Lifting of open-pit mining ban in South Cotabato, criticized. Three thousand individuals protested in South Cotabato last May 19 against the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s decision to lift the 12-year ban on the destructive open-pit mining in the province. The decision was prompted by the Duterte regime and Sagittarius Mining Inc. so that operations of the $6-billion Tampakan Copper-Gold Mine project can commence. For the residents, environmental groups and the church, supposed income for indigenous groups from the project cannot compensate the environmental destruction and possible cultural disruption of the B’laan and Manobo the project could cause.

Filipinos in Australia shout: Marcos not welcome! Activists and “kakampinks” welcomed Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s secret vacation last May 16 in Victoria One Building in Melbourne, Australia with protests. According to them, “tax evaders are not welcome here!” They criticized the return of the Marcoses in power and said that the dictator’s family is not welcome in Australia.