Romblon governor, residents ask MGB to deny mining application

MANILA, Philippines (Romblon News Network) – Led by Romblon Gov. Eduardo Firmalo, residents from seven municipalities of Tablas Island lodged a complaint today at the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region IV-B office in Manila against an application for offshore mining near the island.

 

In April of this year, Asian Palladium Mineral Resources, Inc. (APMRI) filed an application for a Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) to explore the palladium, platinum and other related mineral deposits in certain municipal waters in Tablas Island with a total area of about 10,000 hectares.

 

Accepting the complaint, MGB Regional Director Roland de Jesus said that the office is “mandated by law to facilitate the mining application process and we are also mandated to inform the stakeholders to know their stand and sentiments.”

 

According to Director de Jesus, the bureau is always open to engagement with civil society and communities as they are committed to inclusiveness and transparency. The complaint will be forwarded to the Panel of Arbitrators for resolution.

 

In a letter addressed to both outgoing Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje and incoming Secretary Regina Paz Lopez, Gov. Firmalo said that “the Province of Romblon, as a whole, we would like to inform your good office that we strongly object to the application of Asian Palladium Mineral Resources, Inc., to conduct any mining activity in the water areas of the island. No to metallic mining both on land and under the water has long been the united stand of the people of Romblon.”

 

Assisted by a special committee created by Romblon State University, the Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM) and the Alliance of Students Against Mining (ASAM) compiled documents, including 81,630 signatures, resolutions from the municipal and barangay governments and from non-government organizations, to support the petition.

 

Bishop Ronelio Fabriquer, chairperson of REFAM, said that “the people of Romblon will continue to oppose any mining activity as we take care of God’s creation which should be used sustainably addressing our present needs without compromising the capacity of the next generation to survive.”

 

In 2011, Governor Firmalo signed a moratorium on metallic mining and REFAM mobilized 10,000 people to oppose a mining application by another firm, which eventually backed out due to the lack of social acceptability.

 

Rodne Galicha, co-chair of the Economic Development Committee of MIMAROPA Regional Development Council (RDC) and country manager of The Climate Reality Project said that “the stance of the provincial government of Romblon and its people is consistent with Sustainable Development Goals targets especially on sustainable communities, climate action, and life below water.”

 

“Tourism and agriculture are the best industries for Romblon and the region as a whole, considering our fragile island ecosystems and beautiful destinations and cultures,” said Galicha.

 

Those who lodged the complaint were Professor Tomas Faminial of Romblon State University and REFAM, Joje Mesana of ASAM, retired police general Orville Gabuna from the municipality of Looc. Rodne Galicha of The Climate Reality Project and Bayay Sibuyanon Inc. acted as witness.