Politics · Philippines Bureau
Pangilinan calls on gov't to back Kasibu farmers against mining project
Senator Francis Pangilinan has urged government agencies to prioritize the interests of Nueva Vizcaya farmers who have maintained a six-month blockade against mineral exploration activities in their community. The senator said officials should respect residents' rights to oppose the proposed project by North Luzon Mineral Resources Corp.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Tuesday made an urgent appeal to government officials to stand with farmers in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, who are resisting mining exploration activities in their municipality.
The senator criticized government agencies for appearing to side with corporate mining interests rather than protecting the rights of local residents. He pointed to the nearly six-month barricade maintained by community members opposing exploration work by North Luzon Mineral Resources Corp. (NLMRC) as evidence of strong local opposition to the project.
Pangilinan emphasized that government should respect the democratic right of residents to defend their livelihoods and communities. The farmers' sustained resistance reflects deep concerns about the potential environmental and economic impacts of mining activities in the agricultural region.
The dispute in Kasibu highlights ongoing tensions between development-oriented mining projects and communities seeking to preserve farming operations and protect their natural resources. The senator's statement underscores growing pressure on the administration to address local grievances over large-scale mining ventures in agricultural areas across the Philippines.