Environmental groups urged the government for a thorough investigation and the cessation of mining operations in Davao de Oro following the landslide at a mining village in Masara, Maco town, on February 6.
In a recent report by Rappler, Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) emphasized the need for the government to investigate and ascertain Apex Mining Corporation’s level of accountability.
Kalikasan PNE Coordinator Jon Bonifacio underscored the impact of climate change with “corporate negligence and impunity” and accused mining companies, including Apex Mining, of endangering lives.
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), another environmental group, called for a halt to destructive mining operations nationwide, highlighting the severe environmental and human costs. ATM urged the government to take preventive measures against similar disasters.
Meanwhile, Bayan Muna, a progressive group, said Apex Mining should be liable for the incident, linking the environmental damage caused by the company’s operations to the landslide.
Bayan Muna Vice President for Mindanao Eufemia Cullamat called on Apex Mining to acknowledge its responsibility, especially to the local workers affected.
Apex Mining, in response, claimed that the landslide site was not part of its mining area but a terminal for mining worker transport. The company asserted its cooperation with local governments in the search for victims and support for affected families.
