“18 years after Marcopper minespill, Marinduqueños still thirsting for justice’, 25 March 2014

In 2005, the local government of Marinduque filed a case against Placer Dome in the United States. Last year, its new owner Barrick Gold offered a US$ 20-million settlement with a condition that the petitioners, including Philippine government agencies, waive their accountabilities and responsibilities with regard to the disaster…Eighteen years ago, on March 24, the Marcopper tailings dam collapsed, unleashing tons of toxic minespill…Despite the 18 years that passed, justice and rehabilitation still elude the victims of the Marcopper toxic mine tragedy…“If this happens, the responsibilities of Marcopper, Placer Dome and Barrick Gold will be passed on to the government—this will result in a conflict between affected communities and the government,”…[a leader in Marinduque] said. The petitioners and the people are united in rejecting the settlement offer by Barrick Gold. They are also united against waiving their cases…