21/10/2025
HANDS OFF OUR LANDS! YMC, LAYAS!
NO TO LARGE SCALE MINING IN ABRA!
ATIS-Hong Kong condemns the large-scale mining project of FCF's Yamang Mineral Corporation (YMC) in our homeland of Abra. The proposed exploration under the guise of Exploration Permit Application (EXPA) 129, covering an extensive 16,187 hectares, in the communities of Sallapadan, Lacub, Malibcong, and Licuan-Baay, threatens not only our environmental sanctity but also our cultural heritage.
We say NO to large scale mining in Abra. Our lands are not commodities to be traded, but the lifeblood of our people – steeped in history, teeming with biodiversity, and the bedrock of our future.
Since 2024, YMC has persistently attempted to carry out mineral exploration activities in our municipalities without regard for our rights. The company claims legitimacy through an "Authority to Verify Minerals" from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. This approval violates our fundamental right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), a cornerstone of Indigenous Peoples' rights and a mandatory process that cannot be bypassed without our explicit agreement.
Reports reveal that YMC has brazenly begun sampling and aerial surveys, ignoring the voices of our communities. An egregious display of this disregard occurred on June 10, 2024, when the determined residents of Barangay Ududiao in Sallapadan stood their ground, denying entry to YMC's exploration equipment. Furthermore, the reported presence of military forces accompanying company equipment raises grave concerns about the safety and security of our people, indicating an alarming militarization and human rights violations.
We call on the Marcos administration to stand with the people and demand the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to revoke the permits granted to YMC.
Our lands are not commodities to be traded, but the lifeblood of our people – steeped in history, teeming with biodiversity, and the bedrock of our future.
SALAKNIBAN DAGA, BIAG KEN DAYAW!
