Mining mayhem triggers eco-disaster in Zambales

Our latest offering is a two-part report on the mining mayhem that is now unfolding in Zambales province, one of the areas hardest hit by Typhoon Kiko last week. Earlier last year, the people of Zambales had endured a similar tragedy when Typhoon Cosme struck.

Zambales, widely held to be rich in nickel, chrome, gold and other mineral deposits, has lured a bevy of mining companies big and small. But the surge in mining operations, as the first part of the report reveals, is now taking its toll on the livelihood, the environment, and the safety and well-being of the residents. (Also see sidebar: “Jobs, mines, power, violence“)

Today when typhoons visit Zambales, an eerie scene engulfs most of the towns – floodwaters rising so fast and so high, and blood-colored water rushing down from upstream, breaching riverbanks in some places, and inundating ricefields.

This report was written by multimedia journalist Jaileen F. Jimeno – former PCIJ deputy executive director and program manager of highly acclaimed public-affairs programs on GMA-7.