Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18) — Residents have formed a human barricade in Brooke’s Point, Palawan to demand a stop to Ipilan Nickel Corporation’s “illegal” mining activities in the area, an environmental group said Saturday.
According to Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), the mining company has been operating without a mayor’s permit and has allegedly defied Mayor Cesareo Benedito Jr.’s order to stop its operations.
“The people themselves are organizing the action to fight for their welfare,” Vice Mayor Jean Feliciano was quoted as saying. “We are thankful to the residents of Brooke’s Point who are willing to make sacrifices to protect our natural resources, livelihoods and our future,” she added.
This comes after residents formed a human barricade on Sibuyan Island, Romblon — successfully derailing the mining activities of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation.
READ: DENR orders mining company to halt activities on Sibuyan Island
“As in the case of Sibuyan, the mining company also has no permit to cut down trees and no PPA permit for the construction of the port and causeway, hence their operations are illegal. Ipilan Nickel is in effect, undermining the autonomy of the local government and clearly violating the law,” said Jaybee Garganera, ATM national coordinator.
CNN Philippines has already reached out to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Ipilan Nickel Corporation for their comments.
