08/09/2026
Update: Guinaoang & Bulalacao, Mankayan, Benguet — Crescent Mining
Residents of Guinaoang and Bulalacao are still opposing Crescent Mining and Development Corp. (CMDC) exploration on ancestral land covered by MPSA 057-96-CAR (~533 hectares). The company says it is only doing government-approved exploration drilling for a pre-feasibility study — no ore extraction or mining operations yet. It cites an MGB work program, a renewed MPSA (2022), and an NCIP Certification Precondition after an FPIC process.
Communities say the consent process was flawed (permit renewed before full FPIC; they were outvoted by other barangays) and fear damage to water sources, farms, and livelihood. A community barricade has been up since October 2025. A municipal halt was later lifted. In July 2026 a court TRO told protesters not to block access roads. Parties later talked status quo while an injunction case continued. Some elders backed the FPIC; some landowners later withdrew support. Provincial officials have inspected the site.
Situation remains tense but reported as peaceful. Follow local LGU, NCIP, and MGB updates.