Sibuyan residents file complaint vs council over mining project

CALAPAN CITY — Five residents of San Fernando town on Sibuyan Island have filed a verified administrative complaint against their municipal council before the Romblon Provincial Board over council proceedings that led to the endorsement of a mining project on the environmentally critical island. 

The complaint, filed on Thursday (September 24), seeks an investigation into the proceedings of the Sangguniang Bayan of San Fernando concerning Resolution No. 297, Series of 2026, which granted a municipal endorsement of Altai Philippines Mining Corp. (APMC) mine venture. 

READ: House probe sought into Altai Mining operations in Sibuyan Island

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The municipal council had subsequently adopted Resolution No. 311, Series of 2026, on Aug. 3, recalling Resolution No. 297 and withdrawing its endorsement of APMC.

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Vivien Rios Carmona filed the complaint on behalf of the group, which also includes Alfreo B. Pascual, Elmor A. Borda, Priscilla R. Rey and Veronica R. Batan.

The complainants named six elective officials of the municipality as respondents and cited administrative grounds under the Local Government Code.

The complaint raises questions about legislative procedure, compliance with the Sangguniang Bayan’s internal rules, the official records of proceedings and the individual exercise of the respondents’ duties.

The complainants said the case was not fueled simply by their opposition to the mining project, explaining that “political or policy disagreement alone does not constitute administrative liability.”

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“We filed this complaint because citizens have both the right and the responsibility to seek accountability through the institutions and processes provided by law. This is not about prejudging anyone,” Carmona said.

“We are asking the proper body to examine the official records, hear all sides, and determine the facts through due process,” she added.

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The complaint asks the provincial board to receive and investigate the case in accordance with procedures under the Local Government Code. It also seeks the preservation and production of relevant official records to help establish the circumstances surrounding the municipal council’s proceedings.

The complainants stressed that the respondents are entitled to administrative due process and that any finding of responsibility should be based on evidence and determined individually after they are given an opportunity to be heard.

They asked the provincial board to allow the administrative proceedings to take their course and resolve the issues in accordance with law.  

Meanwhile, APMC in a Thursday statement said it recently hosted a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) site inspection and community consultation of the company’s activities on Sibuyan Island, saying the visit provided an opportunity for dialogue with local stakeholders.

The statement did not provide a date of this visit of DENR Assistant Secretary and lawyer Norlito Eneran, Romblon Gov. Trina Firmalo-Fabic and officials of the DENR office in MIMAROPA led by Regional Executive Director Felix Mirasol Jr.

APMC said the consultation and inspection allowed various stakeholders to hear different perspectives and discuss information concerning Sibuyan’s geology and the current status of exploration activities.

“For APMC, these activities demonstrate the importance of listening, dialogue, and meaningful engagement with our stakeholders,” the company said.

APMC said it viewed the activities as an opportunity to learn from local communities and strengthen its commitment to open, transparent and respectful engagement.

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The company also said it is now under new management that is pursuing a “new direction” focused on improving its processes, completing required permits and regulatory requirements, implementing responsible environmental and operational standards, and strengthening engagement with government agencies and communities. /jpv