Amazing Jing for Life: No to Nickel Ore Mining in Sibuyan Island!!!

No to Nickel Ore Mining in Sibuyan Island!!!

February 10, 2023

Sibuyan Island is part of Romblon Province, the second largest of the three islands with Tablas, being the first and Romblon which is the capital. It is surrounded by the Sibuyan Sea where it got its name.

Sibuyan Island has been called the "Galápagos of Asia" because it is isolated from the Philippine archipelago. The volcanic islands of Galápagos, which lie 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are famous for a wealth of unique plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.

Currently, Sibuyan island is facing a very controversial mining issue... According to the Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) , the brother of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who is Kenneth Gatchalian is connected with the Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC)

"Kenneth is the direct benefactor of Dynamo Atlantic Ltd., according to (PCIJ),” said Alyansa Tigil Mina.

“It acquired Sibuyan Nickel Properties Dev’t Corp., a partner of Altai Philippines Mining Corp. (APMC),” the group said.

Meanwhile, the Sibuyanons of Brgy. España in San Fernando, Sibuyan Island in Romblon Province had bravely built a barricade to stop the Nickel Ore Mining in their belove homeland. This happened last Friday, February 3, 2023, where there was a great tension between the townsfolks and the police authorities.

As of now, mining operations by the Altai Philippines Mining Corp. was halted.

According to Rodne Galicha of Living Laudato Si, the DENR representative had mentioned that the Altai Philippines Mining Corp has violated the Water Code of the Philippines, DAO 2004-24 and its Impementing Rules and Regulations because of lack of oreshore lease agreement in the pier, PD 1586 because of building a causeway without the Environmental Compliance Certificate, and PD 705 because of cutting trees without due permit.

In addition, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said that they did not issue any permit to William Gatchalian-owned Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) for the construction of pier or port at the Sibuyan Island in Romblon Province. This was what transpired during his interview with Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja in their program "Dos Por Dos."