Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 6) – After 14 days of resistance from Sibuyanons, Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) has voluntarily suspended its exploration and testing operations on Sibuyan island, Romblon.
READ: Sibuyan Island human barricade blocks entry of mining truck
Last Jan. 29, APMC attempted to move from the company’s premises 50,000 metric tons of nickel ore to be tested overseas.
“APMC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of environmental responsibility and community engagement,” it said in a statement on Monday.
“In line with this commitment, we have decided to voluntarily halt all exploration and testing activities in Sibuyan Island and to continue our full cooperation and coordination with the relevant authorities to address any concerns or issues that have been raised,” it added.
APMC said its main concerns are to maintain peace and order, “ensure the well-being of the Sibuyanons,” and guarantee that no parties are negatively impacted by its operations.
Last Friday, two residents were hurt when police dispersed a human barricade against APMC’s operations.
READ: 2 hurt in police dispersal of Sibuyan Island human barricade vs alleged illegal mining
Environmental defenders celebrated the development but doubled down on their call to halt mining operations on the island.
It concluded: “We pride ourselves as stalwarts of sustainable and responsible mining, so we take this as an opportunity to address all recent concerns brought up against our Sibuyan exploration. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to resolve any outstanding concerns.”
APMC earlier denied that its operations on Sibuyan island were illegal.
READ: Mining company denies ‘illegal operations’ on Sibuyan Island
Environmental activists continue fight
Rodne Galicha, executive director of the environmental group Living Laudato Si, urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to issue an order to cease Sibuyan mining operations.
“Kami po ay patuloy na magbabantay sa ating barricade camp dahil nandyan pa rin yung mga barges at yung malaking barko doon at alam namin na iligal yung kanilang nickel ore na nilagay sa mga barge,” he said.
[Translation: We will continue to stand guard at our barricade camp because the barges and the ship are still there and we know that they illegally loaded the nickel ore on their barges.]
Galicha also called on the Philippine Coast Guard, the police, and the Bureau of Customs to monitor the movements of the vessels, which he said are still illegally moored at Sibuyan island.
The Alyansa Tigil Mina likewise celebrated the suspension but added “the fight is not yet over. We support the continuing resistance of Sibuyanons against the illegal and destructive mining activities of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC).”
The APMC has links to the Gatchalian political dynasty. Kenneth Gatchalian is its director.
A report from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism named Kenneth Gatchalian as a direct beneficiary of Dynamo Atlantic Ltd, which acquired Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corp., a partner company of APMC.
He is the brother of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian.
Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros wants a Senate probe into the Sibuyan island mining activities.
