Ten Catholic dioceses demand halt to Sibuyan Island mining project

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Ten Catholic dioceses have formally joined growing calls for the termination of a mining concession held by Altai Philippines Mining Corp. (APMC) on Sibuyan Island in Romblon province. The ecclesiastical bodies, collectively representing an estimated 9.63 million Catholics, issued their position through an official statement citing the island's critical ecological importance and the substantial environmental risks posed by large-scale metallic mining operations in the region.

The coordinated church appeal underscores deepening religious sector opposition to the APMC mining project, which has faced mounting resistance from environmental groups, local communities, and indigenous peoples concerned about potential impacts on the island's biodiversity and natural resources.

Sibuyan Island, located in the Romblon archipelago, is recognized as an important biodiversity hotspot in the Philippines. Environmental advocates have previously warned that large-scale mining operations could threaten the island's fragile ecosystems, water sources, and the livelihoods of local residents who depend on fishing and agriculture.

The Catholic dioceses' intervention marks a significant escalation in organized opposition to the project, adding institutional religious authority to environmental and community-based concerns. The statement follows similar calls from various civil society organizations and environmental coalitions seeking government intervention to halt mining activities in ecologically sensitive areas.