The Ilocos Sur people’s collective action compelled the local government to speak and announce the suspension of Isla Verde Mining and Development Company (IVMDC)’s destructive dredging operation at the Lower Abra River estuary within the province. On September 2, Ilocos Sur Gov. Jeremias Singson and former Gov. Chavit Singson declared that the operation would be halted.

Defend Ilocos Sur regarded the Singsons’ statement as an initial victory and that this resulted from the united and relentless actions of the communities and their supporters. On July 16, the group led a collective fluvial protest against the dredging operation and gathered signatures for a petition.

According to the group, the local government also promised to rehabilitate the affected parts of the shoreline damaged by dredging through reclamation. The local government also announced the relocation of dredging operations inside the river, in line with an expert study.

“But the fight is not yet over. We still need to monitor if they would keep their word,” Defend Ilocos Sur stated.

The destructive dredging began in May 2024 under the guise of preventing floods in Vigan City, Caoayan, and Santa. An agreement between IVMDC and the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) authorized the operation in June 2022. The Department of Public Works and Highways and Mines and Geosciences Bureau issued permits for the operation.

The local governments also reportedly received a “share” of Isla Verde’s profits. Officials from the provincial, municipal, and even barangay levels allegedly received millions.

Isla Verde, the company in charge with the operation, is a Taiwan-based mining company. The dredging adversely affected 9,536 residents from nine barangays of Santa and Caoayan and caused them sleepless nights from loud noises and nonstop shaking of structures.

Worse, fishers’ catch has declined since dredging began. Intense ship noise and vibrations disturbed marine life, contaminating fish and other aquatic resources. Previously, fishers were able to sell about ₱1,000 worth of fish, but now, they cannot even catch enough for their families’ consumption.

The National Democratic Front (NDF)-Ilocos congratulated the Ilocos Sur people for collectively achieving this initial victory. “The people’s demand for the local government to announce the suspension of operations is a significant step,” NDF-Ilocos spokesperson Rosa Guidon said.

She added that Isla Verde—and the DENR and local government for colluding—must be held accountable. She called on the Ilokano masses to continue forging unity until the dredging operation is completely stopped, the damage rehabilitated, and those affected indemnified.

Beyond Isla Verde’s dredging, NDF-Ilocos stated that destructive operations continue to multiply in the region. These include large-scale wind and solar farms, a coal-fired power plant, and other projects that displace communities and devastate the environment.

“It is only right to awaken the masses to the root of their suffering brought by the environmental destruction of profit-hungry monopoly capitalists, local comprador bourgeois, and the collusion of the Marcos regime,” Ka Rosa said.

She explained that the coddling given to these destructive operations provides strong grounds to further intensify the armed struggle in the region. “At this point, NDF-Ilocos is calling for mass enlistment, especially from the youth, to become Red fighters—the ultimate defenders of the environment, safety, and livelihood of the people,” Ka Rosa said.