Hontiveros calls for probe into mining activities on Sibuyan Island

FILE PHOTO: An anti-mining protester is being pulled by an anti-riot police officer on Friday, February 3, 2023, as hauling trucks of a mining firm forced their way through a barricade set up by groups opposing mining operations on Sibuyan Island in Romblon province. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALYANSA TIGIL MINA

MANILA, Philippines — A resolution seeking an inquiry about the mining activities and scuffle on Sibuyan Island in Romblon was lodged in the Senate on Monday.

Senate Resolution No. 459, filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros, calls on the upper chamber to look into the matter, noting that lawmakers “should hear all stakeholders and unravel the layers of issues that have plagued Sibuyan island for decades.”

“Hindi dapat nauuwi sa karahasan ang mapayapang pagtutol ng mga residente sa pang-hihimasok ng mga kumpanyang nagmimina sa sarili nilang tahanan. Gusto lamang protektahan ng mga residente ang likas-yaman sa kanilang lugar. The residents are well within their rights to protest,” the opposition senator said in a statement.

(The peaceful resistance of residents against the intrusion of mining companies into their homes should not have ended in violence, The residents just want to protect the natural resources of their place. The residents are well within their rights to protest.)

“The Senate should hear all stakeholders and unravel the layers of issues that have plagued Sibuyan island for decades. Nakakasira na nga ang malakihang pagmimina sa kalikasan, mukhang may paglabag pa ng mga batas ang kumpanya sa pagsasagawa ng kanilang negosyo. Paulit-ulit ang mga ulat tungkol sa karahasang dulot ng mga mining companies at panahon nang tunay na pakinggan naman ng gubyerno ang hinaing ng komunidad,” she added.

(The Senate should hear all stakeholders and unravel the layers of issues that have plagued Sibuyan island for decades. Massive mining has already destroyed nature, it also seems like the firm also violated laws in the conduct of their business. There are repeated reports of violence caused by mining companies and it is time for the government to truly listen to the community’s concerns.)

Last Wednesday, Sibuyan residents formed a human barricade to stop what they believe are illegal mining operations.

READ: Sibuyan folk join forces, form human wall to halt mining work

The Sibuyan folk blocked a truck trying to pass through the human barricade. At least two residents were hurt supposedly due to the local police’s attempts to break up the demonstrators’ blockade.

The sudden escalation of mining activities in Sibuyan Island unfolded in September last year, said Hontiveros, when the Department of Environment and Natural Resources lifted its cease and desist order against a Altai Philippines Mining Corporation.

READ: Sibuyan, Romblon groups to DENR: Issue cease and desist order vs mining firm

The people of Sibuyan Island, however, asserted that the mining firm failed to secure necessary documents to operate.

Hontiveros noted that the residents have been fighting for nearly 20 years to halt mining exploration in the island, which is rich in minerals, specifically nickel.

READ: Reprieve for Sibuyan Island residents as mining ops ordered to stop

“We, in the Senate, should help champion the conservation of the island’s endemic flora and fauna, defend its coastal communities from long-term ecological devastation, and protect the residents from violent incursions of mining companies,” she said.

“Matindi ang epekto ng pagmimina sa buhay ng maraming Pilipino, lalo na ng mga indigenous peoples. ‘Yung mga nagmimina, ‘pag nakuha na nila ang gusto nila, lilipat na sila ng ibang lugar. Pero ang mga residente at pati mga apo nila, habambuhay na maninirahan sa Sibuyan Island. Kaya gagawin natin ang lahat upang siguraduhin na mamanahin ng susunod na henerasyon ng Romblon ang matabang lupa at mayabong na likas na yaman,” she went on.

(Mining has a profound effect on the lives of many Filipinos, especially indigenous peoples. Those miners, when they already got what they wanted, transfer to other areas. But the residents as well as their grandchildren, will forever live in Sibuyan Island. So we will do everything to make sure that the next generation of Romblon would inherit fertile soil and lush natural resources.)

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