Gerry Albert Corpuz presents

This is Gerry Albert Corpuz and this is my life and political journey to the world of class struggle and class emancipation

Obando fishers elevate case vs. Navotas dumpsite to NDFP, GRP peace panels

Obando fishers elevate case vs. Navotas dumpsite
to NDFP, GRP peace panels

Obando fishermen and residents affected by the operations of Navotas Controlled Disposal Facility (NDCF) had both sought the help of the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) to resolve the ongoing dispute between them and the Philippine Ecology System Incorporation (Phileco).

Leaders and mass members of the activist fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) chapter in Obando, Bulacan kicked off a petition signing campaign asking both the NDFP and the GRP to stop Phileco from dumping garbage into the controversial dumpsite due to it’s destructive effects on fisherfolk livelihood, residents’ health and environment.

“ It is the first of its’ kind, but we have to try other venues to stop this corporate madness pursued at the expense of people’s livelihood, health and environment. An beside, the dumpsite paved way for the violation of all aspects of human life from human rights to socio-economic rights,” Pamalakaya said in a press statement.

Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap learned that two weeks ago, its’ chapter Pamalakaya-Bulacan filed before the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) of the NDFP and GRP a petition signed by 2,000 fisherfolk and residents asking both panels to immediately resolve the case.

“ They are asking the two governments to discuss and put forward a resolution that would stop the garbage contractor and Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco from dumping several hundreds of tons of metro garbage to NCDF,” Hicap said.

“ It’s an objective move. It has sound political and moral basis. We support the initiative in the name of the collective interest of Obando fisherfolk and residents long been victimized by this stupid race for super profits at the expense of the people and the environment,” added Hicap.

He said last November 13, a 100 combined striking force composed of Obando police, SWAT, maritime police, Cafgu, marines and coastguards accompanied the barge carrying tons of garbage enroute to NCDF so it could pass through Binuangan River in Obando. The fishermen with the help of residents tried to block the barge and were hit by police and military forces.

Hicap said authorities in uniform had tried to arrest two Pamalakaya leaders Ricardo de Armas, chair of Pamalakaya-Bulacan and brother Sonny de Armas for leading the barricade against Phileco barges.

From April to October this year, Obando fishermen and residents had successfully blocked the attempt of the garbage contractor and Mayor Tiangco to let the barge pass Salambao and Binuangan River systems.

The petition letter submitted to communist and government peace panels lamented President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s inaction and gross failure to address the dumpsite issue.

“ Two years ago, the petitioners asked President Arroyo to address the issue but she snubbed their plea and refused to make a necessary correcting measure. That’s why we forward our request to the NDFP and the GRP for appropriate action,” Pamalakaya’s letter-petition said.

Pamalakaya’s Hicap said Obando fishermen and residents assert that Phileco, Mayor Tiangco and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) even violated a provision of the Republic Act 9003, which prohibits any dumpsite structure located near any water systems in the country.

According to Pamalakaya, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Reform (BFAR) had recommended the closure of Navotas dumpsite after a water sampling it conducted two years ago revealed that garbage facility was the culprit behind the pollution and chemical contamination of Binuangan River, but the DENR refused to acknowledge the findings and instead extended Phileco operations till December 2005. #

posted by: GerryCorpuz at 23:45 | link | comments |

Template by motime.com  |  header image credit: Markus Gann © www.begann.de