Environmental Legal Assistance Center - Eastern Visayas

09/06/2026

Development is not just a matter of compliance. It should be a matter of accountability. The community in Barangay Casuguran, Homonhon Island has repeatedly been left out of decisions that affect them. Decisions that do not impact the state regulators who reside hundreds of kilometers away, the local government in the mainland, twenty kilometers away and most especially, the mining company whose employees can go back to the comforts of their own homes far away from the realities of the negative impacts to this beautiful island.

ELAC continues to stand with the HEARD, with the people of Brgy. Casuguran and the island of Homonhon in demanding proper accountability, transparency, and for the stoppage of all mining activities in the island until a comprehensive biodiversity and natural assessment of the entire island has been conducted and proper and continuous consultations of affected communities have been conducted.

09/05/2026

JOINT STATEMENT

An Matadong nga Transisyon ha Enerhiya Kinahanglan Ada ha Kasingkasing han Pagbaton han ASEAN ha Krisis ha Middle East

Cebu, Mayo 6, 2026 – San-o an ika-48 nga ASEAN Summit (Mayo 7–8, 2026) ha Cebu, Pilipinas, an Bantay Kita – Resource Justice Network Philippines, Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia – Resource Justice Network Indonesia, ngan Resource Justice Network Asia Pacific (RJN-AP) nagtatawag ha mga lider han ASEAN nga hatagan hin prayoridad an usa nga Matadong ngan Inklusibo nga Transisyon ha Enerhiya (Just and Inclusive Energy Transition o JIET) ha tiarabot nga Pamahayag han mga Lider (Leaders’ Statement).

An nagpapadayon nga samok ha Middle East, labi na an tensyon ha butnga han Iran ngan US, nag-ulang ha suplay han lana ha bug-os nga kalibutan pinaagi han Strait of Hormuz, nga nagdadara hin haros 20% han suplay han kalibutan. Ini nga pagsaka han presyo han enerhiya direkta nga nagbabahad ha seguridad ha pagkaon ngan enerhiya, nagpapamahal han plete ngan raga han mga kagamitan, ngan nagbubutang ha peligro han panginabuhi han minilyon nga pinaka-pobre nga katawhan ha ASEAN. Kondi, an baton nga “energy security” nga nakatutok la ha fossil fuel, pagtirok hin lana, ngan pagpadagmit han mga proyekto ha natural gas in may peligro nga maggapos ha rehiyon ha maiha nga pagdepende ha fossil fuel ngan pag-utro han mga modelo nga nakakaraot ha mga komunidad ngan ha kalibungan.

Gindugngan ni Beverly Besmanos, National Coordinator han Bantay Kita – Resource Justice Network Philippines, an pagka-importante hini tikang ha panlantaw han host nga nasud:

“An pagka-lider diri nasusukol ha pag-host hin summit; nasusukol ini ha kaisog nga proteksyunan an mga maugay o bulnerable. Diri makakasiring an Pilipinas nga nangunguna hira ha transisyon ha enerhiya samtang an aton katawhan nag-aantos ha pinakamahal nga bayad ha kuryente ha Asya ngan an aton mga tuna nga tinubyanan in ginlilimas para han mga ‘critical minerals.’ Nadiri kami nga maging ‘sacrifice zones’ para han ‘green ambitions’ han kalibutan. Nagpipirit kami nga an mga lider han ASEAN nga gumawas ha sirado nga purtahan han paghimo han Leaders’ Statement ngan isentro an tinuod nga eksperyensya han mga komunidad. Para ha amon, an transisyon magiging ‘matadong’ la kon i-demokratisa hini an enerhiya, igrespeto an amon katungod nga sumiring hin ‘diri’ ha maugay nga pagmina, ngan siguraduhon nga an pinakapobre nga mga pamilya diri amo an nagpapasan han bayad para han pagbalhin ngadto ha renewables.”

“Ini nga krisis diri la peligro ha suplay. Usa ini nga historikal nga oportunidad para ha ASEAN nga padagmiton an tinuod nga matadong nga transisyon ha enerhiya,” siring ni Aryanto Nugroho, Board Member han Resource Justice Network Asia Pacific ngan National Coordinator han PWYP Indonesia.

“Diri naton dapat tugutan nga ini nga krisis ha enerhiya magin rason para han mga bag-o nga proyekto ha fossil fuel nga nagtatapak han katungod han mga katutubo (Indigenous peoples) ngan mga lokal nga komunidad. An krisis ha enerhiya nga gin-aatubang han ASEAN nagpapakita nga an tinuod nga seguridad ha enerhiya dapat nakagamot ha ‘energy sovereignty’ pinaagi han renewable energy. Kondi, diri ini magiging matadong kon diri ginkikilala an mga frontline communities komo mga tag-iya hin katungod, labi na kay an ira mga tuna ngan katubigan amo an gintitikangan han mga materyales para han green technology,” dugang ni Angela Asuncion, Asia Pacific Coordinator han Resource Justice Network.

Ginhahangyo namon an mga Lider han ASEAN ha Cebu Summit nga:

1. Magbutang hin obligado nga JIET clause ha Leaders’ Statement, upod an target nga undangon an fossil fuels san-o mag-2030, ngan siguraduhon nga may transparency ha emisyon han sektor han pagmimina nga nakabutang ini ha NDC subay han Paris agreement nga 1.5 degrees celsius nga pangandoy.

2. Maghimo hin panrehiyon nga mekanismo para han transparency ngan traceability han mga kontrata ha mineral ngan enerhiya nga may kaupod nga Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) ngan patas nga bahin han benepisyo nga masigurado nga an transition minerals inin diri tikang ha mga lugar nga may panalapas hin katungod hit katawhan ngan masigurado nga ang mga mineral mabubutang ngadto ha renewable energy projects ngan diri para non-decarbonization sectors sugad hin para militar, AI ngan data centers.

3. Pormal nga iupod an civil society, mga katutubo, ngan mga maugay o bulnerable nga grupo ha paghimo hin desisyon mahiunong ha enerhiya ngan pagmimina pinaagi hin mga opisyal nga mekanismo ngan laray hin buruhaton han ASEAN.

4. I-prayoridad an paghimo hin community-based renewable energy ngan padagmiton an usa nga ASEAN Power Grid nga tinuod nga “green.”

5. Magtukod hin Regional Just Transition Fund para suportahan an mga trabahador ha minahan ngan fossil fuel, mga katutubo, kababayin-an, parag-uma, mga mangingisda, ngan mga MSME's nga naapektaran hini nga transisyon.

An “Navigating Our Future Together” magigin may pulos la kon an pulong nga “together” (urupod) naglalakip han tingog han mga komunidad nga pinaka-naapektaran—diri la han gobyerno ngan mga korporasyon. An Cebu Summit kinahanglan magin dalan han pagbag-o: tikang ha depensa ngadto ha usa nga bisyon han transisyon ha enerhiya nga matadong ngan malungtaron para ha ngatanan nga tawo ha ASEAN.

02/05/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 “𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐞” 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐆𝐁

Community residents of MacArthur, Leyte, are dismayed by the outcome of the April 29 Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue concerning mining operations in their area, calling it a “failure” for lacking any concrete commitment to the pull-out of the gigantic cutter suction dredger and the cancellation of the mining contract of Strong Built Mining Development Corporation (SBMDC).

Jesus Cabias, Founding Chairperson of Unahin Natin Lagi ang Diyos (Leyte), said, “We deeply resent the lack of sincerity of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in listening to our grievances and acting on our demands. We witnessed how they manipulated the process and acted as spokespersons, and even lawyers, for the mining company.”

Cabias said they were surprised when the MGB decided to put the four options presented for the dredger's pull-out to a vote. “They brought in a crowd of pro-mining people and asked them to sign in the attendance sheets, saying it would be used as a basis for the voting. But we have been clear from the very start – the dredger must be removed, and the mining operations must stop. It should have been settled then and there, the manner by which the dredger would be removed.”

Cabias added that the matter of putting the dredger pull-out up to a vote was only added towards the end of the forum, when most of the attendees had gone home, including the media. No instructions were given at the start of the forum which led to the confusion.

Brenie Morcilla, Secretary-General of UNLAD, “It seemed the dialogue was just for show. Pakitang-tao lang. There was also no solid plan to rehabilitate 56.79 hectares of farmlands destroyed by mining operations since 2020. They also made no mention of our demand for the complete cancellation of SBDMC’s Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA).”

The leaders of UNLAD, which was the main organizer of the barricade in MacArthur that brought the community’s opposition to black sand mining to national attention, stated they will continue their barricade until the dredger is removed, rehabilitation is implemented, and the SBDMC’s contract is canceled.

Meanwhile, Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) threw its support behind the community resistance. “MGB-DENR should abide by its mandate for environmental protection and prioritize the community’s rights and concerns over the interests of mining corporations. It should exhaust all means to address the residents’ concerns and demands.”

On the other hand, Atty. Rafael Pajares, Executive Director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center had this to add: “What is happening now in MacArthur should be a cautionary tale to the other municipalities within the coverage of this mining company’s MPSA, with all the documented complaints of damages sustained to farmlands of community members unwilling to have their properties mined, and even to government infrastructure as in the case of the still unrepaired NIA irrigation canals, it’s hard to understand why no disciplinary action has been imposed against them. The DENR, especially the EMB and the MGB, should initiate a thorough review of this mining company’s operations and impose the necessary sanctions, including the cancellation of their MPSA.”

14/04/2026

🌾 Empowering Farmers, Defending Land Rights! 🌾

On April 11, 2026, we held a Consultation Meeting with Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), small farmers, and landowners at the Liwayway Basketball court in MacArthur, Leyte.

Currently, our local farmers are facing severe threats to their livelihoods and land tenure security due to dredging operations by a private mining corporation.

To support them, a legal mission was conducted to investigate the issue, document their claims, explain negotiation pathways, and extend crucial legal assistance.

🤝 This collaborative effort was made possible by the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) serving as the lead organizer, in partnership with co-organizers UNLAD-Leyte (Unahin Natin Lagi Ang Diyos), Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), KAISAHAN, and other Civil Society Organizations.

A special thank you to our dedicated Volunteer partner lawyers—Atty. Balvin Quillotes, Atty. Beverly Jane Valida, Atty. Pamela Dolina, and Atty. Jenny Longjas—for lending their time and expertise to this mission.

Together, we remain committed to empowering smallholder farmers and ensuring the security of tenure for the lands they cultivate.

25/03/2026

HIRING: Admin-Finance Assistant 💼

We are looking for a detail-oriented individual to join our team! Whether you’re a fresh grad or have years of experience, if you're willing to learn and grow, we want to hear from you.

Qualifications:
1. Accounting or Business background preferred.
2. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
3. Passionate and eager to improve.

📩 Apply Now:

Send your application letter and CV to [email protected]. Join us in making a difference!

Send a message to learn more

12/03/2026

16/02/2026

During its regular session on February 11, 2026, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte took decisive action in response to mounting environmental and social concerns over black sand mining operations in the Municipality of MacArthur.

Citing reported risks such as flooding, soil erosion, siltation of waterways, and damage to agricultural lands and irrigation systems, the Provincial Board formally resolved to request the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Local Government Unit of MacArthur to temporarily suspend all mining activities pending a comprehensive compliance review.

The Board also authorized a joint committee investigation involving the Committees on Environment, Good Governance, Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Blue Ribbon to examine the validity and scope of permits, including Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) and Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs). The inquiry will also look into potential illegal land conversion of CARP-awarded properties, compliance with agrarian and environmental laws, possible violations of the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) Act due to heavy hauling, and concerns regarding social acceptability and community consultations.

The investigating committees are empowered to summon officials from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to provide documents and testimony. The Provincial Board emphasized that while mining regulation falls under national agencies, the Provincial Government retains its authority to protect public health, safety, and environmental integrity within its jurisdiction. It also reserves the right to recommend interim protective measures if necessary to prevent further ecological damage.

The Provincial Government underscored its commitment to ensuring that environmental laws are faithfully enforced to safeguard the lives, livelihoods, and natural resources of the people of Leyte.

The action of the Provincial Board came after residents and advocacy groups in MacArthur formally submitted a letter requesting an inquiry into the ongoing mining activity. This followed the arrival of a massive cutter suction dredger operated by MacArthur Iron Sand Project Corp. (MIPC), which docked and began moving through the area on January 25, 2026. The equipment has since been seen moving from the seashore toward the mining areas in Barangay Maya, MacArthur.

The adjacent municipalities of Mayorga and Abuyog have likewise previously expressed opposition. In fact, through a duly adopted municipal resolution, the local government formally manifested its strong objection to large-scale mining activities that threaten agricultural lands, environmental integrity, and the welfare of its constituents. Mayorga has historically resisted such ventures, while the mining claims of Strongbuilt Mining Development Corporation continue to face scrutiny in the region. To this day, hundreds of residents remain gathered at the site in Barangay Maya, maintaining a human barricade against the dredging equipment and the impending mining operations in their rice fields. Among other municipalities in the province, the Municipality of Palo in Municipal Ordinance No. 2011-03, likewise imposed a fifty-year moratorium on all mining operations. The Palo ordinance specifically noted that large-scale mining is a major threat to food security and a causal factor for catastrophic calamities. Such activities often ignore the participation of Local Government Units despite the mandates of the Local Government Code of 1991.

In reaction to the Provincial Government’s action, Bernardita C. Morcilla, Secretary General of UNLAD and a resident affected by MIPC’s mining activities, expressed the community’s gratitude:
“Nagpapasalamat kami nga mga taga-MacArthur han iyo pamati han amon hangyo ha iyo. Pinamatian niyo an amon araba ug iyo gin-aksiyonan. Taos-puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat na officers sa napakabilis ninyong aksyon.

Mabuhay Governor Petilla, Vice Governor Javier, at mga miyembro han Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Maraming salamat at mabuhay kayong lahat.”

The Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) Inc. stands with the people of Macarthur, Leyte and hails this move by the Province of Leyte as a step towards accountability and justice.

10/12/2025

09/11/2025

Call for Donations for Homonhon Island!

In the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, the communities of Homonhon Island are in urgent need of our support. Many families have lost their homes, livelihoods, and access to basic necessities.

In line with this, we are organizing a donation drive to support the residents of Homonhon Island who were heavily affected by Typhoon Tino. The goal is to gather essential goods and supplies to help families recover from the disaster in a safe and coordinated manner.

For those who would like to donate in kind, you may drop off your donations at our office.

📦 In-Kind Donations (Please send or drop off your donations at):
2nd Floor, Aquino Building, Corner Bonifacio St. and Mendiola St., Brgy. Naga-naga, Palo, Leyte 6501

📧 For inquiries and coordination:
[email protected]

Together, let’s help Homonhon rise again. 💚