ICYMI: Abra Communities Stand Firm Against FCF’s Yamang Mineral Large-Scale Mining Project
January 18, 2025
On January 17, 2025, representatives from municipalities affected by mining and dam projects in Abra attended the “Sumikad Abra” Peoples’ Forum, organized by the Ecumenical Disaster Response and Management Committee (EcuDreamC) in partnership with the Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera (CDPC).
Since last year, FCF’s Yamang Mineral Corporation (YMC) has been attempting to conduct mineral exploration activities in the municipalities of Sallapadan, Lacub, Malibcong, and Licuan-Baay. Their project, labeled as Exploration Permit Application (EXPA) 129, covers 16,187 hectares of land for the mining of gold, copper, molybdenum, and other associated minerals. The company claims to have permission in the form of an “Authority to Verify Minerals” issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. This violates the affected municipalities' right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
In an earlier statement issued by CPA’s Abra Provincial Chapter (Kakailian, Salakaniban Ta’y Amin a Nagtaudan-KASTAN), it was reported that the company had begun sampling and aerial survey activities in the first quarter of 2024 without the consent of the affected communities. This aggressiveness was further demonstrated on June 10, 2024, when residents of Barangay Ududiao in Sallapadan prohibited the sudden entry of YMC’s exploration equipment into their area.
Other accounts of YMC’s violations of Indigenous Peoples' rights across the affected municipalities were shared at the Sumikad Abra forum. One participant reported that during a meeting organized by YMC, company representatives insisted on explaining how their drones operate, despite the community demanding an immediate halt to exploration activities. Another participant noted that cash and other incentives were offered to those who attended consultations called by the company, and that military forces were observed protecting the company’s equipment.
Aside from mining, renewable energy projects threatening the province were also discussed by CPA and the Aliansa dagiti Pesante iti Kordiliera (APIT TAKO). Abra faces two wind farm projects: the 200 MW Abra-Kalinga Wind Farm of JBD Water Power Inc. (JWPI) and the 160 MW Wind Energy Project of Beyond Renewable Energy Corporation. Both projects are currently in the pre-development stage, as listed in the Department of Energy’s recent report on awarded projects. For hydropower, the Department of Energy did not list the Palsuguan Dam (referred to as “Palsiguan Dam” in public records), which is planned for construction along the Palsuguan River in the municipality of Lagayan. The dam is part of President Marcos Jr.’s big ticket irrigation project, the Ilocos Norte-Ilocos Sur-Abra Irrigation Project Phase II (INISAIP II). A participant from Lagayan confirmed that construction of access roads connecting Abra to Ilocos Norte has already resumed.
At the end of the forum, participants remained resolute in their stance to oppose these development aggression projects. This commitment was expressed through a Unity Declaration to save Abra from plunder and destruction.
SUMIKAD ABRA! NO TO LARGE-SCALE MINING AND DESTRUCTIVE DAMS!