A faith-based environmental group this week renewed calls against a proposed mining project on Sibuyan Island in the province of Romblon to mark the 15th death anniversary of Armin Marin.
Marin, a Church lay leader and municipal councilor, was shot to death by a security personnel of a mining company during an anti-mining demonstration on October 3, 2007.
Marin was head of the Parish Pastoral Council of the Our Lady of Remedies and a councilor of the town of San Fernando, Romblon, from July 1, 2007, until his death.
The incident resulted in protests that caused the suspension of the mining permit of Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corp. in 2011 due to “lack of social acceptability.”
“We will never forget his life well-spent in the service of the people and planet, especially now that Sibuyan Island is once again threatened by a mining project,” said Rodne Galicha, executive director of Living Laudato Si Philippines.
He said that once again teachers, students, and communities that expressed opposition to the project have been harassed, intimidated, and threatened.
Pro-environment groups have reported that mining activities in Sibuyan have resumed, specifically the exploration and campaigns in communities to convince residents of the benefits of mining.
In a separate statement, LLS said the death anniversary of Marin is “a day of celebration” of his “life and martyrdom.”
“While his bodily presence is gone, his memory left us reasons to continue the battle he has fought, especially at this time when plans to extort our natural resources resurface,” read the statement.
The group said Marin’s legacy is “an inspiration” to environmental defenders and “a call to the government to secure the protection of ecological warriors.”
