Pitkin Suspended?

Governor Josephine Ramirez-Sato of Occidental Mindoro last Tuesday,- March 23, 2010, issued two letters addressed to Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes and Pitkin Petroleum PLC thru its representative, Ms. Tessa Agravante. How I really wish to share you a copy of said communication but all I can do now is to re-type it and post it here :

"Anent to my telephone conversation with Ms. Tessa Agravante, we reiterate our concern and dismay in the conduct of your oil/natural gas exploration in Sablayan. Reports have reached us that some of our Mangyans were hurt in the violent confrontation between opposing groups. We are likewise informed that you have not been granted any clearance/certification by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) that the Mangyans concerned have given their consent to your activities in the area.

At the onset of your activities, we made it clear that the interests of our Mangyans should be primordial concern and their rights are respected by you at all times.

In view thereof, you are hereby enjoined to suspend your/exploration in the area until all the issues are settled and the requisite clearances/permit are secured.

For your prompt compliance." Signed Josephine Y. Ramirez-Sato, Provincial Governor.

Yesterday, after the Chrism Mass where almost all of the priests of the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose gathered, Bishop Antonio P. Palang, SVD,DD read his Circular No. 3 Series of 2010 re : Our Anti Mining Advocacy. Bishop Palang has this to say on Sato's request: "This will give us temporary lull. The ways of mining companies are deceiving which therefore demand that we continuously keep watch. I encourage our Basic Ecclesial Communities, alongside our tribal communities, to still be continously vigilant despite this break."

Indeed, the ball is in the hands of the people and not only on DOE and even our local governments. The call remains the same : Onward with our struggle against Pitkin!

Least we forget, in less that twenty four hours, the official campaign period for local officials is officially on...

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(Photo from Sr. Cora Carino, DC)