The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is set to investigate the alleged violations of a mining company in Sibuyan Island in Romblon after a “violent” dispersal of a protest staged by residents last Jan. 26.

In a statement, the CHR said it received images and videos showing a human barricade formed by Sibuyan Island residents on Jan. 26, which attempted to halt the mining trucks owned by Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) from transporting nickel ore from the island to be tested overseas.

It said that residents have complained that APMC committed several violations, including alleged failure to show a barangay clearance, municipal business permit, foreshore lease contract from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and a permit from Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to construct a private port.

It also said that because of the human barricade, a police dispersal eventually took place. The dispersal resulted in a number of protesters reportedly injured and one barangay councilor arrested. Three trucks carrying the nickel ores were also able to pass through.

"The CHR, pursuant to our mandate to look into possible human rights violations concerning economic, social, and cultural rights, has taken cognizance of the case and is doing a motu proprio investigation of this incident," it said.

It noted that the Sibuyan Island residents have reportedly long been opposed to the extraction of minerals on the island due to its negative impacts on the biodiversity in the area.

"This is not the first independent investigation that CHR is conducting in Sibuyan Island related to the issue of mining," the CHR noted.

"Even before the dispersal incident, CHR had already received a complaint in September 2022 that local anti-mining advocates had been the target of harassment and intimidation by APMC,” it said.

In its previous investigation, the CHR said it coordinated closely with local government units, the DENR, PPA, and concerned residents in order to ascertain the truth.

At the same time, the CHR said that the mining company reportedly barred teachers from participating in anti-mining gatherings and even refrained them from posting anti-mining sentiments online. Two students were also allegedly brought to the barangay and were forced to issue a public apology, it said.

While APMC has reportedly volunteered to stop its mining operations, the CHR said there is still a need to determine accountabilities for possible human rights violations and abuses committed. There should also be an assurance of appropriate remedies for the harm done -- not only to the residents, but to the environment as well, it also said.

"CHR stresses that private companies have a responsibility to prevent, address, and remedy abuses arising from business operations under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights," the CHR declared.

"The said set of principles recognize the impact of businesses in the way a community and its people enjoy their rights, as well as the State's obligation to ensure protection of the rights, especially that of the disadvantaged and marginalized,” it emphasized.

TAGS: #CHR #Sibuyan Island #Altai Philippines Mining Corporation