By Chris V Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao Bureau
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Residents of Gibusong Island in Loreto, Dinagat Islands have renewed their opposition to mining as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) begins a fact-finding review into the status of a long-suspended mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) covering part of the island.
The renewed call against mining was raised during a community dialogue on September 17 attended by Dinagat Islands Rep. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao, DENR Assistant Secretary for Field Operations–Visayas and Mindanao Felix Alicer, and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-Caraga OIC Regional Director Francis Glenn Suante.
Bag-ao said residents told government officials that they did not want any mining company operating on Gibusong Island. In response, the DENR formed a fact-finding committee to examine the history and current status of mining-related concerns in the area.
Residents were assured that the existing suspension of mining activities would remain in effect while the investigation is ongoing. However, Bag-ao said the community was seeking a stronger assurance that mining would not eventually proceed on the island.
The controversy centers on Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) No. 232-2007-XIII, which covers part of Gibusong Island.
MGB records show that the agreement was granted to East Coast Mineral Resources Co. Inc. on June 8, 2007, covering 248.99 hectares in Loreto, Dinagat Islands for nickel and associated minerals.
The company later became known as East Coast Vulcan Corporation following corporate changes approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The issue has been complicated by the historical involvement of Oriental Vision Mining Philippines Corp. (OVMPC), which residents have long associated with proposed mining activities on the island.
East Coast’s 2024 annual report stated that the MPSA area “is now being explored by and with” OVMPC. However, this disclosure does not establish that OVMPC holds the MPSA, nor does it by itself determine the exact legal relationship between the two companies. Clarification from the MGB and the companies involved remains necessary.
The opposition from residents dates back several years. In 2016, the “Gibusong Island: No to Mining” campaign was formed, with residents expressing concerns over possible mining impacts on their community and environment.
A 2017 MindaNews report by Roel Catoto cited local officials saying residents had prevented the entry of OVMPC personnel and submitted petitions opposing the proposed mining activity. At that time, the reported mining area covered about 1,150 hectares across the villages of Liberty, Helen, and Magsaysay.
Current MGB records, however, identify a smaller 248.99-hectare area covered by MPSA No. 232-2007-XIII.
The MGB has said there are currently no approved mining exploration, development, or commercial extraction activities taking place on Gibusong Island. It also confirmed that the MPSA and related activities have been suspended since September 18, 2014, and that the suspension order has not been lifted.
The present dispute, therefore, is not about an active mining operation but about the status of a suspended mining agreement, previous exploration involvement, and whether the agreement could eventually be revived.
The issue was also raised during a House budget hearing involving the DENR, where Bag-ao and Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc questioned why disputed mining applications had not been canceled instead of remaining suspended.
The DENR has since committed to strengthen monitoring in Dinagat Islands, conduct site visits, and engage with affected communities.
Beyond mining concerns, environmental considerations have also become part of the discussion. In June, the DENR Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau confirmed a 60.42-hectare inland wetland on Gibusong Island as a peatland ecosystem.
The DENR reported that the peatland contains an estimated 12,126.61 megagrams of carbon and supports various plant and animal species, including threatened flora, bats, reptiles, amphibians, and 28 resident and migratory bird species.
The agency identified the peatland as a possible candidate for designation as a critical habitat, which could provide additional protection and management measures.
Residents continued their opposition in September, staging a protest at the island’s port as DENR officials arrived. Community members carried “No to Mining” signs and called for the protection of Gibusong’s environment and communities.
For Bag-ao, the issue involves more than the fate of one mining agreement. She said communities affected by decisions involving land and natural resources should have access to information and meaningful participation in the process.
The fact-finding committee is expected to clarify the legal status of MPSA No. 232-2007-XIII, the extent of any exploration arrangements involving OVMPC, and the possibility of future activity under the suspended agreement.
For Gibusong residents, however, their position remains unchanged: they do not want mining on their island.
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