Business · Philippines Bureau
Sibuyan Island mining opponents face legal charges over protest
Twelve residents of Sibuyan Island have been subpoenaed by the provincial prosecutor's office following criminal complaints filed by a mining company employee over a July demonstration against a proposed mining project.
LSN Philippines ·
CALAPAN CITY — Twelve community members from Sibuyan Island received subpoenas from the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Romblon this week, stemming from criminal complaints filed by an employee of Altai Philippines Mining Corp. (APMC) related to a protest held on July 6.
The Barikada ng Mamamayan ng Sibuyan, a community organization, announced the legal action on Thursday. The subpoenas target residents who participated in the demonstration against APMC's proposed mining operations on the island.
The nature of the criminal complaints against the residents was not immediately specified in the prosecutor's notice. The protest on July 6 was organized by local groups opposed to the mining project, citing environmental and livelihood concerns affecting the island community.
Sibuyan Island, located in the province of Romblon, has been the subject of mining interest despite resistance from residents and environmental advocates who argue that extractive industries threaten the island's ecological integrity and fishing-dependent communities.
The legal actions mark an escalation in the dispute between the mining company and local anti-mining groups, as both sides pursue their positions through administrative and judicial channels.