Bangued: The Diocese of Bangued in Abra has called on government officials to address the operations of a mining company allegedly working in Licuan-Baay town without obtaining consent from the indigenous communities in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, the diocese, which oversees all Catholic churches across the 27 municipalities of Abra, released a statement on August 19. The statement asserted that Yamang Mineral Corporation had been granted an Authority to Verify Minerals without securing the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from the communities likely to be affected by their operations. The diocese, led by Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian, emphasized that this oversight constitutes a breach of due process and a violation of the fundamental rights and dignity of the indigenous people. The statement expressed concerns about the credibility and respect for laws and communities in light of these actions.

The diocese raised alarms about potential environmental impacts, specifically the risk of contaminating the Malanas and Baay rivers, which feed into the Abra River, due to the mining activities in Licuan-Baay. The statement highlighted the broader implications of the mining threat, noting that any harm to one part of Abra affects the entire region.

Referencing the Supreme Court's doctrine on intergenerational responsibility, the diocese underscored the obligation of each generation to maintain environmental integrity for future generations. The Church reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and urged the people of Abra to advocate for life, justice, and stewardship by opposing large-scale mining projects in the province.