January 30, 2029

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) called on the Commission on Human Rights to conduct an onsite investigation on the recent violent dismantling of the barricade in Dupax del Norte.

It further urged the CHR to convene a local multi-stakeholder group to host dialogues that would de-escalate the situation and avoid harm, risks and violence to affected communities.

These calls were made through a letter to the CHR National Office, where ATM National Coordinator Jaybee Garganera also expressed disappointment that the “CHR has not even issued a statement on the matter considering this involves the human rights of the people of Dupax del Norte.”

According to Garganera, “Several people were hurt, two fainted and seven individuals were arrested for charges that were dismissed the next day for lack of probable cause.”

“We hope you would take measures to address the issues raised by the residents concerning their freedom of expression and assembly,” Garganera wrote. “More importantly, we hope you would take notice of the lack of public consultations and consent from the community and local governments, which are legally required for any mining permit to be issued.”

Garganera concluded the letter by saying that human rights violations in mining-affected communities are a serious matter that the CHR should monitor, investigate and act upon.