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In the early evening of March 6, 2008, members of the New People’s
Army successfully disarmed security guards of Apex Mining Company in
Maco, Province of Compostela Valley. The NPA seized five M16 riffles
and several other firearms before burning four low-profile trucks
(used to haul gold ore) and one payloader.
This is the type of happenings that lands
Compostela Valley in the national news. Collapse of mine tunnels in
the Diwalwal gold rush area trapping miners, or the recent pursuit
of a JI terrorist through Compostela Valley’s coastal towns add to
the province’s image as “Wild West,” a lawless place to be
avoided.
The NPA’s Front Two is located in Compostela
Valley, and the rebels continued strength is tied to the area’s
importance in raising funds for the NPA. The gold mining operations
remain relatively unregulated by authorities, local and national
alike. Giving a share of the ore, the gold or the cash to the NPA in
exchange for not getting riddled with bullets or not having one’s
heavy equipment torched is a reasonable deal to many. Abundance of
gold-rich ore ensures quick recovery of losses.
Considering this abundance, it seemed neither
extravagant nor eccentric when Gov. Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy had a
1.3 kg solid gold ring known as the Solidarity Ring made to
symbolize the unity of Compostela Valley’s municipalities.
Despite the gold, however, poverty and
underdevelopment persist. Counting in kilometers, the rural villages
are not really remote, but the absence of a good quality road
network turns these communities into hinterlands. Basic services are
lacking and the NPA can more easily gain influence. Malnutrition and
lack of access to quality education are among the common problems.
The barangays operate on meager annual budget
allocations of typically about P1 million. The funds cover salaries
and allowances of barangay officials and personnel, small
infrastructure projects, repair works, supplemental feeding programs
and purchase of medicines, among others. Ms. Esterlita Bermoy Bas,
the lone daycare teacher in Brgy. Dumlan, Maco, receives a P1,000
allowance from the barangay. She reports to the daycare center
everyday. Moved by Ms. Esterlita’s enthusiasm and passion for
giving the children more than just a place to stay, Brgy. Chairman
Pedro Atablanco, Jeannette Juntilla, the Maco municipal local
government officer, and Maj. Rolando Rodil of the Philippine
Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion extended their personal support to
make the daycare center the small oasis of hope and dreams that it
has become.
In Maco town proper, Mayor Arthur Carlos
Voltaire Rimando personally led the planting of mangrove seedlings.
Local government officer Jeannette Juntilla, whose level of
involvement in, commitment to and passion for community development,
is a lot higher than we find in most government officials, had
mobilized various sectors to join the activity. The seedlings were
donated by a National Power Corporation power barge, while the
planting was done by local residents, barangay officials, the local
police led by chief of police Police Sr. Insp. Adolfo Eyan, the
army, the local environment officer, and high school students. After
a simple program we all walked down to the seashore—where we were
met with the unpleasant stench of garbage and effluents. There used
to be mountains of garbage, here the CENRO officer told me. The town
then passed a solid waste management ordinance to address the
problem. Waste segregation is now being done at source.
Compostela Valley, 10 years after it became a
province, may not have been able to rid itself of the NPA. Gov.
Chiongkee Uy was surprised when police and military officials in a
recent briefing reported to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that a
substantial number of barangays in ComVal remain NPA-infested.
Governor Uy wants to see a progressive ComVal. Red tape is being
cut, and the governor has established a committee that will tackle
the environmental destruction caused by the mining operations. The
agri fair at the capitol grounds in connection with the celebration
of the province’s 10th founding anniversary gave a taste of the
diversity and potentials that the province has to offer.
The NPA might have succeeded in destroying the
equipment of a mining firm that refused to give in to extortion
demands, but on the ground, committed government officials are
working hand in hand to make Compostela Valley a safer, cleaner and
more progressive place for its residents and visitors.
mlatimes@gmail.com
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