House probe sought into Altai Mining operations in Sibuyan Island

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Lawmakers from the Makabayan Bloc on Wednesday (September 9) filed House Resolution No. 1437 seeking a congressional inquiry into the mining operations of Altai Philippines Mining Company (APMC) on Sibuyan Island in Romblon. The resolution was introduced by Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio during the second regular session of the 20th Congress. Under HR 1437, the Makabayan lawmakers directs the House Committee on Natural Resources to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, of APMC’s activities on the island. The resolution highlights concerns over potential illegal mining operations, lack of proper community consultations, and environmental destruction in the region. The resolution explicitly urges the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), to immediately suspend all approvals and activities linked to the nickel mining project until free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) is secured from affected communities. The measure also calls on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to pull out police forces deployed in the area and respect the residents’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest. Local residents and environmental groups have long opposed APMC’s operations on Sibuyan Island—often dubbed the “Galapagos of Asia” for its rich biodiversity—citing threats to forests, rivers, watersheds, and agricultural livelihoods.