Apex workers miss work due to rally

PUBLICLY-LISTED Apex Mining Co., Inc. (AMCI) deplored its detractors’ efforts last May 31, which are aimed at disrupting company operations in Maco, Compostela Valley.

In a statement, AMCI said militant groups who are non-residents of the mining firm’s immediate community have staged at least two protest rallies near its mine site. The latest one held Thursday at the main thoroughfare of Barangay Teresa and in front of AMCI’s gate caused heavy traffic, impeded the flow of trade and commerce and caused mine workers to miss work.

Some 100 militants, who did not have required rally permits, were later peacefully dispersed with help from the Philippine National Police, local of- ficials and concerned tribal leaders in the area.

The company said it is unfazed by the protest rallies and will not heed the militant groups’ unreasonable demands since they do not represent its workers and legitimate residents of Barangays Teresa and Masara. AMCI’s government-issued Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) straddles the two barangays where the firm has been operating its gold, silver and copper mines for more than 40 years. It employs more than 1,400 workers. “AMCI recognizes the Constitutional right of citizens to peaceably assemble to seek redress of their grievances. But the exercise of this right should not hamper or prejudice public welfare, nor step on the rights of others,” the company stressed.

It said Thursday’s “illegal mass action” was witnessed by barangay officials and IP (Indigenous Peoples) leaders who said majority of the picketeers were not residents of the mining firm’s impact area or its neighboring barangays.

“AMCI will continue to work with and entertain concerns only of barangays that may be directly affected by its operations through their elected officials and duly-recognized IP leaders,” it stressed.

The firm said these community leaders recognize AMCI’s valuable contributions to job generation, community improvement and various socio-civic projects like scholarships and construction of school facilities.