From protest to power: Activist who blocked mining trucks now mayor in Romblon
MANILA, Philippines — Remember when the townsfolk of San Fernando, Romblon formed a human barricade to stop mining trucks from entering their community in 2023? One of the protestors has just won as the municipal mayor in the 2025 midterm elections.
In 2023, shocking videos of local Sibuyan Island residents physically throwing themselves in front of mining trucks went viral, sparking national outrage.
While the government has since ordered the mining firm to cease operations, it would appear that the municipality has not lowered its guard.
Nanding Marin, who was part of the anti-mining protests, was elected as San Fernando mayor, beating out the incumbent mayor Nanette Tansingco.
Marin garnered 2,070 votes while Tansingco got 1,648.
The Commission on Elections Municipal Board of Canvassers had proclaimed Marin as the winning mayor on May 13, according to Romblon News Network.
Tansingco had been mayor of San Fernando when the townsfolk protested the mining operations of the Altai Philippines Mining Company. During the height of the issue, she explained that the documents and permits that the mining firm had were issued by the national government, and the local government could not do anything about it.
Marin, on the other hand, was seen being physically dragged by police officers to make way for the mining trucks. It is a moment he is proud of, it would appear, as he used that very same photo as his profile picture on Facebook.
However, the win for the anti-mining movement in Romblon does not end there.
Odiongan Mayor Trina Firmalo-Fabic was elected as the new governor of Romblon, beating out incumbent governor Otik Riano. Firmalo-Fabic held a commanding lead of 76,248 votes while Riano got 57,830 votes.
Firmalo-Fabic, known for her pro-environmental stances, earned the backing of green group Alyansa Tigil Mina.
She joined Sen. Risa Hontiveros and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno during dialogues with anti-mining protestors in San Fernando in 2023 and recently came out in support of the Masungi Georeserve amid its legal battles.
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