Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 11) — There’s still “movement” in the operations of Altai Philippines Mining Corp. (APMC) on Sibuyan Island in Romblon despite a cease and desist order issued against the company, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said Saturday.
\”It may be about time to evict these illegal miners once and for all,\” the senator stressed, as she reiterated her call for the Senate to immediately investigate illegal mining activities in the area.
“Nakita ko mismo ang sinasabing iligal na causeway,” she said. “May cease and desist order na dapat sa operation pero nang pumunta ako doon, malinaw na may movement pa rin sa parte na sinabi na ngang bawal. Walang puwang sa Sibuyan ang mga hindi marunong sumunod sa batas.“
[Translation: I personally saw the so-called illegal causeway. There’s already a cease and desist order on mining operations but when we visited there, it was clear there were still movements in the area. There’s no place in Sibuyan for those who don’t follow the law.]
Hontiveros filed a resolution on Feb. 6 seeking an inquiry on APMC’s nickel and metallic mining on the island.
The senator wanted the Senate to also look into the involvement of local officials and the police, who had “violently” dispersed the human barricade in front of the mining firm’s private port early this month.
READ: 2 hurt in police dispersal of Sibuyan Island human barricade vs alleged illegal mining
The Department and Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Mimaropa earlier ordered APMC to halt its activities in the area, including the construction of its causeway. The agency had also issued three notices of violation against the company.
RELATED: PPA wants mining company to explain ‘illegal’ port on Sibuyan Island
Although it voluntarily stopped its operations, APMC maintained its activities were “fully legal, compliant, and above board.”
Hontiveros, along with human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, recently visited the island to hold a dialogue with residents.
’22’: ‘contentWidth’: ‘100%’ ’embedCode’: ‘