NEWSFLASH

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B'LAAN TRIBE BLOCKS AUSTRALIAN MINING ACCESS ROADS

Davao City, Nov. 18, 1997 - Thousands of B'laans have been blocking two major roads leading to the base camp of the Western Mining Corporation in Sultan Kudarat, effectively hampering normal operations.

The B'laans were working for the mining company until last September, when exploratory work was finished and their services were terminated.

The tribe set up barricades last October, demanding separation pay totalling P1 million from the Australian-owned WMC. They also want compensation for the destruction of the streams, rivers, fields and springs which were affected by the exploration.

According to the Manila Times, the B'laans had been promised compensation thrice.

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