The fight against mining in Sibuyan continues as protesting residents formally filed a petition before the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) today, demanding the cancellation of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation’s (APMC) Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA).
“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, Executive Director of Living Laudato Si, pointed out that even DENR has acknowledged the company’s violations.
“DENR itself has found that Altai Mining violated several laws due to their construction of structures that have no Environmental Compliance Certificate, lack of a foreshore lease agreement, and unauthorized cutting of trees. These are precisely the reasons why the agency issued a Cease and Desist Order against the company,” he explained.
Despite this, the mining contract remains intact.
“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 Atty. Aaron Pedrosa of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), who serves as the petitioners’ legal counsel.
For two years, residents have maintained a human barricade to block mining activities. They have staged vigils, submitted petition letters, and engaged in dialogues with DENR officials, but their demands remain unanswered.
“We are exhausting all means to absolutely stop mining in our island, which is known for its biodiversity and hailed as the ‘Galapagos of Asia,’” said Fr. Francis Fornal, a parish priest based in Sibuyan. He added that local government units have repeatedly passed ordinances and resolutions opposing large-scale mining.
“The people of Sibuyan stand firm against mining in our island,” he stressed. “Our local governments have repeatedly expressed opposition, which is required by law for any mining operation to proceed.”
Church leaders are also backing the movement. Fr. Ethelbert Magbata, Director of Romblon Diocesan Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Affairs, reaffirmed their support.
“Together with our bishop and clergy of the Diocese of Romblon, we stand with Sibuyanons in protecting the integrity of creation. We call on the DENR to cancel Altai’s mining agreement. The Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM) also renews its commitment to opposing mining in the province and urges the government to prioritize eco-tourism and agriculture instead,” he said in a statement.
Despite legal threats, activists remain steadfast. Environmental defender Fabert Reyes noted that anti-mining advocates have faced harassment charges from Altai in an attempt to silence them.
“We will not be restrained from voicing out our demands and exposing the destruction caused by mining in Sibuyan,” he said.
Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), expressed solidarity with the residents.
“We laud the people of Sibuyan for their bravery and fully support their demands. We call on DENR Secretary Loyzaga to decide, once and for all, to cancel Altai’s MPSA,” said during the press conference.
