Residents protest mining in Dupax del Norte amid fears for land and livelihoods

The residents fear that mining will cause irreversible damage to their environment, crops, and water supply. According to a report on "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," residents blocked roads during the protest and set up barricades to stop mining exploration. The confrontation turned physical when police attempted to remove the barricades. One protester was taken into custody, and some residents fainted amid the chaos. Seven people were arrested, six of whom were women. Gregorio, one of the protesters, said, "Talagang ninenerbiyos kami sa takot. Takot namin dahil 'yung nakahila na sila, umahon na naman doon sa taas." ["We were so nervous and scared. We were terrified because even though they had already been pulled down, they managed to get back up there again."] Janele, another farmer, recounted how the situation escalated. "Alam ko, i-implement daw 'yung order ng korte na, preliminary injunction. Hindi ko rin alam 'yun. Nandu'n lang kami. Nakaupo. Hinatak 'yung kamay namin. Hinatak ...