MANILA – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has called for a Senate investigation into the issuance of an exploration permit that allowed a foreign-linked company to conduct mining activities in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, citing concerns over environmental protection and ancestral rights.

In a two-page proposed Senate Resolution No. 284 filed on Monday, February 2, Pangilinan said the inquiry aims to examine the issuance and implementation of the exploration permit granted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB).

“The purpose of the inquiry, in aid of legislation, is to review whether the issuance and implementation of DENR- MGB Exploration Permit No. EP 00003011 in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya has caused issues with environmental compliance, public consultation, and FPIC requirements, reported violations of environmental and procedural rules, and the roles of concerned national and local government agencies in enforcing their responsibilities,” the resolution states.

DENR-MGB Exploration Permit No. EP00003011 was issued to Woggle Corporation, an affiliate of FCF Minerals Corporation, allowing it to conduct gold and copper exploration over approximately 3,100 hectares in the province.

Pangilinan said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Nueva Vizcaya has requested the DENR-MGB to cancel the permit due to environmental concerns. Councils from Barangay Oyao, Bitnong, Inaban, Munguia, and other affected communities have also called for an investigation into the permit’s issuance.

According to Pangilinan, residents of Dupax del Norte have expressed fears that mining activities could cause irreversible damage to the environment, crops, and water sources. Farmers have also raised concerns that mining may affect their rice fields, noting that the river supplying irrigation water has begun emitting a foul smell and may dry up.

In response to the mining activities, residents and indigenous groups have blockaded access roads to the mining sites. However, a Temporary Restraining Order issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 30 in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, on October 10, 2025, prohibited residents from blocking roads and led to the dismantling of community barricades.

The enforcement of the TRO, based on a subsequent court order, resulted in clashes, with reports that some residents fainted during the incident.

Pangilinan said that through his proposed resolution and the privilege speech delivered by Senator Raffy Tulfo, the Senate aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the mining permit and ensure that the rights of Dupax del Norte residents are protected and prioritized.