The nickel miner in Sibuyan Island have destroyed corals and endemic plant species, residents opposing the mining operations claim.
To stop further destruction of marine life, Sibuyan residents are calling for the island dubbed “Galapagos of Asia” to be declared a “no-go zone” for mining.
Galapagos is the archipelago of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean famous for its rich flora and fauna.
A senator is supporting the call and has filed a resolution to investigate the alleged violations of environmental laws by the Altai Philippines Mining Corporation.
“The DENR and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau need to study this no-go zone proposal. Once my resolution is heard, the agencies will need to discuss and conclusively state whether or not extractive activities must be prohibited on Sibuyan,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said.
Residents had tried to barricade a pier and block quarry trucks of Altai but police prevented them from doing so. A scuffle reportedly injured two of the protesters.
A Senate investigation of the incident also hopes to hold police accountable for suppressing the Sibuyanons’ peaceful protest.