NO TO MINING Environmental activists protest in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources headquarters in Quezon City to oppose the continued mining operations on Sibuyan Island in Romblon. INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — An environmental advocacy group on Monday lamented that mining-affected communities are still awaiting “decisive actions” from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration despite their demands.
In light of Marcos’ State of the Nation address, the group Alyansa Contra Mina said Marcos and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga “have not acted on the demands of mining-affected communities” particularly the residents of Sibuyan Island in Romblon and Brooke’s Point in Palawan.
“Until now, mining-affected communities are still awaiting decisive government actions,” the group said in a statement.
“Investigations have still to be conducted, mining operations have yet to be permanently stopped, and mining contracts have still to be canceled,” it added.
It can be recalled that last February, Sibuyan Island became the subject of anti-mining protests, which led to the suspension of extractive operations in the area.
The group demanded a permanent stop to mining operations through the cancellation of large-scale mining contracts in Sibuyan and Brooke’s Point.
Meanwhile, the group also said there are 11 large-scale offshore mining projects all over the country, which they deemed to be “simply unacceptable” in the midst of a climate emergency.
“For the continued destructive operations of mining companies and the miserable conditions of people in mining-affected communities, we hold [Marcos] and the DENR fully accountable,” they said.
“On this second State of the Nation Address, we strongly call on President Marcos and DENR Sec. Loyzaga to immediately and decisively act on the demands of the people,” it added.