Anti-mining groups lauded the writ of kalikasan issued by the Supreme Court (SC) on the mining activities in Sibuyan Island in Romblon.
The writ was issued against the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and Altai Philippines Mining Corp.
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) said the decision of the Supreme Court is a step in ensuring the right to a safe environment and healthful ecology of the Sibuyan Island community.
“We laud the residents of Sibuyan for their proactive and unwavering struggle against destructive mining in their island. Their petition to the Supreme Court that has now yielded positive gains reinforces their firm resistance on the ground,” ATM said in a statement.
Residents of Sibuyan Island have been opposing the operations of Altai Mining, calling on DENR to completely stop the mining firm from exploiting the natural resources on the island.
The writ of kalilkasan is a legal move for persons or organizations whose constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology is violated or threatened.
SC has referred the case to the Court of Appeals for “further reception of evidence.”
The high court, however, denied the community’s request for a temporary environmental protection order.
Residents of Sibuyan Island filed a petition before the Supreme Court in February, seeking to “enjoin the ongoing environmental destruction of Sibuyan Island and the attempt to illegally export nickel ore for shipment to Hong Kong, China, sans the requisite permits and public consultations.”
