Krusada probes mining in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines - Palawan is considered as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the Philippines. It boasts of pristine beaches and rich and thick forests. Yet it is also home to large mining operations that threaten to destroy its natural resources.

Tonight in Krusada, ABS-CBN correspondent Abner Mercado (photo) will expose mining in Palawan through the eyes of farmers in Narra, whose farmlands have been severely damaged and poisoned by mining.

Abner will also study the Philippine Mining Act and revisit the Marcopper toxic mine disaster in 1996, the largest industrial accident in the Philippines.

Many have stood up against mining in Palawan, like slain broadcast journalist and environmentalist Dr. Gerry Ortega. Ortega was actively campaigning against mining before he was killed last January in Puerto Princesa. He encouraged residents to protect their lands from huge mining companies knowing what mining has already done to the nature and the livelihood of residents of Palawan.

In his sudden demise, will his crusade be over as well?