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Monday, 29th January 2007 (2179 views)

The Philippine-based Balatoc of Pasil tribe is seeking the right to mine its own resources and has applied for an exploration permit.

It is understood that the tribe via the Kalinga Provincial Board (KPB) has submitted an application for an exploration permit to enable them to mine copper, gold and silver over an area of around 442 hectares.

The KPB has requested that the department of environment and natural resources secretary Angelo Reyes grant an exploration permit to the Balatoc Tribe Exploration and Mining Corporation (BTEMC) and the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples issue a certificate of ancestral domain title.

BTEMC is registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission with some 10,000 shares. The corporation's vice president, Alfredo Malannag, is calling on the government to recognise the tribe's right to the land and that any attempts to allow other firms to mine the area could be meant with opposition from the local residents.

"We will not allow bidders to bid what is ours if ever subjected to bidding or any form of disposal," added Mr Malannag.

 

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