Women leaders from anti-mining barricades protest at DENR; Demand mining permit cancellations
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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 to ensure that their demands are heard and acted upon.
“We are here, right at the doors of the DENR, to bring the issues and complaints from our barricades,” said Elizabeth Ibañez of Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM). “We are here to exact accountability from DENR, which is supposed to ensure that the environment and our rights are protected.”
“As our experiences have shown, mining permits are marred with irregularities, with mining companies violating environmental laws and processes. These permits must be cancelled immediately,” said Brenie Morcilla of Unahin Natin Lagi and Diyos (UNLAD-Leyte).
The leaders travelled all the way from MacArthur, Leyte; Manicani Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar; Homonhon Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar; and Sibuyan Island, Romblon.
Carmi Macapagao of Homonhon Environmental Advocates and Rights Defenders (HEARD) stated, “We will persist in protesting against mining activities to preserve our natural resources for the next generations.”
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Cabal of Protect Manicani Island Society Inc. (PROMISI) called on legislators to repeal the flawed Mining Act of 1995 and pass the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB). “We need a mining law that prioritizes the protection of the environment and communities and ensures that mining serves our national development.”
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, echoed Cabal’s calls as he criticized the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. for its aggressive push for large-scale mining and approving a huge number of mining contracts since he took office.
Data from Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) show that as of January 31, 2026, 31 Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs), 56 Exploration Permits (EPs), and 88 Mineral Processing Permits have been approved since 2022.
“It is high time the government acknowledged the harms of large-scale mining and shifted away from extractivism. Our country needs to pursue a development path that promotes sustainable agriculture and protects the livelihoods and rights of communities,” Garganera concluded.
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