The Catanduanes Kontra Mina Movement (CKMM) has temporarily canceled the planned “Lakaw Kontra Mina” (Walk Against Mining) today, Monday, December 4, 2023, confirmed by Mr. Jerry Beo, the spokesperson of CKMM. In an interview with Radyo Peryodiko, Beo mentioned that they had initially organized activities for today as a protest against the ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, which temporarily suspends the Catanduanes Mining Free Ordinance.
The planned activity included an assembly at Freedom Park in front of Century Mall, followed by a march towards the Provincial Council (SP) at nine in the morning. This was supposed to be a gathering of individuals expressing their opposition to the mining ordinance. However, they did not anticipate a significant turnout, as most supporters are employed in private and public offices on weekdays. In fact, they had scheduled discussions with their lawyers about legal remedies to be taken on December 12, 2023.
Due to the sudden change by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, they decided to temporarily cancel the activity. If the Provincial Council follows through with their initial pronouncement of repealing the ordinance, CKMM stated that they would proceed with their plans in the coming days. However, this would involve an information drive to educate the public about the adverse effects of mining. (Report by Jean Eustaquio)
