Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) expressed disappointment over the “resolution of no objection” of the local government of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, to the application for a special tree-cutting and earth-balling permit by Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation (MMDC) despite firm opposition from the town’s residents. Rick John Guillarte of ATM’s Youth Network and Cantilan’s Baywatch Foundation-Youth, said “The people of Cantilan have spoken: NO to tree cutting. Yet our lo

Residents of MacArthur, Leyte celebrated the complete withdrawal of the humongous cutter suction dredger that was intended for black sand mining in their community. Many residents kept vigil and joined a Thanksgiving Rally on August 24 as they monitored the dredger’s departure. Brenie Morcilla of Unahin Natin Lagi ang Diyos (UNLAD-Leyte) said, “Masaya kami dahil sa wakas nagkabunga na ang pinagpaguran ng mga anti- mining groups. Sa dami ng dialogues at meeting sa DENR, dagdag

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) expresses its indignation over the Office of the President’s Executive Order No. 122, which establishes a national policy framework for developing the critical minerals industry and reorganizes the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC). First, we reject EO 122 for shamefully promoting “sustainable mining” when it has been clearly debunked as a concept. Second, PBBM’s overly optimistic view of critical minerals without a clear industrial pol

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) strongly condemned the warrantless arrests of three environmental human rights defenders watching over the people’s barricade against the North Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation (NLMRC) in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, said, “We suspect these arrests made early this morning are meant to weaken and ultimately quell the communities‘ resistance against NLMRC’s exploration activities.” Dozens of members of the Philipp

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) lauds the victorious resistance by the residents of MacArthur, Leyte that has caused the pullout of the gigantic cutter suction dredger from their farmlands. Were it not for the firm and persistent efforts of the people of MacArthur, the humongous dredger would now be plowing through their farmlands and destroying their crops. Instead, the dredger is on its way back to China – a clear triumph for the residents who loudly opposed black sand mining and

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) warned against the open-pit gold and copper mining project in Davao de Oro by the Villar-led Kingking Mining Corporation (KMC), saying destructive impacts could be overlooked due to the vast influence of the Villar political dynasty. Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, said, “The Villar’s 40 percent stake in the Kingking project and their deeply entrenched political power is a clear conflict of interest.” “We are concerned that accountabi

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) hails the Resolution by the Sangguniang Bayan of San Fernando recalling its endorsement of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation’s application for mining operations in Barangay España, Sibuyan Island, Romblon. We laud the residents and local chief executives of Sibuyan Island for strongly denouncing the SB’s earlier Resolution endorsing APMC’s mining operations. Their persistent and unwavering campaign to stop mining on their island has led to the SB’s

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