Romblon town residents picket against mining

MANILA, Philippines -- Residents of Looc on Tablas Island, Romblon marked Independence Day with a rally against mining on Sunday.

 

According to a report by Romblon News Network, around 300 people trooped to the Punta barangay hall after offering flowers at a monument to Dr. Jose Rizal at the Children's Park. 

 

The protesters in the fishing village of Barangay Punta carried placards against mining in Looc and on Tablas Island itself.

 

The protest came after Asian Palladium Mineral Resources Inc. applied for a permit to mine for palladium, platinum and other minerals in the waters around Tablas Island, Romblon News Network reported.

 

Mining, if allowed, will affect fishing in the towns of Looc, Ferrol, Odiongan, San Agustin, San Andres, Sta. Maria and Alcantara, the protesters said.