As the Marcos-Duterte administration was poised to deliver its fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) earlier today, people’s organizations, human rights groups, and environmental activists marched in the streets to demand full accountability for the government’s broken promises, massive corruption, and the aggressive push for pro-foreign and pro-corporate policies. The groups asserted that despite the split of the former UniTeam, both President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. and V

On this fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) registers its dismay over the wrongful and aggressive promotion of destructive mining by the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. Without any public consultations, PBBM will approve a Critical Minerals Framework that paves the way for more mining, especially of nickel, copper, and cobalt. This Critical Minerals Framework has not been seen or reviewed by affected communities and environmen

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) disputed claims about the so-called practice of “responsible mining,” saying it does not exist among mining-affected communities despite residents’ constant complaints and reports of violations by mining companies. Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, said, “Responsible mining is a deceptive fabrication by government and the mining industry to court public approval of mining activities. In reality, there is no such thing as responsible mining s

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) strongly condemns the decision by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to remove the anti-mining barricade in Barangay Ipilan, Brooke’s Point, Palawan. Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, stated: “This action suppresses the rights of residents and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. It prevents the community from collectively protecting their ancestral domain and cultural heritage from des

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) expressed strong support for Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao, Fr. Christian Dumangeng, and the community leaders involved in the barricade in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. These individuals are facing a lawsuit for alleged forcible entry due to the barricade they established in opposition to North Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation’s (NLMRC) mining exploration activities. Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, stated, “We condemn the filing of this Str

Community residents of MacArthur, Leyte, are dismayed by the outcome of the April 29 Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue concerning mining operations in their area, calling it a “failure” for lacking any concrete commitment to the pull-out of the gigantic cutter suction dredger and the cancellation of the mining contract of Strong Built Mining Development Corporation (SBMDC). Jesus Cabias, Founding Chairperson of Unahin Natin Lagi ang Diyos (Leyte), said, “We deeply resent the lack

On the occasion of Earth Day, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) called on the Philippine government to prioritize the legislation of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB) and the repeal of the flawed 1995 Mining Act to rationalize mining for national development and ensure environmental protection in mining-affected communities. Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator said, “Measures to address the climate crisis and ensure the survival of the planet should include reform

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) vowed to help ensure a safe space for human rights defenders (HRDs) as it joined a consortium of civil society and human rights organizations working towards strengthening protection mechanisms and networks for activists and community leaders. Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, said “In particular, HRDs fighting against environmental destruction and human rights violations caused by large-scale mining constantly face threats, intimidation,

Residents of Aroroy, Masbate, called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to reject the proposed expansion of mining operations on Mount Pajo by Filminera Resources Corporation and its Canadian partner B2Gold Corporation. Marylou Verano of Ang Aroroy ay Alagaan (4As) said, “Our community continues to suffer the detrimental effects of Filminera’s mining operations since 2008. We continue to experience water contamination, erosion, siltation, fish kills

Women community leaders from anti-mining barricades and members of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) held a flash mob at the gates of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to demand the cancellation of mining permits and a permanent stop to mining operations in their areas. Chanting “Ipamana, Huwag Ipamina” and "Ayaw namin sa large-scale mining", the protestors formed a human barricade, essentially bringing the barricades from their communities to the DENR office