ATM Supports #SibuyanRedTuesday: Walk for God’s creation
ATM Press Statement | July 26, 2022
Members of Alyansa Tigil Mina joined the #SibuyanRedTuesday: Walk for God’s creation in solidarity with the residents of Sibuyan Island who are bringing their issue against mining at the national level through a prayerful gathering and march to the DENR.
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator said “we fully support the Sibuyanons in their fight against destructive and large-scale mining in their island.” He noted that “Sibuyan is known for its rich biodiversity and flora and fauna, which are all being threatened by mining operations.”
“Kapag matuloy ang pagmimina sa Sibuyan, maapektuhan ang kabuhayan ng mga tao dahil ang kanilang trabaho ay nakadepende sa yamang-dagat, lupa ng palayan, kopra, at mga pananim na gulay,” said Kagawad Donato Rada Royo
(“If mining proceeds in Sibuyan, the livelihoods of the residents will be affected as their work relies on the sea, ricefields, copra and vegetables,” said Councilor Donato Rada Royo.)
He also pointed out that Mt. Guiting-guiting is a declared protected area and therefore must not be touched by any mining activity.
“Nananawagan kami ng agarang aksyon na ipatigil ang large scale mining sa Sibuyan dahil ito ay tinututulan ng karamihan. Ito ay papatay sa buhay at ikinabubuhay ng mga mamamayan sa Sibuyan. Ito ay taliwas sa priority project ng pangulo, congressman, gobernador, at bise gobernador na turismo,” said Elizabeth Ibanez, resident of Sibuyan.
(“We call for immediate action to stop large scale mining in Sibuyan because many are against it. Mining will kill life and the livelihoods of the citizens of Sibuyan. Mining is contrary to the priority project of the President, the Congressman, Governor and Vice-Governor, which is tourism,” said Elizabeth Ibanez, resident of Sibuyan.)
Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) was granted a 25-year Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) on December 23, 2009, one of the midnight deals of former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza. In 2011, its operations were suspended due to lack of social acceptability; however, the cease and desist order was lifted in September 2021 after the issuance of Executive Order 130.
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