No amount of protest will prevent mining companies from exploring areas of southern Negros for mineral deposits.

Macallum Phils. Inc. recently informed the Negos Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan that it has a permit for the exploration of copper, gold and other related minerals in barangays Asia, Bulwangan and Daug in Hinobaan.

The notice of application for mineral explorations was endorsed by Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to the SP Committee on Environment and Natural Resources for appropriate action.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Defend Patrimony and Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas-Negros Occidental chapter led a protest in front of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City, calling for the rescinding of mining permits and banning of large scale mining in the province.

They also submitted a petition, urging the SP to act on their demand.

The vice governor endorsed the petition to the SP Environment Committee headed by Board Member Patrick Lacson.

In 2011, the SP passed a resolution opposingexisting and future applications for mining exploration permits, lease contracts and agreements in Negros Occidental for the next 25 years.

The Negros SP also resolved to adopt a standing policy to deny any request and not to endorse any existing or future mining projects.

Board Member Salvador Escalante, however, said that they cannot do anything about those already existing.*GPB

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