As we are gathered here in Pagadian City, Mindanao, We, Subanen leaders and traditional chieftains from Zamboanga Peninsula extends our warmest greetings of solidarity with you - our brothers and sisters.

We are supporting your call for the revocation of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued hastily by Sec. Joselito Atienza without any basis to do so and despite clear opposition from your tribe and recognised local government officials that has repeatedly denied any large scale mining activity in your province enforcing a 25 year mining moratorium since 2002.

We are even aware of the disenfranchisement done to you as an indigenous community in the island province of Mindoro when the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) facilitated a Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) with a minority group of your tribe that paved the way for the entry of mining company Intex.  Yours is not an isolated case.

We Subanens experienced the same and much worse as the NCIP immorally created pseudo tribal  leaders and organisation where they obtained consent from for the benefit of mining company TVI Pacific to mine our ancestral domain in Zamboanga Peninsula and desecrated Mt. Canatuan, our sacred mountain.

Discrimination against us is still prevalent and we indigenous peoples should carry on with the struggle for genuine recognition our rights and fight on for our right to self-determination.

You definitely inspire us with your courageous action launching a hunger strike to cancel the ECC of Intex mining in Mindoro.  Let us draw inspiration from each other’s struggles.  May our ancestors continue to provide us wisdom and guidance.  Onward to victory!

 
In solidarity and in behalf of the conference leaders and delegates,

                           Timuay Lucenio Manda                                                                            Timuay Felimon Oyag

                           Gonotan Edwin Ending                                                                             Datu Mangura Roselito Bala