Almost 200 people gathered and launched a fluvial parade near the Abra River estuary in Ilocos Sur on July 16 to call for the cessation of the dredging operations by Isla Verde Mining and Development Company (IVMDC). Defend Ilocos Sur led the action and included residents from the affected barangays of Santa and Caoayan.

Residents said the dredging that began in May 2024 has damaged the environment and their livelihoods. An agreement between IVMDC and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office in June 2022 permitted the operation. The Department of Public Works and Highways and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau also approved the operation.

As of the latest record in December 2024, the company had already excavated more than eight million cubic meters of material from the Banaoang River, an Abra River tributary. The material was transported to Pasay City for a reclamation project.

From the beginning, residents of 12 barangays of Santa and Caoayan complained about the noise, the more intense erosion of sand along the coast, and the declining fish catch resulting from dredging. Environmental advocates also warned against the impact of the operation.

After more than a year of dredging, community fisherfolk have endured its negative impact on their livelihoods. Their fish catch decreased as the vibration from large vessels drove the fish away.

Fisherfolk also reported the smell and taste of gasoline in fish caught near the shore. Some have been forced to fish as far as 30 miles from the coast just to catch enough.

Marine and coastal geology expert Dr. Fernando Siringan revealed that the dredging operation is in the wrong location if its stated goal is to prevent flooding. He explained that while there are parts of the Banaoang River that need to be dredged, they are not the areas currently being excavated. Instead of preventing, the operation increases the possibility of flooding.

Aside from its negative effects, residents denounced the lack of any public consultation regarding the operation. Only one forum was held in Barangay Rancho in Santa in November 2024, when the project was already underway.

Caoayan’s Our Lady of Hope Parish parish priest Fr. Robert Somera, expressed support for the residents’ opposition to the dredging. He directly appealed the town mayor, Germy Singson-Goulart, to end the dredging.

He said that the people are extremely afraid to express opposition to the project, especially since the powerful Singson family remains in power. “They are in fear, especially now that money is being distributed. Let’s not expect people to speak out against this, so I’m the one bringing this to you—I’m the one pleading with you, with your siblings,” Fr. Somera said in Ilokano during an interview with Bombo Radyo Vigan.

The siblings referred to by the priest are former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson and the current governor Jeremias Singson. The Singson siblings expressed support for the dredging.

Before the fluvial protest, Defend Ilocos Norte gathered signatures for a petition opposing the project. Their call, together with the affected residents, is to immediately stop the dredging, compensate those who lost their livelihood, publicize the documents and scientific studies related to the operation, and hold the company accountable for the destruction and its impact on the community.

The Youth Alliance for Climate Action joined the communities’ action. “This is more than an environmental issue—it’s about justice, respect, and survival,” the group stated.