Police break through barricade of anti-mining protesters in Sibuyan Island

Tension sparked during the anti-mining protest of several Sibuyan Island residents in Romblon after policemen tried to dismantle their barricade.

Video footages in Cedric Castillo’s “24 Oras” report on Friday showed residents in a human barricade to stop the trucks from proceeding to the mining site.

Several policemen were seen pushing the protesters away to allow the trucks to pass.

A protester, a barangay official in the area, was also seen in another video with handcuffs but he was released afterwards.

This was the 11th day of the residents’ protest who were staying at the picket area where several trucks were transporting tons of nickel from the site.

Anti-mining group Alyansa Tigil Mina condemned the alleged harassment by the policemen.

The residents were protesting the mining activities of Atlai Philippines Mining Corporation.

“Nagputol sila ng punong kahoy, nagkalkal ng seven meters na mga lupa at ikakarga doon sa malaking barko na nandyan simula pa noong last week, Lunes. Kaya tuloy-tuloy ang pagbarikada ng mga tao,” Rodne Galicha of the environment group Living Laudato Si Philippines said.

GMA Integrated News is still trying to get the side of the San Fernando, Romblon police.

According to a desk officer, their police chief was in an important meeting.

The Atlai Philippines Mining Corporation, on the other hand, has still not responded to the interview requests.

The mayor of San Fernando, Romblon said she ordered the police to exercise maximum tolerance.

“Ang sinasabi ko sa PNP ko dito is mag-maintain sila ng peace and order at saka maximum tolerance, at hindi po ba sila 'yung nag ienforce ng laws when it comes to peace and order,” San Fernando, Romblon mayor Nanette Tansingco said.

The local government unit (LGU) suspended all the mining activities of the company in the port last January.

However, when the barge arrived, they carried a permit from the national government. The LGU said they cannot do anything about it.

GMA Integrated News is also trying to get the side of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on the issue.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News