Communities in fear for their culture with guerrilla groups ready to join the fight. Beneath southern Mindanaos spectacular volcanic ridges lies big money. The kind of spectacular wealth that Australias Western Mining Corporation are looking forward to harvesting. Yet the land is also ancestral land, home of the spirits of trees and rivers. The company have been quick to quiet locals fears. New community centres, houses and health clinics have sprung-up as a sign of the prosperity the mine could spread. Theyve even signed an agreement with local leaders in support of the mine. But many are changing their minds. Its well understood here that in the past troops have protected logging and other businesses against tribal hostilities. And theyre turning to rebel groups to ready themselves for a fight. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front are strong in Mindanao. We watch them training in full military regalia with plenty of firepower. Al Haj Murad is the guerrillas military leader. When locals speak, he listens...and he doesnt like what he hears about the WMC. It seems theres a real chance the companys presence here could re-ignite violence. Produced by ABC Australia Distributed by Journeyman Pictures
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 17:23:07 +0000
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