By BEN SERRANO
Correspondent
BUTUAN City–A group of protesters took to the streets yesterday to denounce the environment department’s decision to stop mining operations, saying it would mean loss of jobs, livelihood opportunities, and royalties for indigenous people.
Some 700 people staged the demonstration in front of the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Barangay Ambago.
Among those who joined the demonstration were mining company workers, scholars of mining firms, and indigenes. They took turns in lambasting Environment Secretary Regina Lopez for her hard-line stance against mining.
Engr. Dulmar Raagas, Chamber of Mines-Caraga president Dulmar Raagas said organized mining firms would continue blocking the confirmation of Lopez’s appointment on the grounds of inexperience and her supposed lack of educational qualificiation.
The pro-mining group said they would stage a bigger rally in the city on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26 in time for a gathering of cabinet members here.
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