Sibuyan Island, called the “Galápagos of Asia” is now in danger of environmental destruction because of the current push to mine the area. It was called the “Galápagos of Asia” because it is isolated from the Philippine archipelago. The volcanic islands of Galápagos, which lie 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are famous for a wealth of unique plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.
The unique biodiversity in Sibuyan Island is impacted enough to declare the island as a protected area and uphold the Rights of Nature and stop the current nickel mining operation in the area. It is sad that despite of this during the past few days we are seeing an escalation of tensions and the victims are the people of Sibuyan who are opposing the mining operation and the beautiful environment of the island, both of whom the government should be protecting in the first place.
We, the Green Party of the Philippines is opposing the mining operation in Sibuyan Island and are hereby stating the following:
- Sibuyan Island should be declared a permanent protected area.
- Mining operations on the island should immediately be stopped.
- The company that is conducting the mining operation should be penalized and asked for damages.
- Any public official found guilty of connivance with the mining operation should be immediately dismissed and held accountable and liable.
- Revoke the Exploration Permit of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) and cancel their Mineral Production Agreement (MPSA).
Vox Populi, Vox Dei.
We demand the government to listen to the voice of the people standing against the mining operation. We are now experiencing a climate crisis and destroying the natural and beautiful biodiversity of Sibuyan Island is not in anyway helping us prepare for this crisis.
Let us protect and sustain our environment, it’s now or never.
This is an OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE GREEN PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES, written by David D’Angelo, National President. Endorsed by the National Executive Committee of the Green Party of the Philippines (GPP-KALIKASAN MUNA) on February 4, 2023. [Download copy in PDF]
For Media Contact:
DAVID D'ANGELO National President, Green Party of the Philippines +639988830735 | greenpartyphilippines@gmail.com
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