Various stakeholders in Sibuyan, Romblon are calling on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to issue a cease-and-desist order to Altai Philippines Mining Co. (APMC).
This even as the leaders of groups opposing the mining operation on the island earlier lauded the DENR for issuing a notice of violation against APMC.
Four violations were allegedly committed by APMC, including Presidential Decree 1067 or the Water Code of the Philippines, DENR Administrative Order 2004-04 and its implementing rules and regulations, Presidential Decree 1586 and Presidential Decree 705.
Elizabeth Ibañez, coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM), said in a statement that any further delay in the issuance of a stop order by the DENR and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) “will only make matters worse for Sibuyanons.”
“An urgent cease-and-desist order must be done by DENR to prevent further damage to ecosystems and people. We urge Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga to take action and visit the island for her to see the island personally and talk to the people,” Rodne Galicha, Executive-Director of Living Laudato Si said.
Ibañez noted the lack of capacity of the municipal and provincial officials to act on the people’s demands, claiming that these officials “stand in defense of the mining company and even act as their spokespersons.”
She also said local officials of the province are either “afraid or simply lack the capacity to perform their sworn duties.” The group accused local officials of defending the mining company that is causing environmental destruction in the province.
“We fully support the calls of the residents and environment defenders in Sibuyan. We demand that the DENR spare no time in issuing a cease and desist order and justly heed and respect the will and sentiments of the Sibuyanons,” Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of the anti-mining group Alyansa Tigil Mina said.