Residents of Sibuyan Island in Romblon held a grand rally on Sunday against the alleged illegal mining operations of Altai Mining Company at San Fernando, Romblon.
They are demanding the national government to immediately stop the mining firm’s operations which they say are destructive to the island’s ecosystem.
“We demand swift action from the local governments of the province and municipalities, and the pertinent government agencies such as the DENR and BFAR to stop the mining operations of the company and hold them accountable for their illegal activities,” according to Elizabeth Ibañez, Coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM).
Meanwhile, Rodne Galicha, resident of Sibuyan island and Executive-Director of Living Laudatu Si. said that the national government showed disrespect to the local government and communities.
“The DENR lacks sense of urgency to protect one of our country's last ecological frontiers. We will continue to hold the line, it is our duty to protect the island, its sensitive ecosystems and the rights of our people to a healthy and balanced ecology,” Galicha said.
While the grand rally is happening, residents continue to barricade the port being constructed by Altai Philippines Mining Company in Sitio Bato España, San Fernando, Romblon to stop the mining firm from operating.
According to Ibañez, the protesters are demanding that the mining company produce the following documents: barangay clearance, municipal business permit, DENR foreshore lease contract, and PPA permit to construct a private port.
“As far as we know, Altai Mining Company does not have these documents. What they are doing therefore is illegal. Their activities must immediately stop, especially that the residents of Sibuyan are opposed to any large-scale mining in the region,” she added.
Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina, said that “authorities must listen to the clamor of the people of Sibuyan. The demands of the Sibuyan residents should be prioritized over the interests of the mining company, moreso that the latter is violating the regulations and laws on mining.”
The Sangguniang Bayan of San Fernando, Cajidiocan and Magdiwang in Romblon issued a joint resolution in June 2022 opposing metallic large-scale mining in the island.
They are requesting to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and the Philippine Congress to declare Sibuyan island free from large-scale metallic mining and also called DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga to immediately “review, halt, revoke and reject all mining agreements, operation, and applications within the territorial jurisdiction”.
In a facebook post, San Fernando mayor Nanette Tansingco said that matters are being taken cared of and legal actions are being done and will be done.
“As we face one of our island's greatest battles, please know that we are one in protecting our only home. But, know also that we have different functions. As your Municipal Mayor, my function is to abide by the laws and execute them. Rest assured that matters are being taken cared of and legal actions are being done and will be done, with or without postings in social media,” according to the Mayor.
