This is only one of several conflictive nickel mines in Palawan, an island of great biodiversity value. In April 2017 the local government of Brooke’s Point in Palawan vowed to press charges against Ipilan Nickel Corporation (INC) after the latter allegedly resumed its mining activities despite the cancellation of its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and having no  Permit from the local government. Mayor Mary Jean Feliciano said they were preparing the charges against the mining company and would  push for the cancellation of the company’s Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) Clearance issued by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).[5].  In May 2017, after former environment minister Gina Lopez was dismissed from the government, it was reported that the cutting of thousands of century-old trees by Ipilan Nickel Corp in Palawan had drawn the ire not olny of the local population but also of a Catholic bishop who urged for action so that it won’t happen again. As the country’s “last ecological frontier” because of its unique biodiversity, Bishop Socrates Mesiona emphasized the importance of protecting the province’s environment. “This is a tragedy because Palawan is the last frontier so we hope that our environment will be protected, especially the century-old trees,” Mesiona said over Manila archdiocese-run Radio Veritas. Thousands of trees in Brooke’s Point town had been cut just days after former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez was rejected by the Commission on Appointments. The former Cabinet official said the cutting of trees will affect 3,000 hectares of agricultural land and 30,000 people in at least five barangays. The prelate then lauded the unity among the people and local officials who fought to protect the environment. Local officials were also planning to sue the mining company and demand for the cancellation of the firm’s environmental plan permit and a mineral sharing agreement with the government. [4] By 19 May 2017 [6] it was reported that  Natividad Bernardino, DENR director of the Mimaropa Region (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), issued the order canceling the tree cutting permit previously issued to INC. DENR officials told company representatives during a consultation here that the tree cutting violated of the suspension of their environmental compliance certificate (ECC), which former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez issued. INC, an affiliate of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., one of the country’s largest producers of nickel ore, defended its move, saying its ECC was valid because of its pending appeal. However, Mining and Geosciences Bureau Direcor Roland de Jesus,  clarified  that the government had sent the company letters stating it was not allowed to conduct any activity following the ECC suspension. Gina Lopez´z successor,  Cimatu,  told company officials. “You should be man enough to face the consequences if you make a mistake.” [3] [6]. The company is facing a cancellation of its permits, including the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) clearance as petitioned by the Brooke’s Point government. The company is also facing illegal logging charges and violation of Republic Act No. 9175 or the Chainsaw Act of 2002