‘Wag idaan sa dahas! Hontiveros backs Sibuyan Island residents vs Gatchalians’ Altai Mining

Senator Hontiveros

Senator Risa Hontiveros personally visited Sibuyan Island on Thursday (February 9) to support residents who are pushing back against the operations of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC), which is reportedly owned by the family of “Plastics King” William Gatchalian.

Hontiveros brought abogado Chel Diokno along to boost residents’ morale in what’s turning out to be a David versus Goliath match against APMC.

Residents have formed a barricade in the area to stop APMC’s trucks from transporting minerals dug up from the mountains. The Gatchalian-linked firm reportedly lacks the necessary government permits to operate in Sibuyan Island, which is called the “Galapagos of Asia” for its rich biodiversity.

“Hiling ng inihain kong Resolusyon na imbestigahan ang pagmimina at mga karahasan na dala ng mga dambuhalang pagmiminang ito,” Hontiveros said.

The senator stressed that residents have every right to protest against APMC’s operations, especially after it emerged that the company didn’t have DENR’s consent to mine in the area.

“Ang aming presensya ni Atty. Chel ay ang amin ding pakikiisa sa pagkamit ng hustisya para sa mga environmental advocates na naging biktima ng karahasan, tulad ni Councilor Armin Marin na napatay noong 2007 dahil sa pagpo-protesta laban sa pagmimina. Walang puwang ang anumang porma ng karahasan sa Sibuyan at sa anumang espasyo sa ating bayan,” Hontiveros added.

https://bilyonaryo.com/2023/02/10/wag-idaan-sa-dahas-hontiveros-backs-sibuyan-island-residents-vs-gatchalians-altai-mining/business/