Groups laud local council resolutions re mining in Brooke’s Point, Palawan
ATM Statement | September 23, 2022
Various groups lauded today two resolutions by the Sangguniang Bayan of Brooke’s Point, which urged the revocation of the Strategic Environment Plan (SEP) clearance and Mayor’s Permit of Ipilan Nickel Corporation, respectively.
The two resolutions are titled: 1) “A resolution urging the PCSD to revoke the reinstated SEP Clearance issued to Ipilan Nickel Corporation”; and, 2) “A resolution obliging Mayor Benedito to revoke the Mayor’s Permit issued by Acting Mayor Quiachon to Ipilan Nickel Corporation”.
Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), called the resolutions “steps forward” in the struggle towards stopping large-scale mining operations in the area.
Meanwhile, Grizelda “Gerthie” Mayo Anda of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) said the move by the SB reflects the sentiment of the local community. “It is of utmost importance that local autonomy be respected and that the will of the local government be enforced.”
Brooke’s Point Vice-Mayor Jean Feliciano also welcomed the resolutions and hailed the local officials for “using their positions to advance the cause of mine-affected communities and the environment.”
SB member Victor Colili, who is the author of the resolutions, along with SB Member Jonathan Lagarda said: “We expect the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and the Office of the Mayor to favourably act on the resolutions and show the people of Brooke’s Point that they support the clamor agains mining.”
“We are very glad about the resolutions passed by the SB,” said Rudy Cataluna, President of Samahan ng mga Magsasaka Ayaw sa Pagmimina (SMAP). “They tell us that the local government is firm and serious about its stance against mining and that we can count on them to be our allies against companies who would cause destruction to our environment and community.”
According to IP leader Panglima Renio Sindacan the resolutions of the SB is a “good development.” He added that IP leaders are asking Mayor Cesario Benito to support the SB in order to fully prevent mining in their area. .
“Salamat sa resolusyon na naipasa ng Sangguniang Bayan ng Brooke’s Point patungkol sa pag parevoke ng mga permit ng INC. Pero inaasahan namin na sana tuluyan nang mapaalis ang mga mining company, lalo na ang INC dito sa bayan ng Brooke's Point. Bagamat may mga resolusyon nang naipasa sa pag revoke ng kanilang permit, ngunit hindi parin kami kampante hangga’t hindi sila napapaalis at napapanagot sa kanilang pagputol ng mga puno sa aming lupaing ninuno at pagsira nito, kaya’t kami ay nababahala parin at hindi kampante,” said Rowena Combang, Spokesperson, Mga Kalebonan et BICAMM (Mga Kababaihan ng Barong-Barong, Ipilan, Calasaguen, Maasin, Mambalot)
(We are thankful for the resolution passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Brooke’s Point to revoke INC’s permits. However, despite these revocations, we stay vigilant, until they have been held accountable for all the trees destroyed in their clearing operations in our ancestral domain, and the resulting destruction, and until they are asked to cease operations. This is why we worry, and remain vigilant.)
“Inaasahan namin na ‘di na mabigyang muli ng ano pang permit at matuldukan na ang mga minahan at ‘di na makapag-operation pa. Umaasa pa rin kami na sa pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan ng iba’t ibang sector na mapasara ang mga minahan at maging zero mining ang Brooke’s Point. Buhay at kabuhayan ang mawawala kung hindi ito mapahinto,” said Norima Mablon, Chairperson, of Mga Kalebonan et BICAMM
(We hope that no more permits are granted to mining operations, and that no more companies are allowed to operate. We believe that cooperation and unity among sectors, we can cease mining operations and make Brooke’s Point mining-free. Lives and livelihoods will be destroyed if mining operations continue.) #RepealMiningAct
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