ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) -- Nagsimula nang mag-imbestiga ang Commission on Human Rights (CHR) sa isla ng Sibuyan sa posibleng human rights violations na may kaugnayan sa economic, social, and cultural rights sa isla kaugnay parin sa pagmimina ng Altai Philippines Mining Corporation.

Sa isang statement, sinabi ng Commission on Human Rights na naatasan na ang CHR’s Investigation Office and CHR Region IV-B MIMAROPA kaugnay nito.

“As an independent national human rights institution, CHR continues its work to ascertain the truth regarding these incidents. We will work alongside local government units, the DENR, PPA, and concerned residents as we conduct our separate independent probe,” pahayag ng CHR.

Sinabi ng CHR na hindi lamang ito ang unang beses na magsasagawa ng imbestigasyon sa isla dahil September 2022 ay nakatanggap na sila ng sumbong na may ilang anti-mining advocates ang naging target di umano ng harassment at intimidation ng Alta Philippines Mining Corporation.

“Victims claimed that the company 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. The investigation is still ongoing,” ayon sa CHR.

“While APMC has reportedly volunteered to stop its mining operations, there is still a need to determine accountabilities for possible human rights violations and abuses committed, as well as assurance of appropriate remedies for the harm done—not only to the people and their community, but as well as to the environment relative to human rights enshrined in our Constitution and relevant laws in the country,” dagdag pa ng CHR.

Nakipagpulong na ang CHR sa mga residente ng Barangay España sa bayan ng San Fernando, Romblon maging kay Rodne Galicha, at ilang pang environmentalist sa isla. (PJF/PIA Mimaropa)