ALYANSA TIGIL MINA
A coalition of organizations and groups
who have decided to collectively challenge
the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines.
WE ARE AGAINST MINING AS IT IS BEING PRACTICED TODAY.
The alliance aims to shift the policy framework on extracting minerals in the Philippines, from simply "extracting and profiting from mining minerals" to "mineral management towards national industrialization".
Sibuyan Island residents praised for a year of successful people’s barricade against mining
Alyansa Tigil Mina lauds the residents of Sibuyan Island for their perseverance in resisting the mining operations of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) as the people of the “Galapagos of Asia” commemorate the first-year anniversary of their protest camp or people’s barricade.
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, noted the “exemplary resolve and consistent protest actions of the people of Sibuyan” as he enjoined other mining-affected communities to band together and resist destructive mining operations in their areas.
“The residents of Sibuyan never wavered in their fight to protect their environment and way of life, even in the face of threats and harrassments by security forces,” Garganera said.
“They have shown the true power of collectively challenging illegal and destructive mining operations as they continue to demand a stop to the mining operations of APMC and the cancellation of the company’s contract,” he added. “May their struggle inspire other communities to firmly resist together.”
According to Rodne Galicha, Executive-Director of Living Laudato Si and among the organizers of the protest camp, “communities, families, and indigenous people have successfully manned our people’s barricade and have actively sought out sustainable alternatives to promote local development.”
“We’ve explored ecotourism, traditional agriculture, sustainable livelihoods and conservation efforts as viable means of economic growth and community empowerment,” Galicha said. “By focusing on these alternative avenues, the residents of Sibuyan Island are demonstrating that they can achieve progress without compromising the environment or sacrificing their cultural heritage.”
Galicha said that their actions are testament to the “resolve of a united community that values the preservation of the environment and sustainable development.”
“This incredible feat should inspire other communities in the Philippines that face similar challenges to come together, stand up for their rights, and seek alternative paths for progress,” Galicha said.
He added that the struggle against mining is “an opportunity to raise global awareness about the importance of environmental protection and the need for sustainable practices in the face of ever-increasing industrial development.”
Sibuyan is renowned for its rich biodiversity with more than 80% of the island covered in forest. It is home to various endemic species, making it ever more important to safeguard its fragile ecosystems.
Galicha said the “mining operation’s potential to devastate this unique landscape is truly alarming.” He added that “deforestation, erosion, soil and water pollution – these are all harms that we have seen firsthand or heard about across the Philippines.”
In February 2023, the Philippine government ordered APMC to suspend its operations on the Island, following alleged violations of environmental regulations.
The company not only failed to obtain documents required to construct the causeway for transporting nickel ore from the mining site, but a government inspection also confirmed allegations from the community that trees had been illegally felled to build the port to export the nickel ore from the country.
This discovery fueled the determination of local communities to join together and block mining trucks leaving the site.
A Writ of Kalikasan was later issued by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals has been instructed to receive evidence and conduct legal processes.
“APMC’s illicit activities not only violated regulations and environmental standards but also suggested a disregard for transparency and the rule of law. Allowing mining operations to proceed unchecked would have set a dangerous precedent, potentially setting the stage for further ecological and legal violations,” Galicha concluded.
FEATURED STORIES
PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR CAMPAIGN
Alyansa Tigil Mina won the Pinduteros Choice Award for Human Rights Campaign. This campaign aims to support the struggle of the communities from Didipio, Kasibu, Province of Nueva Vizcaya in hoping for the non-renewal of the FTAA of OceanaGold. This initiative of ATM started after the expiration of the Financial Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) #1 of OceanaGold Philippines Incorporated last June 20, 2019.
#HumanRights #StopMininginDidipio by ATM
PINDUTEROS CHOICE FOR HR EVENT
Alyansa Tigil Mina together with PUP SEED won the Pinduteros Choice Award for Human Rights Event. This event was one of the events to support the struggle of the communities from Didipio, Kasibu, Province of Nueva Vizcaya under the campaign of #StopMiningInDidipio to call the attention of OceanaGold to stop their operations because they don't have any legal permits.
#HumanRights - Day of International Solidarity Against OceanaGold Ph Inc. -SEED/ATM
PLEASE SIGN! PETITION: Cancel OceanaGold's Mining Contract NOW
Respect the people’s will! Stop illegal operations in Didipio mines!
Environmental and human rights groups in the Philippines support the resistance led by the Didipio Earth Savers Movement (DESAMA) and Didipio-Watch against destructive and irresponsible mining in Nueva Vizcaya.
Last 21 June 2019, farmers and indigenous peoples from the village of Didipio, in Kasibu town, Nueva Vizcaya set-up a peoples barricade to prevent the illegal operations of Didipio mines, owned by OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI). OGPI’s mining contract (Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement # 1) expired last June 20, 2019, and failed to secure a renewal of this agreement.
Vote: bit.ly/endminingindidipio
Women And Mining in Asia Newsletter
Wishing the entire WAMA family a very happy new year. As we get motivated to renew and strengthen our work and movement in 2019, let us also relive some moments from the action- packed year that has been 2018. And so, we present to you the second issue of our newsletter, which summarises the events from the last three months, i.e October- December 2018.
Read more: https://www.alyansatigilmina.net/single-post/2019/01/21/Second-Issue-of-the-WAMA-Newsletter
◄
1 / 1
►
NEWS ON MINING
STORIES OF STRUGGLE FROM SITES OF STRUGGLES
Mining in Zambales
Mining in South Cotabato
Mining in Palawan
FEATURED VIDEOS
Protection of human rights defenders of the Lenca People of El Salvador and Honduras
Rights violations and threats are encouraged by a corrupt institutional environment, in which states do not put into action the mechanisms necessary to condemn rights violations commited by the companies.
Jaybee Garganera delivering the Joint Oral Statement of Franciscans International and Forum-Asia
Palawan Brooke's Point Pastor against mining
Add some info about this item
◄
1 / 1
►
CONNECT WITH US:
VOLUNTEER
LEARN
CONNECT WITH US
Visit the ATM website and other mining-related sites to be updated with latest developments on mining issues. You can help mainstream our advocacy by sharing this information with others.
OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY - FRIDAY
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
ADDRESS
Unit 223 St. Anthony Building, 891 Aurora Blvd. cor. Cambridge St., Brgy.
E. Rodriguez, Cubao
Quezon City, Philippines
CONTACT US
(02) 917-3794