Living Laudato Si’ Philippines will never tolerate the spread of disinformation and twisted facts – especially from systematized facebook trolls! Instead of starving trolls, let us debunk claims surrounding their homogenous postings/comments on our social media accounts.
Recently, we have amplified our calls to stop mining in Sibuyan Island. From there, trolls are spreading fake news saying that the Gatchalian-led mining company, Altai Philippines Mining Corporation, does have an “exploration permit” (EP) and a “mineral production sharing agreement” (MPSA), which are not stand-alone licenses – the company must comply with and follow existing laws and policies. Trolls claim that the massive operation of Altai Philippines in Sibuyan Island is just an exploration not mining.
Section 5 item bl of the the Implementing Rules and Regulationa (IRR) of Republic Act 7942 or the Mining Act of 1995 defines “mining operations” as “mining activities involving exploration, feasibility study, development and utilization”. The International Labor Organization (ILO) definition of mining “covers the main purpose of the activity, namely the search for, the extraction of and the related crushing, grinding, concentrating or washing of a product”.
And what about the extraction of 50,000 wet metric tons of nickel ore? It is indeed part of a mining operation.
According to RA 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 Section 23 (Rights and Obligation of the Permittee), “An exploration permit shall grant to the permittee, his heirs or successors-in-interest, the right to enter, occupy and explore the area: Provided, that if private or other parties are affected, the permittee shall first discuss with the said parties the extent, necessity, and manner of his entry, occupation and exploration and in case of disagreement, a panel of arbitrators shall resolve the conflict or disagreement.” Sibuyanons, consistently for years, are fighting against exploitative practices such as mining. It is clear that from the start, there is no “social permit” granted by the people to Altai Philippines. Trolls claiming that they indeed have a permit are FALSE. No conflict and/or disagreement has been resolved. Sibuyanons know their right and we will stand alongside them.
Based on their claims that the Altai Philippines has an approved exploration permit and that the concerned citizens of this country should not confuse it with “mining” permit, is wrong. Both “exploration” and “mining” permits are under one law (RA 7942); and Sections 16, 19f, and 23, clearly said that there should be approval from the local stakeholders in the geographical scope where “exploration” and “mining” is happening. That and the fact that San Fernando, Sibuyan is part of the Proclamation No. 746 wherein it is declared as a protected area (PA). San Fernando is part of Mt. Guiting-guiting National Park.
Aside from violations in the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, according to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Altai Philippines also violated these laws and policies:
Presidential Decree (PD) 1067 or the Water Code of the Philippines
Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2004-24 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, no foreshore lease agreement; salvage zone construction
Presidential Decree (PD) 1586 Section 4, construction of causeway without Environmental Compliance Certificate or ECC
Presidential Decree (PD) 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, cutting of trees without permit
With emphasis, local environmental defenders from Sibuyan Island strongly reject any form of mining in the area. There is no and will never be a social permit given to Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC). We will persevere until the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) is revoked.
JOIN OUR CALLS TO STOP MINING IN SIBUYAN! BAN OPEN PIT MINING IN THE PHILIPPINES! Address the calls of the people – the development we need is people-centered and does not cater to giants like Altai Philippines Mining Corporation!
Kindly report any disinformation surrounding the mining issue and Sibuyan. Let us debunk troll ideologies with the TRUTH!
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