The group Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) welcomed a proposed bill in the House of Representatives banning all forms of mining operations — blacksand mining, armor rock mining and mineral extraction — on the island of Mindoro.
“We are excited about this and will actively support the bill’s enactment. This is indeed a welcome move, especially among advocates against destructive mining,” said Jaybee Garganera, ATM national coordinator.
“It sends an encouraging signal to mining-affected communities to continue the fight against harmful mining operations,” he said.
House Bill 3891 or “An Act Declaring the Island of Mindoro a Mining-Free Zone, Prohibiting All Forms of Mining Operations and Providing Penalties Therefor” was filed by Representative Arnan Panaligan in Congress.
The proposed measure aims “to preserve and protect” the natural resources of the provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro.
“Considering that Mindoro has suffered the impact of environmental destruction, such as flooding, it is reassuring that the bill seeks to preserve the natural resources of the island, thereby preventing disasters in the future,” said Garganera.
