The Pro-environment group, Bayay Sibuyanon, releases statement after the Department of Environment and National Resources cancelled the operation of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation in the watersheds of San Fernando, Sibuyan Island, Romblon.
“We are elated with the action of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) decision to cancel the mining agreement of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation Corporation (APMC) in Sibuyan Island. This will definitely save our watersheds and the lives of the people in the island. Justice will finally be attained after almost 10 years of waiting after the death of our colleague in the anti-mining movement, Armin Marin.” the group said in a statement.
“We have successfully convinced mining giant BHP Billiton to pull-out its investment, however, we struggled for years to oppose APMC’s mining which is now owned by Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation (SNPDC), an entity backed by Australia-based Pelican Resources Ltd. SNPDC failed to sell the mining right to British Virgin Island-based Dynamo Atlantic Ltd.” they added.
“Now, we commend DENR Secretary Gina Lopez for her courageous act to save our island and other areas in the country. For us, this is genuine social justice and the good secretary is just genuinely doing her job following the Philippine Consitution’s mandate to uphold our rights to a healthful and balanced ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. We firmly endorse her formal appointment as secretary of DENR.” they added.
Altai Philippines Mining Corporation is one of 75 mining companies who faces cancellation before the Department of Environment and National Resources.
