Romblon gov orders moratorium on all metallic mining

After a series of consultations and dialogues with his constituents, Romblon Gov. Eduardo Firmalo ordered an indefinite moratorium on metallic mining in the province. In an executive order he signed last Monday, Firmalo said that through EO No. 001, all disputes over mining in the province will be addressed. “A moratorium in the exploration, excavation, extraction and utilization of metallic minerals in the province of Romblon until all issues, fears and concerns raised by the different sectors, organizations, associations, and inhabitants in the local communities are genuinely addressed," Firmalo's EO read. Also, the governor said his order was based on the results of consultations and discussions with his local subordinates and the constituency. According to the EO, field tests on the possible impacts on health and the environment by toxic chemicals such as mercury used in mining operations show that it was necessary to impose the moratorium. Moreover, the EO cited Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, saying it is within the powers of the governor “to ensure and support, among other things, the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety and enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology." The EO got a unanimous endorsement from the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), which issued Resolutions No. 23 and 24 on the same day the EO was signed. SP Resolution No. 23 authored by SP Felix F. Ylagan and co-authored by Venizar F. Maravilla and SP Abner Perez expresses strong support for the governor’s move, while SP Resolution No. 24 authored by Ylagan calls on the provincial police director to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to determine and arrest the source of illegal mercury that is smuggled into the province. The EO likewise created a Special Task Force (STF) composed of the Governor, the Vice-Governor, Chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Environment, concerned government agencies and other stakeholders. The STF is mandated “to assess all mining applications, permits and operations existing in the province and to review the existing MPSA permit granted to Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) now represented by Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation (SNPDC), in light of pertinent environmental laws and Strategic Environment Assessment." [See story: 3 towns in Sibuyan Island in Romblon reject mining] “This action is to the best interest of the greater number of our people. I strongly believe that the present and future health and ecological well-being of our people are more important... than the momentary economic benefits derived from mining operations," Firmalo said. Touted as the “Galapagos of Asia," the Sibuyan Island nurtures flora and fauna found nowhere else in the planet. A local yacht club even cited a National Museum article saying that a single hectare in Sibuyan Island and Tablas Island in Romblon had about 1,551 trees comprising of 123 species, of which 54 were endemic, such that the two islands are considered Conservation Priority Areas for amphibians and reptiles by the national government. — Jerbert Briola/LBG/KBK, GMANews.TV