The Save Palawan Movement (SPM) expressed serious concern over statements made by former Brooke’s Point Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Lani Trinidad during her engagement with an Indigenous community.
In an official statement issued on April 2, SPM said the remarks “may contain misleading information, lack context, and potentially affect the free decision-making of the community, violating the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).”
The group specifically highlighted Trinidad’s comment that “may lumalason sa isip ninyo” and her linking of government services to revenue from mining.
“These statements cast serious doubt on the integrity, fair judgment, and proper communication of Ms. Trinidad to the public,” the movement said.
SPM also warned that Trinidad’s comments could be interpreted as encouraging the sale of ancestral lands or participation in mining projects in exchange for benefits, which they said clearly infringes on the community’s right to make free and informed decisions.
SPM called for several measures, including a formal investigation into Trinidad’s statements, an official clarification from the MENRO, public apologies, and a debriefing with the affected community.
“The SPM remains committed to protecting and strengthening the rights, dignity, and free decision-making of the community against any form of coercion or misinformation,” the statement read.
In an earlier interview with Palawan News, Trinidad defended her remarks, saying she never encouraged the community to allow mining operations.
She explained that she was asked by the local mayor to check on community barricades and hear their concerns about employment and benefits from mining activities.
“Wala pong ganun…Kaya po nabanggit yung tungkol doon kasi inalam ko po bakit sila nagbabarikada. Nabanggit po nila, hindi raw po sila binibigyang prioridad sa trabaho. Kaya ang sabi ko, ha, eh kahit nga ako lalaban para sa inyo. Lalaban ako kasi unang-una dapat dapat kayo yung maging modelo ng kaundaran dahil nasa paanan kayo ng minahan,” Trinidad said.
She also clarified her remarks on mining versus charcoal production, saying she never suggested that mining is better.
“Hindi po, mas maganda naman po kahit pa paano yung puka po sa mining kasi meron po rehabilitation. Whereas dito sa pagkakaingin…unang-una ito pong area ng minahan. Makula po yung lupa dyan… Kaya po namin binabanggit yun sa kanila kasi binabanggit ko po sa kanila yung taxes na nakukuha ng national government dahil ito po ay batas republika,” she said.
SPM, however, maintained that Trinidad remains personally accountable for statements that could spread misinformation and affect the community’s decision-making.
