The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Benguet has approved a set of resolutions directing Crescent Mining and Development Corporation (CMDC) to follow Indigenous Peoples’ rights rules before continuing any mining operations. The move was announced through the provincial board’s official Facebook page.
The resolutions order CMDC to stop all mining activities until it secures Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) as required under Section 59 of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act. The board also urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau to review or suspend the renewal of MPSA No. 057-96-CAR if full compliance is not proven.
The provincial board further called on the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples to strictly enforce FPIC rules and avoid issuing conditional certifications that could bypass the process. It also asked the NCIP-CAR to recall an earlier conditional certification related to the same mining permit.
Another measure, Resolution No. 2025-291, expressed support for Indigenous communities in Barangay Bulalacao, Guinaoang, and nearby areas as they assert their rights under IPRA and other national laws. All five resolutions were approved during the board’s 16th Regular Meeting.
How might these actions affect future mining operations and community consultations in Benguet?
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