Kwento Ni Toto: Power

Thursday, February 9, 2023

The Truth About Mining in Sibuyan Island: The Environmental Toll and the Connection to Political Power

Toto 11:59:00 PM

Sibuyan Island, an island that is said to be the "Galapagos of Asia," is known not only for its beauty but for its rich mineral deposits like nickel and iron, and mining has been an important economic activity for some of the residents. The mining industry on the island has been a source of employment and economic development, but it has also been criticized for its impact on the environment and local communities. One of the concerns raised was the effects of mining on the island's water sources and the damage it has caused to the local ecosystem, including deforestation and soil erosion.

Even though there were protests and movements against mining perse, still, there are companies that has and continuously exploited the island's mineral resources. Allegedly, these are the companies, Dynamo Atlantic Ltd., Sibuyan Nickel Properties Dev’t Corp., and Altai Philippines Mining Corp., that are in question and have ignored the notices issued by the government's agency, the DENR.

Accordingly, Alyansa Tigil Mina reported that Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and DSWD Sec Rex Gatchalian and Kenneth Gatchalian had connections in Altai Philippines Mining Corporation. It was also mentioned by Alyansa Tigil Mina that Kenneth, the brother of Senator Gatchalian, is a direct benefactor of Dynamo Atlantic Ltd., the company that acquired Sibuyan Nickel Properties Dev't Corp. ,a partner of Altai Philippines Mining Corp (APMC).

The depth of this issue is not as deep as the mines but surfacing the power behind is as shallow as a knee-deep flood.

Climate change has been changing our environment, so let us not permit mining to further degrade our natural resources. Let us be vigilant "No to Mining!"