Mining standoff erupts: 13 anti-mining protesters arrested in Nueva Vizcaya

KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya — Nueva Vizcaya’s long-running conflict over mining exploration has escalated again, with 13 residents opposing a mining project arrested after a standoff between anti-mining protesters and police at a community barricade in Kasibu on August 28.

The protesters were arrested after police attempted to clear a human barricade that was blocking vehicles heading toward an exploration site of North Luzon Mineral Resources Corp. (NLMRC).

Residents said they were opposing the mining exploration project because of concerns over its potential effects on their land, livelihood and water resources.

The protesters also accused police of favoring the mining company after officers were seen escorting vehicles carrying fuel toward the area. Kasibu police denied the allegation, saying their personnel were responding to a 911 call and performing their duty to maintain peace and order.

Kasibu Police Chief Lt. Lloyd Guillermo said officers first tried to engage the protesters and explain the possible legal consequences of blocking the road before the arrests were made.

The confrontation prompted Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Jose Gambito to call for measures to prevent the situation from escalating further.

Following negotiations involving the protesters, local officials, police and company representatives, the parties agreed to temporarily keep NLMRC personnel, equipment and supplies out of the exploration site while discussions continue. Another meeting was scheduled for Tuesday.

Latest in a series of mining-related clashes

The August 28 arrests are the latest development in a series of confrontations involving anti-mining groups and mining-related activities in Nueva Vizcaya this year.

In January, anti-mining protesters in Dupax del Norte reportedly formed human barricades to prevent mining equipment from entering an exploration site. The incident later reached the courts, with the Regional Trial Court ordering several protesters to explain why they should not be cited for contempt for allegedly resisting the implementation of a writ of preliminary injunction.

In May, communities in Kasibu established barricades at several locations to prevent the movement of exploration equipment and other supplies connected to NLMRC’s activities. Residents said they were opposing the project because of concerns about their land, livelihood and the environment.

On August 5, the deployment of police and military personnel to a community barricade in Barangay Paquet further heightened tensions. Residents and their lawyers objected to the presence of security forces and maintained their opposition to the mining activities.

On August 19, three members of the Kasibu Inter-Tribal Response for Ecological Development were arrested at the barricade during a confrontation involving the delivery of fuel reportedly intended for equipment in the area. They were later released on bail and faced allegations including grave coercion and disobedience to authority, according to reports.

The latest arrests on August 28 followed the same dispute over access to the exploration area, bringing the mining conflict back into the spotlight.

Community opposition continues

Residents and Indigenous groups opposing the project have maintained that their communities should have a greater say in activities affecting their land, livelihood and environment.

NLMRC, meanwhile, has been conducting exploration activities under its permit. Reports said the company’s exploration permit covers thousands of hectares in Kasibu.

Police have maintained that their role is to enforce the law and protect public safety, denying that they are siding with the mining company.

As negotiations continue, both sides have agreed to temporarily keep the mining company’s personnel, equipment and supplies out of the exploration site while discussions are held.

The latest standoff underscores the continuing tension between mining exploration and communities opposed to the activity, with the August arrests marking the latest flashpoint in Nueva Vizcaya’s long-running mining dispute.