Senator Francis Pangilinan on the hearing of Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation and Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes on February 4, 2026. Photo courtesy of Kiko Pangilinan/Facebook.
Senator Francis Pangilinan on Monday filed a resolution urging the Senate to investigate the approval of an exploration permit for mining in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya.
The measure, Senate Resolution No. 284, focuses on environmental compliance, public consultation, and the protection of indigenous and community rights in connection with the permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB).
The permit, granted in August 2025, allows Woggle Corporation, affiliated with FCF Minerals Corporation, to conduct gold and copper exploration over approximately 3,100 hectares in the municipality.
Local government units, including the provincial board of Nueva Vizcaya and several barangay councils, have expressed concerns over possible environmental damage and urged authorities to review or revoke the permit.
Residents warned that mining could threaten crops and water sources, noting that a river used for irrigation has reportedly started emitting a foul odor and may soon dry up. Some communities set up barricades to block access to exploration sites.
A temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by a regional trial court in October 2025 prohibited the roadblocks, prompting law enforcement to dismantle the barricades, with reports of residents fainting during the enforcement.
The resolution calls for a review of whether national and local agencies properly enforced environmental and procedural regulations while ensuring the rights of affected communities are upheld.