Governor Trina Firmalo-Fabic submitted the 31,000 signatures of Romblon residents to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which signify their opposition to the mining in Sibuyan.
“Humigit-kumulang 31,000 lagda mula sa Romblon ang pormal na isinumite noong Agosto 25 kay DENR Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna bilang suporta sa panawagang protektahan ang Sibuyan Island laban sa malakihang pagmimina ng metal at aksyunan ang nakabinbing petisyon para kanselahin ang Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) ng Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC),” said Fabic.
Of the total signatures gathered, about 27,000 came from Sibuyan Island, representing approximately 77% of the island’s voting population, while another 4,000 signatures were collected from Tablas Island. Organizers noted that additional signatures have yet to be gathered.
The signatures were formally submitted to DENR Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna by Fabic, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Cary V. Falculan, and San Fernando Mayor Fernando U. Marin, together with representatives from Bayay Sibuyanon Inc., Sibuyanons Against Mining, Bantay ng Kalikasan ng Sibuyan, Nature Ambassadors of Sibuyan, and Alyansa Tigil Mina.
“Isinumite rin ang mga bagong resolusyon at opisyal na hakbang mula sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Romblon; Sangguniang Bayan ng San Fernando; mga munisipalidad ng Banton, Concepcion, at Odiongan; at mga Barangay ng Taclobo at España,” said Fabic,
The submission likewise included statements and resolutions from faith-based organizations, including the Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM), the Iglesia Filipina Independiente Diocese of Odiongan, the Clergy of the Diocese of Romblon, and the Romblon Diocesan Council of the Laity.
Also presented were statements from Catholic dioceses surrounding Sibuyan, representing an estimated 9.6 million Catholics.
“Ang pagsusumite ng mga lagda ay pagpapatuloy ng mahabang kasaysayan ng pagtutol sa buong lalawigan laban sa mapanirang pagmimina. Noong 2012, 128,346 lagda mula sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Lalawigan ng Romblon ang pormal ding isinumite sa DENR, na nagpapakitang ang kasalukuyang panawagan ay nakabatay sa mahigit isang dekada ng organisadong pagkilos ng publiko upang protektahan ang mga isla at likas na yaman ng lalawigan,” said Fabic.