ATM Solidarity Statement for Sibuyan Envi Defenders
ATM Press Statement | October 10, 2023
Alyansa Tigil Mina extends its full support to the residents of Sibuyan Island, Romblon who are currently holding a vigil at the DENR grounds. We stand in solidarity with them in their demand for the revocation of the exploration permit and cancellation of the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) of Altai Philippines Mining Corp. (APMC).
Over the years, we have fought together with Sibuyan environmental defenders for the preservation of their island's rich mineral and natural resources. We have witnessed the brave and unrelenting struggle of the Sibuyanons against the destruction brought by large scale mining.
We laud the residents of the island for their hard work and dedication from gathering pertinent information to crafting education materials to physically risking their lives in the barricades in order to stop the illegal operations of Altai Mining.
We call on the DENR to address the demands of the Sibuyan residents who have already employed various approaches to get government to act on the violations and devastation done by mining companies. The DENR must urgently revoke the exploration permit and cancel the MPSA of Altai Mining.
The Galapagos of Asia must not be protected for future generations to enjoy. Mining should have no place in the verdant and mineral-rich island of Sibuyan.
