The renewal of Crescent Mining and Development Corporation’s (CMDC) mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) was met with protest and a barricade from the indigenous folks of Bulalacao village in the mining town of Mankayan, Benguet.
In a report by Rappler, Bulalacao indigenous peoples’ mandatory representative Marlo Pablo said that they will remain vigilant as they assert their right over their land. The barricade was put up to stop CMDC’s drilling activities on June 18 expressing their dissent on the project.
CMDC’s first MPSA expired last November 11, 2021. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) renewed the contract on March 2.
On May 27, the MGB Cordirella informed the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Cordillera of the contract renewal. MGB Cordillera director Faye Apil said they have received a certificate from NCIP Cordirella regional director Atanacio Addog that says they have no objection to CMDC’s mining project, provided that CMDC commits to complete the FPIC process.”
The Kankanaey community issued a resolution, questioning the renewal for not following the process for free prior and informed consent (FPIC). It added that NCIP did not issue a Certificate of Pre-Condition, and entered the community without consent from the barangay council.
Addog said that failure to seek FPIC is grounds for suspending the exploration activities of CMDC.
CMDC is currently at the exploration stage of its exploration in the mining town of Mankayan. The area is known for being rich in gold and copper reserves.
