SC issues writ of kalikasan vs Palawan mining perations

MANILA, Philippines — Citing the possibility of ”serious irreversible harm” on the environment and residents, the Supreme Court (SC) has issued a writ of kalikasan against mining operations in Brooke’s Point in Palawan.

In a notice made public yesterday, the SC ordered Celestial Nickel Mining and Exploration Corp., Ipilan Nickel Corp. (INC), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to file a verified return of the writ within 10 days.

The petition was filed by the indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) in Barangays Barong-Barong, Ipilan, Calasaguen, Aribungos, Mambalot and Maasin.

The ICCs said the MGB and INC failed to act on requests to investigate the mining operations and implement a cease and desist order issued by the DENR last year.

The government and Celestial signed a mineral production sharing agreement in 1993, covering nearly 3,000 hectares of land in Brooke’s Point.

The SC said the project proponents should provide evidence to dispel concerns regarding the potential harmful impact of the mining operations to the environment.

The high court said the “inaction” of the DENR and MGB over the strong pleas of residents of Brooke’s Point “shows their indifference to the rights of the ICCs to a balanced and healthful ecology.”