Defend Ilocos Sur and church members suceeded in temporarily stopping the dredging operation of Isla Verde Mining and Development Corporation in Isla Verde, Ilocos Sur. According to Defend Ilocos Sur, this is a major victory for the people of the province.

A dialogue between the Department of Natural Resources-Regional Officer 1 (DENR-RO1) and the organization on November 19 reached a decision to suspend the company’s operation for 15 days. The company will not be allowed to continue excavation until it completes the required documents.

The company was discovered to have repeatedly violated the law. These include continuing operations beyond both the designated period and the its allowed area. The company also repeatedly ignored the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office 1 (MGB-RO1) orders to stop dredging.

The company’s excavated materials are sold to reclamation projects in Pasay City and Bulacan. This contradicts the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office 1 (DPWH RO1) approved plan, which states that the operation is intended for flood mitigation in Metro Vigan. The excavated materials were also supposedly planned for the city’s flood control project, but the company failed to follow this as well.

Despite mere initial victory, the Ilocano people resolutely stand on persisting until the IVMDC operation is completely halted. The group also called for just and sufficient compensation for the affected communities and rehabilitation for the damaged environment.