PROTECT & DEFEND | Sibuyan Island residents maintain vigilance against illegal mining

February 6, 2023 , 12:07 PM

(February 6, 2023) – Residents of Sibuyan Island on Monday vowed to continue standing their ground to block any attempt of conducting illegal mining activities in the area following their initial victory over the weekend.

Jhay Romero, a councilor of Barangay España in San Fernando, Romblon, said many residents are still on guard to ensure that the Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) will stop their activities on the island, which is also known as the “Galapagos of Asia.”

“Tuloy pa rin ang pagbarikada namin kasi nandiyan pa ang mga barko at mga trak (ng APMC). Binabantayan namin (para hindi) na makapasok ulit sa pier,” said Romero on ABS-CBN TeleRadyo’s Kabayan.

After a dialogue last Friday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) cited APMC over four offenses, including the cutting of trees that violated the 1975 Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines. APMC was directed to attend a technical conference in DENR Manila tomorrow.

Rodne Galicha, who represented environmental defenders during the dialogue, said the mining firm was also told to cease its operations “until all issues and concerns are addressed.” But he pointed out that “this is not yet a revocation of their exploration permit nor mineral production agreement.”

“The lack of transparency, coordination, and respect of national government agencies to the local government units were also discussed. PNP (Philippine National Police) will act on the behavior of the deployed team involved in the series of incidents upon filing of complaints,” said Galicha, who also leads the non-profit Living Laudato Si’.

Last Friday, at least two individuals were hurt during the violent dispersal of a human barricade. Romero stressed that police officers should not treat the residents as enemies because they are only fighting for the protection of the island they call home.

“Hindi kami natatakot,” maintained Romero.

In a statement, APMC maintained that it was “equally opposed to all forms of illegal, reckless, and irresponsible mining.” It maintained that it had “all the necessary permits and licenses to lawfully and peacefully conduct (the mining company’s) business in the area.”

But the Philippine Ports Authority ordered APMC to explain within five days the construction of their port in Sitio Bato. This came after San Fernando Mayor Nanette Tansingco and Bantay Kalikasan ng Sibuyan raised concerns.

Elizabeth Ibañez, the coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining, welcomed the outcome of the dialogue.

“(It) can be considered a small victory for the protestors who did not waver in their protest at the barricades and who persisted in demanding that the illegal activities of APMC stop,” said Ibañez.

Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment vowed to continue backing the locals of Sibuyan Island in fighting for nature’s protection.

“The experience of the Sibuyanons shows the power of collective action and how communities can unite to put destructive projects on hold,” said the environmental group. “There is still a long way to go to ensure that destructive operations are suspended for good.”

(PM)

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