Mountaineers' group opposes mining bid at Sibuyan protected park

newsinfo / Regions Regions Mountaineers’ group opposes mining bid at Sibuyan protected park By: Madonna T. Virola - Correspondent / @mvirolaINQ Inquirer Luzon / 06:47 PM July 24, 2026 Share: An aerial view of allegedly illegal mining operations on Sibuyan Island, taken on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

(Photo by GERARDO RIBON from the Sibuyan Island Facebook page) CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro— The Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI) has expressed strong opposition to a bid to introduce mining activities within the protected landscape of Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park in Sibuyan Island, Romblon, warning that the project could threaten one of the country’s most important biodiversity hotspots.

In a statement, the federation raised alarm over the reported mining activities of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation within the protected area, calling on authorities to immediately investigate its prospective operations there and to strictly enforce environmental and protected area laws. Altai has not responded to the latest protests. But based on an environmental impact assessment posted in a website of the Environmental Management Bureau, the MFPI may be referring to the proposed development of a nickle mine spanning 1,500 hectares at Romblon’s San Fernando municipality.

Article continues after this advertisement READ: Villar: Landmark AFASA law now delivering results in fight vs scammersFEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO No jackpot winner in July 23 PCSO Super Lotto, Lotto 6/42 draws NEWSINFO Wind signals raised over parts of N. Luzon due to Kiyapo NEWSINFO Sandiganbayan convicts Napoles, ex-DAR exec over P50-M ‘ghost’ projects “MFPI unequivocally condemns any illegal activity that destroys or endangers protected mountain ecosystems,” the group said. It urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Romblon provincial government to promptly look into the reported mining plans and ensure compliance with existing environmental regulations.

The federation described Mt. Guiting-Guiting as one of the Philippines’ premier mountaineering destinations, renowned for its technical trails and exceptional biodiversity. Located on Sibuyan Island, often referred to as the “Galápagos of Asia,” the mountain serves as a refuge for numerous endemic plant and animal species, protects critical watersheds, and supports the livelihoods of surrounding communities, the group said.

Article continues after this advertisement “Any unlawful activity that degrades this protected landscape threatens not only its unique biodiversity but also the natural heritage entrusted to all Filipinos,” the statement reads. MFPI also expressed solidarity with the people of Sibuyan, local communities, conservation advocates, park managers, and other stakeholders working to protect the island’s natural resources. Article continues after this advertisement The organization called on the country’s mountaineering community to continue promoting responsible climbing, support science-based conservation initiatives, report environmental violations, and advocate for the protection of mountain ecosystems.

“The privilege of climbing our mountains carries with it the obligation to protect them,” the federation said. It added that preserving Mt. Guiting-Guiting and other mountain ecosystems is essential not only for biodiversity conservation but also for future generations of Filipinos.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter SIGN ME UP By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. The statement comes amid growing opposition to mining proposals in Sibuyan Island, which is internationally recognized for its rich biodiversity and high concentration of endemic species.

/mr READ NEXT Mountaineers’ group opposes mining bid at Sibuyan protec... Villar: Landmark AFASA law now delivering results in fight vs ... EDITORS' PICK Octa: 71% of Filipinos want law, evidence to guide Sara Duterte trial SONA 2026: Did Marcos’ ‘Walang Gutom’ curb rising hunger?

Dy eyes passage of additional Ledac priority bills before yearend DOTr chief: Villar family willing to donate land for LRT-1 Cavite Lav Diaz’s surprise new film makes it to 83rd Venice Film Festival Sandiganbayan convicts Napoles, ex-DAR exec over P50-M ‘ghost’ projects MOST READ BIR files P22.71-B tax evasion case vs Sunwest, top execs Diesel, gasoline slated for fresh price hikes next week Sandiganbayan convicts Napoles, ex-DAR exec over P50-M ‘ghost’ projects Lacson says probe into Taguig projects identifies 3 alleged bagmen View comments EDITORS' PICK MOST READ newsinfo Octa: 71% of Filipinos want law, evidence to guide Sara Duterte trial newsinfo SONA 2026: Did Marcos’ ‘Walang Gutom’ curb rising hunger? newsinfo Dy eyes passage of additional Ledac priority bills before yearend newsinfo DOTr chief: Villar family willing to donate land for L