Senate Resolution Filed to Investigate Mining Permit in Nueva Vizcaya
Senator Francis Pangilinan has taken legislative action by filing a resolution that calls for a comprehensive Senate investigation into the controversial issuance of a mining exploration permit in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya. The resolution, designated as Senate Resolution No. 284, was formally submitted on Monday, February 9, 2026, sparking renewed attention to the ongoing environmental and social concerns in the region.
Environmental and Procedural Concerns Prompt Legislative Inquiry
In his resolution, Senator Pangilinan emphasized that the primary objective of the inquiry is to conduct a thorough review of the issuance and implementation of DENR-MGB Exploration Permit No. EP 00003011. This permit, which was granted in August 2025, has raised significant questions regarding compliance with environmental regulations, the adequacy of public consultation processes, and the fulfillment of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) requirements for affected indigenous communities.
The resolution explicitly highlights reported violations of environmental and procedural rules, as well as concerns about the roles and responsibilities of both national and local government agencies in enforcing regulatory standards. By initiating this investigation, the Senate aims to gather crucial information that could inform future legislation aimed at strengthening environmental protections and safeguarding community rights.
Local Opposition and Community Impact
The exploration permit authorizes Woggle Corporation, an affiliate of FCF Minerals Corporation, to conduct gold and copper exploration activities across approximately 3,100 hectares of land in Dupax del Norte. This development has met with strong resistance from local residents and indigenous groups, who have expressed deep fears about the potential for irreversible damage to their environment, agricultural lands, and vital water sources.
Farmers in the area have reported alarming changes, noting that a river essential for irrigation has begun emitting a foul odor and shows signs of potentially drying up, threatening their rice fields and livelihoods. In response to these concerns, community members and indigenous organizations have established barricades along access roads to the exploration sites as a form of protest against the mining activities.
Legal and Social Tensions Escalate
The situation has escalated into legal and social tensions, with a temporary restraining order issued by a regional trial court in October 2025 prohibiting road blockades. The enforcement of this order led to clashes and the dismantling of community barricades, with reports indicating that some residents fainted during the incident, highlighting the volatile nature of the conflict.
Local government bodies have also voiced their opposition, with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Nueva Vizcaya requesting the DENR-MGB to cancel the permit due to environmental concerns. Similarly, barangay councils from affected communities such as Oyao, Bitnong, Inaban, and Munguia have called for investigations, underscoring the widespread discontent and demand for accountability.
As the Senate prepares to delve into this matter, the resolution filed by Senator Pangilinan represents a critical step toward addressing the complex interplay between economic development, environmental sustainability, and the protection of ancestral and community rights in the Philippines.
