Ipilan Nickel Corporation (INC) refuted allegations that floods, which recently hit several barangays in Brooke’s Point, were caused by its operations in the town.
INC Resident Manager said the company “categorically reject(s) the assertion that our mining operations cause these floods. There is no substantive evidence to support such claims.”
Arabis said the company is gravely concerned over a recent national TV program where a segment showed that the flooding in the town carried laterite mud despite having no tests conducted.
“They should have also looked at the impact of deforestation from kaingin (slash-and-burn agriculture) and illegal logging in the town,” he said.
Additionally, he said farmers from Barangay Maasin have attested that the color of floodwaters has always been the same and has not changed over time, contrary to what the show claimed.
Maasin Small Farmers’ Association (MSFA) President Rovilito Suyat said the flooding cannot be blamed on the operation of mining alone as it was a result of several other phenomena.
“Yung pagbahang nangyari na ganyan, hindi naman dapat mining lang ang masisisi kasi climate change din naman talaga ‘yung nangyayari. Mas malaking volume din talaga ‘yung bigay ng ulan unlike yung sa mga dati,” said Suyat.
“Hindi rin naman bundok yung dahilan ng pagbaha. Bagyo talaga. Kahit saan naman basta bumagyo ng malakas, babaha talaga. Bakit naman sa ibang lugar wala naman pagmimina pero bumabaha rin talaga?” Romel Lagusma, a member of MSFA added.
Meanwhile, Ipilan Punong Barangay Nadzmil Basil also expressed disappointment considering the fact that, as a member of the multipartite monitoring team, he should be the first to notice the situation as they conduct regular inspection and evaluation of the situation in the area.
“Pinuntahan po namin ‘yung mga creek kung saan nandoon ‘yung mga sampling stations and yung mga siltation ponds and at the same time, the active mining operations. Doon po nakikita namin na wala naman ‘yung sinasabing runoff o discharge,” Basil said.
Additionally, Indigenous Peoples Development Organization – Barong-Barong, Ipilan, Calasaguen, Aribungos, Maasin, Mambalot (IPDO-BICAMM) President Julhadi Titte also stated that if there is proof that mining operation is negatively affecting their community, they will not be supportive of the company.
“Pero habang walang pruweba, kinikilala namin ‘yung mga benepisyong naibibigay tulad ng tax, royalties, at suporta sa mga IP,” Titte said.
On the other hand, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) Mimaropa Regional Director Engr. Felizardo Gacad noted that recent findings of geologists and experts on flooding should be taken into consideration.
“Kung minsan, pag sobra sobra talaga ang ulan and there’s too much precipitation, ito ay nagiging mas malaking challenge sa lahat,” he said.
Furthermore, Arabis said INC continues to remain firm in its commitment to addressing community concerns while maintaining responsible mining practices.
“We are taking proactive steps to mitigate any potential effects of our operations on the environment while contributing to the well-being of Palawan and its communities,” Arabis added.
