An aerial view of allegedly illegal mining operations on Sibuyan Island, taken on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo by GERARDO RIBON from the Sibuyan Island Facebook page)
MANILA, Philippines — Following several days of anti-mining protests, Sibuyan Island residents celebrated another victory on Tuesday as Altai Philippines Mining Company (APMC) was ordered by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to cease and desist mining operations, according to Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM).
Tensions on the island reached a boiling point when two residents were hurt as police dispersed a human barricade created to stop mining trucks from passing.
“The DENR Order suspending the current operations of APMC is a clear victory for the people of Sibuyan. Without the firm resistance of the Sibuyan residents and environmental defenders, we doubt if the DENR will lift a finger on the violations of the APMC,” ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garganera said.
The DENR specifically ordered the APMC to “cease and desist from the construction and operation of its causeway.”
The DENR also suspended the ore transport permit of APMC and denied its application for a miscellaneous lease agreement.
The order also said that the Romblon Provincial Environmental and Natural Resources Office is to conduct an investigation of “the potentially damaged sea grass and other marine resources.”
The mining firm may also face legal actions, “if warranted,” for allegedly cutting of trees without a permit.
The DENR order was signed Monday, the ATM released it to the media only on Tuesday.
On Monday, APMC said that it was voluntarily stopping mining operations, assuring the public of its commitment to environmental responsibility and cooperation with authorities.
Prior to this however, the DENR has already given the company a Notice of Violation for its noncompliance with several rules, including failing to show an Environmental Compliance Certificate.
The DENR released an official statement on Wednesday affirming the aforementioned cease and desist order, as well as the notice of violations.
READ: Reprieve for Sibuyan Island residents as mining ops ordered to stop
According to the DENR, the APMC incurred the following Notices of Violations as of February 1, 2023, for breaching the following policies:
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Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 1586 or the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System
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Republic Act (RA) 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990
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RA 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004,
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Presidential Decree 705 for cutting trees without a permit.
“The DENR firmly assures the public, especially the residents of Sibuyan Island, that the Department continues to strictly implement environmental laws in order to ensure the safety of the community and promote inclusive development in the Province of Romblon,” said the agency.