An association representing indigenous peoples (IPs) in Nueva Vizcaya called on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to investigate alleged incidents of residents of Dipidio town being harassed by security men of mining firms.

The Didipio Earth Savers Multi-Purpose Association (DESAMA), a local organization composed of Ifugaos, asked CHR chairperson Leila De Lima to investigate the alleged illegal search of their houses by security personnel of mining firm OceanaGold Philippines operating in Didipio.

In a petition submitted to the CHR last Thursday, DESAMA reiterated its call to the national government to protect the IPs and reprimand the mining firm “for its notorious business conduct in dealing with the indigenous residents of Didipio.”

“Homes of Ifugaos known for their anti-mining sentiments were searched without warrants by security personnel of a mining company,” DESAMA said in a press statement.

The group claimed the illegal search came after a security guard of OceanaGold was shot dead last Sunday by still unidentified assailants

It said the security personnel searched the houses of indigenous peoples in the vicinity of the crime.

It said Alex Simungo, a member of the DESAMA, and his brother-in-law, who are living nearby the place of incident, were accused of the crime.

“The security forces were also reportedly considering to include as suspects the owners of the four houses they demolished in July and August without any court order and relocation for the victims,” DESAMA said.

The group noted that in July 2008, the Regional Trial Court of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the demolition activities of OceanaGold saying that “the demolition was tainted with irregularity and contrary to law.”

The group also claimed that OceanaGold’s demolition activities, which started in December, 2007, “were also marred with shooting incidents inflicting injuries to lives and property of Didipio residents.”

It said the CHR earlier committed to investigate the spate of violence in Didipio town in July, 2008.

The group renewed its call last Thursday for the investigation of continuing mining activities and reports of abusive security personnel.

DESAMA’s call was echoed by partner organization Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center -- Kasama sa Kalikasan/ Friends of the Earth Philippines (LRC-KsK/FoE Phils), a legal research and policy advocacy institution focusing on issues and concerns of indigenous peoples.

“The unabated harassment and violations perpetuated by the mining company and its security forces in our village needs to be stopped so that we can live peacefully again,” DESAMA village official Carmen Ananayo said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/222208/chr-asked-probe-alleged-abusive-acts-mining-firm