Ipilan Nickel Corp. (INC) secured a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Brooke’s Point Regional Trial Court Branch 165 against protesters blocking the mine haul of the company in Palawan.
The company said the TRO prohibits protesters from stopping, apprehending, searching, obstructing or even approaching in and all the vehicles of individuals making use of access roads including the main whole roads, the barangay roads parallel to the main whole road and access road in Sitio Panay going in and out of the INC mine site.
INC urged Brooke’s Point mayor Cesareo Benedito, Jr. to cooperate with court personnel and the Philippine National Police contingent in implementing the court order peacefully and promptly.
“As a good corporate citizen, we are complying with legal procedures and exploring all lawful and peaceful options against the threats and intimidation tactics used by propagandists and saboteurs. INC continues to remain dedicated to fostering positive and productive relationships with all of its stakeholders,” said Alex Arabis, INC resident mine manager, in a statement.
INC also said the TRO helps the company to operate the nickel mining resource which provides employment to over 1,500 people wherein 90 percent are residents of Brooke’s Point and 28 percent made up of indigenous people.
Protesters are questioning INC’s operations as its business renewal application has remained pending at the local government of Brooke’s Point.
However, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau earlier said the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement between the Philippine government and INC remains in force and valid until April 10, 2025 despite the protests.
