Anti-mining protesters, guards clash in Palawan

Tension sparked between anti-mining protesters and guards of a mining company in Brooke's Point, Palawan on Wednesday, Jonathan Andal reported on "24 Oras."

The Indigenous People (IPs) carried a fence to block the trucks from going into the Ipilan Nickel Corporation mine compound in Brooke's Point, Palawan but the security detail at the site disallowed them from doing so.

The tension between the security guards and the protesters resulted in  a scuffle that left some with minor injuries.

The police were on standby in the area, but they only intervened when the commotion was over.

The LGU and some residents are against the mining operation because, according to the report, Mount Matalingahan has been declared as Ancestral Domain and protected area.

For the Indigenous group Katutubong Palawan, the anti-mining protest is personal since its effect is felt by them not only in their plantation in the mountains but also their fish catch.

“Wala na halos, hirap na ang isda doon! Kahit naglalambat kami sa tabi! Umuuwi kami dalawang pirasong talakitok ang nahuhuli namin! Tapos ngayon nakikiusap kami na itayo namin ito hindi kayo pumapayag?!” a resident voiced.

(There is almost no fish there! Even if we use our fishnets along the side! We're going home with two pieces of cavalla! Then now we are begging you to build it, you don't agree?!)

The guards then allowed the fence to be placed on both sides of the road, and the protesters posted the cease and desist order against the mining operation issued by the local government unit of Brooke's Point and the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) MIMAROPA.

However, these were taken down when the protesters left as the company resumed operations.

"Mayroon kaming ligal na basehan kung bakit tanggalin 'yun. Malinaw doon sa rally permit nila na dapat they’ll do it peacefully. Dapat bawal mangharang. Sila po yung nag-initiate ng pananakit," said Alex Arabis, Resident Mine Manager, Ipilan Nickel Corporation.

(We have a legal basis for removing that. It's evident in their rally permit that they must do it peacefully. Obstruction should not be allowed. They are the ones who initiate the fight.)

Meanwhile, the Ipilan Nickel Corporation said the cease and desist order of NCIP is not yet final and executory because they are still appealing it to the en banc.

Moreover, the company said the cease and desist order of the LGU is invalid since they submitted all the requirements under the citizens' charter for the Mayor's permit. They also deny that their operation is polluting the sea and farmland.

"Ipilan is a responsible mining company. Nickel is one of the main components in doing projects that will prevent climate change, that will prevent global warming," said Arabis.

Seven security guards and twelve protesters were hurt. Both parties plan to file a complaint on the incident.

"Wala silang kinikilalang batas. Nakakalungkot na makita na apihin ka sa sarili mong bayan ng dayuhan dahil lamang sa pera," said Brooke's Point, Palawan Vice Mayor Jeanne Feliciano.

Arabis said that Ipilan Nickel Corporation is conducting the operation in partnership with the national government.

"Mali yung sinasabi na hindi kami sumusunod sa batas. Pino-portray kami na ganun kami kasama e samantalang this mining project is a partnership with the national government. If we’re not compliant with the law, e sila na mismo magpapatigil samin," Arabis added.

The authorities believe that the national government should intervene in order to properly and legally address the issue. - Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News