The Philippines: Discussions Over “Black Sand Mining” Issue Continue

February 25, 2014

The lone special investigator of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Negros Oriental said that his office will not entertain any complaints in relation to the impasse at the controversial alleged “black sand mining” operation in Tambacan, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.

Dr. Jesus Cañete, Ph.D., explained that it will be a waste of time and useless for him to accommodate such complaints for as long as the issue on the “black sand mining” in Sitio Tambacan, Barangay 4 in Tanjay City, which protesters say is in the guise of dredging, would not be solved.

“They (the contractor, Sino-Italy Philippines, Inc.) and the Tanjay City LGU failed or rather deliberately ignored one essential element, which is to hold proper consultation with the people,” Cañete said.

He explained that during a consultation in Tanjay, attended by concerned parties, the LGU presented a resolution from the barangay council of Poblacion Barangay 4, where the project site is located, that was signed by Tambacan officials.

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Press Release, February 25, 2014