Occidental Mindoro leaders reaffirmed their stand against large-scale mining during a moratorium forum in Sablayan town, vowing to protect the island’s natural resources from mining threats, the Philippine Information Agency reported.
The moratorium is a 25-year ban on large-scale mining enacted through ordinances and resolutions starting in 2008 and 2009 by the provincial government of Occidental Mindoro and the municipality of Abra de Ilog.
The Supreme Court nullified this moratorium in a decision promulgated on January 14, 2025, and made public in May 2025.
At a forum held in Sablayan town, Occidental Mindoro Lone District Representative Odie Tarriela pledged to explore legislative remedies that would reinforce the province’s mining ban across Mindoro Island, calling for unity among all sectors.
“My office will conduct a thorough review of the law, and I’d like to know how I can help with the total ban on mining,” said Tarriela.
He emphasized the need to educate LGUs and the public on the difference between small-scale and large-scale mining, to prevent resolutions that could allow mining in Mindoro.
Governor Eduardo Gadiano asserted that local officials must be equipped with clear knowledge about mining operations.
“Kailangan ma-educate ang bawat LGUs para mapigilan ang anumang resolusyong papayag sa pagmimina sa isla ng Mindoro,” he said.
On the other hand, Vice-Governor Diana Apigo-Tayag also expressed that unity is the key in defending their province. She also said that while respecting the Supreme Court’s decision, she fully supports all measures opposing mining in Mindoro.
“We can count on my complete opposition to mining because I believe that wealth lies in nature and we must protect the lives and livelihoods of every citizen,” she said.
Sablayan Mayor Walter “Bong” Marquez echoed this and urged leaders and citizens to strengthen environmental stewardship and “permanently prevent all mining attempts in Mindoro.”
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