Save Mt. Kanlaon

MT. KANLAON IS LIFE MURDERED BY
RAPACIOUS AND CONSCIENCELESS CAPITALISTS

PUNyaL Statement (Philippine Union for National Liberation)

When we look at Mt. Kanlaon, we see a gasping paradise for myriad species of animals and plants eking out a tottering existence on little more than a patch of what was once a thriving forest. When we stare in amazement at the dominating form of the majestic volcano, we see the center of a vast environmental network that has supported life for farming villages and communities and maintained ecological balance.

Yet, the Lopez-controlled Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is poised to change all these. The EDC has started to cut down trees in the 169-hectare buffer zone of the protected Mt. Kanlaon National Park (MKNP) for geothermal exploration. Aside from the fact that this is plainly illegal, as the buffer zone is considered a protected area by Republic Acts 7586 and 9154, the geothermal exploration threatens the fragile ecosystem of the island of Negros. And for what? The primodial concern for the Lopezes, for which everything else must be subordinated, is nothing more than crass monopolistic profit in the energy sector.

We condemn this wanton destruction of a vital life support for the people of Negros in the name of capitalistic gain. We condemn this genocidal drive for profit that trifles with the lives of many for the enrichment of a few. This licensed murder must be stopped NOW!

We support the legal struggle waged by the Task Force Kanlaon in seeking to enjoin, before the Regional Trial Court of Bacolod City, the unabated geothermal exploration by the EDC within the MKNP buffer zone. In addition to that, we join the growing mass campaign to save Mt. Kanlaon, which is part of our struggle against capitalist exploitation and our fight for social justice, sustainable development and inter-generational responsibility.

Let us not test the wrath of nature. For when it comes its destructive force shall make no distinction between rich and poor.

SAVE MOUNT KANLAON. STOP THE GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION!