1 week ago
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RESIDENTS of Sibuyan Island in Romblon filed a petition before the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) demanding the cancellation of the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) of Altai Philippines Mining Corp. (APMC).
"We are filing this petition because the DENR has so far remained deaf to all of our efforts to have the MPSA cancelled. We hope that this petition, which contains all the violations of Altai, will compel the DENR to act on the issue," said Elizabeth Ibañez, coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM).
Rodne Galicha, Living Laudato Si' executive director, said the DENR itself found the mining firm violating several laws in their construction of structures without the necessary Environmental Compliance Certificate, absence of a foreshore lease agreement, and cutting trees without a permit.
"These are precisely the reasons why it has issued a cease-and-desist order against the company." said Galicha, who seemed to be referring to the DENR's cease and desist order against Altai Philippines in February 2023 for violation of environmental laws.
However, Altai Philippines' MPSA remains in place until now.
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"It is totally unacceptable that Altai continues to have mining rights in Sibuyan when it has shown total disrespect to government laws and regulations and caused damage to the environment and communities," said lawyer Aaron Pedrosa, legal counsel of the petitioners.
Fr. Francis Fornal, a Sibuyan-based parish priest, said the residents are "exhausting all means" to stop mining in the island, which is known for its rich biodiversity and dubbed as the "Galapagos of Asia."
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) said the residents have been sending petition letters to Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, having dialogues with DENR representatives, conducting vigils and protest actions at the DENR office, and doing a human barricade for two years now.
Fr. Fornal also mentioned that local government units (LGUs) in the island have been issuing resolutions and ordinances opposing mining.
"The people of Sibuyan stand firm against mining on our island. Our local governments have repeatedly expressed opposition to large-scale mining, which is required by law for any mining operations to happen," he said.
According to Fr. Ethelbert Magbata, director of the Romblon Diocesan Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Affairs, the Diocese of Romblon supports the call of Sibuyan residents' call for the DENR to cancel Altai Philippines' MPSA. He added that the Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (Refam), composed of various faith groups, remains committed to opposing mining in the province and urging the government to prioritize agriculture and eco-tourism instead.
Environmental defender Fabert Reyes shared that while some of those who oppose mining were charged with harassment by Altai, they remain committed to the cause.
"We will not be restrained from voicing out our demands and from raising the destruction caused by mining in Sibuyan," he said.
ATM National Coordinator Jaybee Garganera expressed their support for the Sibuyan residents and echoed their call to the DENR.
"We laud the Sibuyan people for their bravery, and we fully support them in their demands. We call on DENR Secretary Loyzaga to decide, once and for all, to cancel Altai's MPSA."
