ATM Expresses Support to Sibuyanons Anti-Mining Drive

ATM Press Statement | July 7, 2021

Alyansa Tigil Mina expressed solidarity today with the people of Sibuyan who are holding a prayer-caravan to gather signatures against mining in the island.

“We fully support the campaign activities by the residents of Sibuyan as they exercise local autonomy and generate support for their anti-mining position. Government and mining companies should take heed of the sentiments of the people and not force unwanted mining operations in the island,” said Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator.

Beth Ibanez, Sibuyanon Against Mining (SAM) Coordinator, said “through our efforts, we also hope that the local government units from the provincial, municipal and barangays of the whole of Romblon, issue a resolution against mining.” She said the Barangay Council of Taclobo and Espana as well as the Sangguniang Bayan of San Fernando and Magdiwang have already issued resolutions against mining.

Sibuyanons held a symposium, mass and ecumenical prayer today as part of their efforts to generate resounding clamor against mining. The initiative aims to inform the public of the continued operations of Altai Phils. Mining Inc. and the negative impacts of mining on the environment and communities.

Upon the lifting of the Cease and Desist Order by the Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) last September 2021, mining has again become active in the region. Altai Phils. Mining Inc. resumed its mining activities and is currently going around the barangays to convince residents of the supposed benefits of mining.

“However, anti-mining residents have also again started to conduct an information drive on the harmful impacts of mining. We are also leading actions and coordinating with local officials to ensure that Altai Mining ceases to operate,” Ibanez said. “At present, we have the support of other faith groups as well as anti-mining groups all over the province.”

Through the initiative, the residents of Sibuyan hopes to reach concerned national agencies and register their firm resistance against mining. They vow to reach out to as many groups and individuals in order to broaden the movement against mining.

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