Church decries Romblon mining
THE Roman Catholic Diocese of Romblon has warned of “tragic consequences” if a nickel mining project in the province continues.
Bishop Narciso Villaver Abellana visited Sibuyan Island residents who have been protesting the largescale project, which the local clergy opposes.
Social media photos showed the bishop shedding tears while talking to demonstrators who have been blocking the entry of trucks to the mining site since Jan. 29, 2023.
Residents put up a human barricade during the demonstration and protested the allegedly illegal mining activities of Altai Philippines Mining Company (APMC).
Environmental groups earlier claimed the mining firm failed to secure necessary mining permits and documents.
“Unchecked human activity will have its tragic consequences, running the risk of destroying nature, thus running the risk of destroying humanity,” the clergy said in a statement late Wednesday.
“Land is life. Water is life. We only have one world to live in. Let us protect the environment! Let us protect nature! No to mining!” Abellana said.
The Romblon Diocesan Council of the Laity also deplored continuous attempts of the APMC, saying, “Sibuyan is a gift to protect, not a land to desecrate!”
“We, the lay faithful of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Romblon, invoking our gift to become stewards of Creation, condemn the continuous attempts of Altai Mining Corporation to conduct mining activities on Sibuyan Island,” the statement read.
“We are also alarmed that in spite of massive resistance from the people, the government that was supposed to protect the welfare of its constituents, turned a deaf ear and permitted the corporation to reach our soil,” it said.
The statement cited the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which states that “sovereignty resides in the people, and that, “all government authorities emanate from them.”
“With this in mind, we wish to remind our leaders of their mandate, “to serve and protect the people,” (Art. Il Sec. 1 and 4) over selfish interests and abuses,” it said.
The statement also said the Sibuyan Island is a gift of “our loving Creator” that we inherit from our forefathers.
“But as we hear from the message of Pope Francis last year during the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, it is now making ‘an anguished plea,’ and ‘lamenting the mistreatment’ of the predators,” it added.
The lay organization also criticized the government for “turning a deaf ear and permitting the corporation to reach our soil” despite strong public opposition.
“Together with all the people of good will in the diocese who cry out against mining, we cry with one voice, stop mining in Sibuyan,” it said.
“As an expression of solidarity, we appeal to all the faithful to storm the heavens with our prayers, and provide every possible support to the people of Sibuyan who struggle for justice,” the group added.
The island is often referred to as the “Galapagos of Asia” because of its rich biodiversity and pristine remoteness from all the mainlands.
San Fernando Mayor Nanette Tansingco reiterated that the local government unit has no grounds to halt the mining operation and exploration proceedings since permits of APMC were approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Bureau of Customs (BoC).
“As we face one of our island’s greatest battles, please know that we are one in protecting our only home. But, know also that we have different functions,” Tansingco said in a social media post.
“As your municipal mayor, my function is to abide by the laws and execute them. Rest assured that matters are being taken care of and legal actions are being done and will be done, with or without postings in social media. Many words have been thrown at us, worse, some words were defamatory,” she added.
Tansingco said they are “only humans” capable of hurting.
She, however, assured them their emotions should not affect government functions as public servants.
“We cannot control everything that is happening, we can only do so much, and with this we need your support and not division in this cause of protecting our island,” the mayor said.
She earlier pointed out that the local government had no jurisdiction over the mining project as it was a national project exploration process permitted by the DENR and the BoC since 2005.
A public consultation in coordination with barangay (village), city council and regional council of Mimaropa continues regarding the exportation of at least 50,000 metric tons of nickel ore samples from the island before it can be delivered to Hong Kong for testing, she said.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, one of the owners of the APMC, said he is not involved in mining and exploration on the island as he was “hands off” from their family business.
“But one thing for sure. I will listen to everyone who comes and approaches me with the same degree as when I was mayor,” he said in a radio interview over Radyo Singko on Thursday.
The former Valenzuela City mayor also vowed to “look into it” since their family business is imbued with public interest.