MANILA, Feb 9 (Reuters) - The Philippines' environment minister said on Thursday her decision to close or suspend several mines stands.
"My stand right now, given what I know, is that there should be no mining in watersheds," Regina Lopez told a media briefing.
An inter-agency mining council, of which Lopez is a member, also assured those who will be affected by the closure and suspension of mines, including displaced workers, that they will be assisted by the government.