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Sibuyan Island residents rejoice as DENR orders APMC to halt mining

The DENR specifically ordered the APMC to “cease and desist” from the construction and operation of its causeway.

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After several days of anti-mining demonstrations, residents of Sibuyan Island celebrated as the Altai Philippines Mining Company (APMC) was allegedly instructed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to halt all mining activities, according to Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM).

APMC is associated with Sen. Win Gatchalian and his brother Rex Gatchalian.

The situation on the island became highly charged when two residents were injured during a police dispersal of a human barricade set up to block mining trucks.

According to ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garganera, “The DENR Order suspending the current operations of APMC is a clear victory for the people of Sibuyan. Without the firm resistance of Sibuyan residents and environmental defenders, we doubt if the DENR will lift a finger on the violations of the APMC.”

The DENR specifically ordered APMC to “cease and desist” from the construction and operation of its causeway. It also suspended the transport permit for ore from APMC and rejected its request for a miscellaneous lease agreement. The office in Romblon was instructed to investigate any potential harm to sea grass and other marine resources.

The mining company may face legal consequences, if appropriate, for cutting trees without proper authorization. DENR’s order was signed on Monday but was not made public until Tuesday.

APMC announced on Monday that it would be voluntarily suspending mining operations and pledged its commitment to environmental responsibility and cooperation with government agencies. Previously, the DENR had issued a Notice of Violation to the company for not following various regulations, including a lack of an Environmental Compliance Certificate.

The Senate is now investigating mining in Sibuyan, which has been dubbed the “Galapagos of Asia” due to its rich plant and animal life and is home to threatened bird species in Mt. Guiting-Guiting National Park.

The inhabitants of Sibuyan are demanding a halt to mining exploration. They claim that the extraction of nickel ore will negatively impact both the pristine ecosystems of the island and the livelihoods of local residents.

Elizabeth Ibañez, coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining, told Philstar.com in a phone interview, “We are seeing that our island is being destroyed, but no one is responding. There is still no positive action being taken by the concerned government agencies.”

“Almost 100% of the people on Sibuyan Island, especially in Barangays España and Taclobo [in the town of San Fernando], do not want the mine because it will destroy the environment and affect livelihoods,” she added.

The proposed project is planned to be built in the villages of España and Taclobo. The mine pits and related facilities, such as a causeway, storage areas, waste dumps, and settling ponds, will be located in both of these communities, according to the project scoping description.

Ibañez said the locations of the proposed project are “highly susceptible” to landslides.

Sibuyan residents have erected a barrier in front of the pier being built by APMC to prevent the company from conducting its mining explorations.

According to Ibañez, the residents are calling on the mining firm to show proof of their barangay clearance, a business permit from the municipality, a DENR foreshore lease contract, and permission from the Philippine Ports Authority to construct a private port, which she claims the company does not have.

Filipino environmentalist and human rights activist, Rodne Galicha recently reported the arrival of a bulk carrier. This is the bulk carrier that will be used to transport 50,000 metric tons of nickel ore, which Ibañez warned would harm the fish breeding grounds.

The municipal councils of San Fernando, Cajidiocan, and Magdiwang in Romblon joined forces to release a joint resolution that vehemently opposed large-scale metallic mining on Sibuyan Island. They have also petitioned President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the national legislature to declare Sibuyan Island a “no-go zone” for such activities.

As all of this was occurring, netizens plagued Gatchialian’s Facebook account with comments.

Altai Philippines Mining CompanyDENRElizabeth Ibañezrex gatchalianSibuyan IslandWin Gatchalian

Written by Charles Teves

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