SAN JOSE de Buenavista, Antique – A coalition of religious leaders, environmental advocates, and civil society groups filed a landmark petition demanding a 50-year mining moratorium to protect Antique’s ecological and cultural heritage.
Led by Bishop Marvyn Maceda of the Roman Catholic Diocese and Bishop Leon Estrella of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), the Amlig Antique Alliance presented their petition to the Antique Provincial Board, supported by 40 sectoral leaders representing faith communities, academia, nongovernment organizations, farmers, fisherfolk, youth groups, and civil society organizations.
This bold action came just weeks after the Supreme Court nullified a similar moratorium in Mindoro, but the Alliance emphasized that Antique’s case is unique – with its fragile mountain ecosystems, vital watersheds, and unparalleled biodiversity requiring special protection.
Standing Against Mining Threats
The petition specifically targets:
1. The 3,715-hectare mineral reservation proposed by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) covering Patnongon, San Remigio, Valderrama, and Sibalom towns
2. All pending mining applications affecting 53,000 hectares across 13 municipalities in the mainland of Antique
Significantly, the Alliance called on newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Raphael Lotilla, a native of Sibalom, Antique, to demonstrate his commitment to his homeland by rejecting the destructive proposal.
This appeal came as the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines publicly welcomed Secretary Lotilla’s recent appointment, raising concerns about industry influence.
Voices of Resistance
Atty. Rolly O. Pedrina, Amlig’s spokesperson, emphasized, “While we are deeply concerned about the Supreme Court’s decision nullifying the moratorium in Mindoro for being too broad, this ruling cannot be indiscriminately applied here.
“Antique’s steep terrain and rich biodiversity make mining particularly hazardous; a single landslide could devastate entire communities,” he pointed out.
Rev. Fr. Edione Febrero, an alliance leader, stated, “As stewards of God’s creation, we appeal to Secretary Lotilla’s conscience — because the blood of Sibalom runs in his veins. He must reject the proposed mineral reserve and mining applications in the mountains of Antique.”
Why Antique Must Be Protected
Amlig Antique Alliance cited the following reasons why Antique must be protected from destructive mining:
* Ecological Sanctuary – Home to endangered species like the Dulungan hornbill and Visayan spotted deer
* Climate Defense – Mountains prevent catastrophic flooding during typhoons
* Water Security – Watersheds provide irrigation and drinking water for 600,000 Antiqueños
* Cultural Heritage – Sacred lands of the Ati and Iraynun Bukidnon peoples
* Public Health – Mining brings pollution, diseases, and community displacement
Call to Action
The Alliance also urges for signatures on their petition at https://www.change.org/NoToMiningInAntique; vigilance against the mineral reservation proposal; and continued prayers for wisdom among decision-makers./PN
