On 26 January 2023 Sibuyan Island residents in Romblon were attempting to halt mining trucks owned by Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) from transporting nickel ore when they were dispersed by police resulting in a number of protesters reportedly injured and one barangay councilor arrested. Sibuyan Island locals have reportedly long been opposed to the extraction of minerals on the island for its negative impacts on the biodiversity in the area. Even before the dispersal incident local anti-mining advocates had been the target of harassment and intimidation by APMC.