The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered Altai Philippines Mining, a firm owned by “Plastics King” William Gatchalian, to stop its operations in Romblon due to lack of permits.
The DENR issued the order stopping Altai’s operations on Saturday after locals clashed with police in their quest to halt the mining activities.
However, Altai already did enough damage, with aerial photos showing they have already mined some portions of Sibuyan Island despite not having an environmental clearance certificate.
Residents of Sibuyan Island have vehemently opposed Altai’s operations in their area, going as far as blocking roads to stop trucks carrying illegally extracted soil and logs from leaving the island.
The group Alyansa Tigil Mina highlighted Gatchalian’s involvement in Altai, noting that his son Kenneth is a director of Altai’s parent firm.
Kenneth is the brother of Sentor Sherwin Gatchalian and new Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
LOOK: An aerial view of Sibuyan Island reveals that some areas have already been mined. This was taken on Saturday, the same day that mining operations were suspended due to alleged environmental violations. | 📷: Gerardo Ribon Sibuyan Island, Romblon/Facebook via @JMangaluzINQ pic.twitter.com/1mRqJgPe7g
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) February 5, 2023