short program condemning the irresponsibility of involved mining companies—Marcopper Mining Corp, Placer Dome and Barrick Gold (Placer Dome is now owned by Barrick Gold).

It was exactly 18 years ago today when a drainage tunnel from the Tapian Pit used by Marcopper mine for mine waste disposal collapsed and left the Boac River biologically dead. This affected the livelihood of farmers, fisher folks, clothes washers and other members of the community dependent on traditional use of the river.

MaCEC Executive Secretary Elizabeth “Beth” Manggol said: “Walang nangyaring rehabilitasyon-kaya’t ang mga basurang-mina ay nanatiling nakatambak sa ilog, hanggang sa tuluyan na itong mahalo at mabaon sa buhangin.” (No rehabilitation was done so tha mine tailings continue to be in the river until it has mixed up with the water and sand.)

MaCEC cited the many tragedies caused by Marcopper since it started operations: first, the use of Calancan Bay as tailings pond since 1975-1991; second, the December 1993 collapse of the Maguil-guila siltation dam that killed two children in Mogpog and flooded the areas; and third, the March 1996 collapse of Marcopper tailings dam. The mine is inactive but is yet to be fully decommissioned and rehabilitated.

In 2005, the local government filed a case against Placer Dome in the United States but nothing has happened since. Last year, its owner Barrick Gold offered a US$ 20-million settlement with a set of conditions that includes Philippine government agencies, having to waive the company's accountabilities and responsibilities in relation to the disaster. 

 

Barangay leaders publicly sign Manifesto in support of the Sangguniang Bayan of Boac Resolution No., 2014-028 and in rejection of Barrick Gold 'unacceptable conditions'

Manggol emphasized: “The fourth tragedy is the Nevada case proposed settlement! Praktikal ba na kapag tinanggap ng pamahalang panlalawigan ang alok ng Barrick ay sila na ang mananagot sa lahat ng mga nabanggit na trahedya at mga paghahabol kung may maging  pinsala na maaring mangyari sa hinaharap, kapag nawasak ang mga abandonadong estruktura ng minahan at marami ang namatay praktikal ba na sila na rin ang mananagot? 

"Ang suwerte naman ng mga kumpanyang ito malilinis ang kanilang pangalan at mapapasa sa pamahalaan ang responsiblidad. Kapag nangyari ito sa halip na ang Marcopper, Placer Dome at Barrick Gold ang hinahabol natin, ang pamahalaan na ang hahabulin natin, ang mag-aaway na ay ang mga tao at ang pamahalaan”, Manggol said. (Is it practical for the local government to accept the offer of Barrick Gold and carry the burden of rehabilitating the area and arresting all damages that may be caused by the abandoned mines? If this happens, the responsibilities of Marcopper, Placer Dome and Barrick Gold will be passed on to the government—this will result in a conflict between affected communities and the government.)

In the end, the petitioners and the people are united in their position to not accept the settlement offer by Barrick Gold and that they will never waive their cases. MaCEC

"Kami ang mamamayang Marinduqueno na sumusuporta sa mga kundisyong inihain ng Sangguniang Bayan ng Boac na nasasaad sa SB Resolution No. 2014-028 hinggil sa nararapat na mga kundisyon sa sistema ng pagbabayad ng kompensasyon para sa mga mamamayang naapektuan ng pagkalason ng Ilog Boac noong Marso 24, 1996 at mahigpit naming tinututulan ang kundisyong inihain ng Barrick Gold (Placer Dome) sa Lalawigan ng Marinduque na tinuturing naming hindi katanggap-tanggap para sa mamamayan ng buong lalawigan ng Marinduque . - Nilagdaan ngayong Marso 24, 2014 sa Boac, Marinduque.

 --

MaCEC is a church-based and multi-sectoral NGO in Marinduque founded in July 1996 to address issues related to mining and disasters.

Showering a river with love flowers

Viewing the river from a bridge as it rained

Prayers for enlightenment 

They came with umbrellas

Flowers for the historic River

They came wearing black

Myke M signing

Board Member Adeline 'Lyn' Angeles

Tao Muna Hindi Mina!

Konsehal Myke Magalang

A Boac resident signing

Boac Mayor Roberto Madla signing the manifesto

PASASALAMAT NI MAYOR ROBERTO M. MADLA SA IKA-18 ANIBERSARYO NG BOAC RIVER MINING DISASTER OF 1996

Contributors: Roberto Mercene Madla (owner), Ella Mirafuente Ornedo, MaCEC and Konsehal Myke R. Magalang

· Taken at Boac, Marinduque

MARSO 24, 2014: Maraming salamat po sa mga mamamayang Boakenyo at mga delegasyon mula sa limang (5) bayan ng Marinduque sa inyong pakikiisa sa ating paggunita sa ika-18 taon ng Boac River Disaster. Salamat po sa ating matatag na pagkakaisang itakwil at tutulan ang mga hindi makatarungang kundisyong inihain ng Barrick Gold sa kritikal na usapin ng Nevada Case Settlement Agreement. Ang pamahalaang bayan ng Boac, kasama ang mga Konsehal ng Sangguniang Bayan, sa aking pangunguna ay tuloy-tuloy na magbabantay at tututulan ang mapaniil na prosesong ito ng settlement. Hindi tayo mga pulubing maninikluhod ng limos mula sa mayamang minahan. Tayong mga mamamayan ng Islang ito na may dignidad at paninindingang naniningil ng kanilang inutang na responsibilidad!!! Mabuhay ang marangal na lahing Boakenyo at Marindukenyo!

The Boac after the toxic mine spill 

Also read:

Boac River mine spill commemoration; How's the river now?; Flashback