The Bangued Diocese released a statement on August 19 condemning the large-scale mining in Licuan-Baay, Abra.

According to the diocese, Yamang Mineral Corporation (YMC) obtained an “authority to verify minerals” permit from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau without the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of the indigenous peoples. This violated the proper process as well as the fundamental rights and dignity of the indigenous peoples.

YMC already launched mineral exploration in Abra in 2024. Its project covers 16,187 hectares of land in the municipalities of Sallapadan, Lacub, Malibcong, and Licuan-Baay for the extraction of gold, copper, molybdenum, and other minerals.

Defying the company’s mining plans, residents of Barangay Ududiao in Sallapadan blocked the entry of YMC’s exploration equipment into their area on June 10, 2024. Prominent was the military’s protection of the company’s equipment.

“Large-scale mining destroys land, poisons water, endangers health, and devastates the people’s livelihood. Nothing destroyed can be fully restored. Short-term profit cannot equal the long-term value of clean rivers, fertile soil, healthy communities, and a vibrant culture,” the priests explained.

The priests urged all government officials and agencies to act with courage and integrity, enforce the law, protect natural resources, and defend people’s rights.

“We call on all Abreños to stand up and protect what God created,” declared the priests.

YMC is a subsidiary of FCF Minerals Corp., a company based in London.