Mining Worker in Compostela Valley, 4th labor leader killed under Aquino

Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno condemned the murder of Santos "Ricky" Manrique, 49, president of the Federation of Miners' Association in Pantukan (FEDMAP) in Compostela Valley. Manrique is the fourth labor leader killed under Aquino’s Oplan Bayanihan.

Manrique was shot dead last April 12 at around 6:30 pm while having dinner at his residence in Napnapan village.

“Manrique’s death shows how brutal Oplan Bayanihan is. The government lets foreign mining corporations devastate our natural resources under the banner of development and murder whoever gets in their way,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.

Manrique is a known leader of an alliance against large scale mining group in Compostela Valley. He is known for opposing the mining operations of Nationwide Development Corporation (NADECOR) and the US-owned Russell Mining and Mineral Inc. He has led the campaign against the entry of Napnapan Mineral Resources Inc., which was allowed by the government to operate on a 4,912-hectare land, driving away small-scale miners.

“Aquino did not simply allow these giant mining corporations to operate in our lands but also gave them license to have private armies and conduct killing sprees against those who threaten their operations, whether armed rebels or civilians,” Soluta said.

“For all of Aquino’s boasts regarding Oplan Bayanihan’s so-called ‘pro-people approach,’ it is very obvious that this oplan is as brutal as Arroyo’s Oplan Bantay-Laya. Like its predecessor, it was designed to protect the interests of US investments in the country against the Filipino workers and people,” Soluta added.

KMU demanded justice for the killing of Manrique and condemned Pres. Aquino for allowing foreign mining corporations to rape our natural resources and killing our countrymen.