Residents of Sibuyan Island have formally petitioned the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to cancel the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC), citing environmental violations and non-compliance with government regulations.

The petition, filed on Tuesday, follows years of sustained protests, including a human barricade that has run for two years, vigils at the DENR office, and direct appeals to the agency. “We are filing this petition because the DENR has so far remained deaf to all of our efforts to have the MPSA cancelled. We hope that this petition, which contains all the violations of Altai, will compel the DENR to act on the issue,” said Elizabeth Ibañez, Coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM).

According to Rodne Galicha, Executive Director of Living Laudato Si, Altai has committed several violations. “DENR itself has found that Altai Mining has violated several laws due to their construction of structures that have no Environmental Compliance Certificate, lack of foreshore lease agreement, and for cutting or clearing of trees without permit,” he said. These infractions led the DENR to issue a Cease and Desist Order against the company.

Despite this, the MPSA remains in place. “It is totally unacceptable that Altai continues to have mining rights in Sibuyan when it has shown total disrespect to government laws and regulations and caused damage to the environment and communities,” said Atty. Aaron Pedrosa of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ).

Fr. Francis Fornal, a Sibuyan-based parish priest, underscored the ecological significance of the island. “We are exhausting all means to absolutely stop mining in our island, which is known for its biodiversity and hailed as the Galapagos of Asia.”

Local government units in Sibuyan have consistently opposed large-scale mining through ordinances and resolutions. “The people of Sibuyan stand firm against mining in our island. Our local governments have repeatedly expressed opposition to large-scale mining, which is required by law for any mining operations to happen,” Fornal added.

Religious leaders also reiterated their stance against mining. “Together with our bishop and the clergy of the Diocese of Romblon, we reiterate our position in supporting the cause of Sibuyanons in protecting the integrity of creation and we call on the DENR to cancel Altai’s mining agreement,” said Fr. Ethelbert Magbata, Director of Romblon Diocesan Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Affairs. The Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM), an alliance of various faith communities, has also renewed its call to prioritize eco-tourism and agriculture over extractive industries.

Despite facing harassment cases filed by Altai, anti-mining advocates remain steadfast. “We will not be restrained from voicing out our demands and from raising the destruction caused by mining in Sibuyan,” said environmental defender Fabert Reyes.

Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), called on DENR Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga to take decisive action. “We laud the Sibuyan people for their bravery and we fully support them in their demands. We call on DENR Secretary Loyzaga to decide, once and for all, to cancel Altai’s MPSA.”

The petition intensifies pressure on the DENR to act on the issue as residents continue their fight to preserve Sibuyan’s biodiversity and protect their communities from the impacts of mining.