Nine barangays in Sallapadan, Abra united in rejecting Yamang Mineral Corporation’s exploration project during the process of Free, Prior and Informed Consent, blocking the company from proceeding with the project.
Residents led by the Masadiit tribe from the barangays of Bilabila, Saccaang, and Naguillian earlier already opposed the plan. The opposition expanded throughout the whole municipality after the consultations launched by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) on April 6, 7, and 9. Residents of Sallapadan lead the resistance.
They said they must protect the environment and their livelihood for the next generation. They condemned company personnel who approached certain individuals to undermine their unity.
The Diocese of Bangued, the Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council of Cordillera, and the National Anti-Poverty Commission also expressed opposition to the exploration plan.
Salakniban ti Umili ken Kadagaan ti Abra (Sumikad Abra) saluted the minority communities’ firm stand.
“The Masadiit once again showed unity in defending their land against the foreign mining company,” the group said.
According to Sumikad, residents have been opposing the company’s exploration plan since 2024. They built barricades and blocked the company’s equipment from entering the community.
In October 2024, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau granted the company a permit for Authority to Verify Mineral without the community’s consent. The collective action of residents forced the NCIP to suspend the verification in September 2025.
Yamang Mineral is a subsidiary of Metals Exploration PLC, a company based in London, UK. Its application covers 16,200 hectares of ancestral land in Sallapadan, Licuan-Baay, Lacub, and Malibcong. Its sister company, Woggle Corporation, also faced strong opposition from residents of Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya.
