50-year mining ban in Antique sought

A petition has sought a 50-year mining ban in Antique, the home province of new Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael "Popo" Mercado Lotilla.

- By TARA YAP

Amlig Antique Alliance urged the prohibition to protect the province's ecological and cultural heritage from the proposal of the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to designate 3,715 hectares spanning four towns as a mineral reservation.

"We appeal to Secretary Lotilla's conscience. He must reject the proposed mineral reserve and mining applications in the mountains of Antique," said Rev. Fr. Edione Febrero, president of Saint Anthony's College and one of the alliance's leaders.

The alliance is beefing up its opposition following the recent decision of the Supreme Court that nullified the mining ban in Mindoro.

The alliance presented the petition to the Antique Provincial Board on Wednesday, May 28.