DALICNO, Itogon — The indigenous peoples of Dalicno, Itogon, vowed to continue opposing a mining project after a Benguet court dismissed their petition challenging a key government clearance.

Residents have accused Itogon Suyoc Resources Inc. (ISRI) of contaminating rivers used for irrigation and livestock. Videos and photos posted online show what they claim is polluted water affecting crops and animals.

This after the Benguet Regional Trial Court Branch 62 dismissed a petition by five Dalicno residents seeking to nullify the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent process and Certification Precondition granted to ISRI for its Application for Production Sharing Agreement 103, which covers over 500 hectares of ancestral land.

The court ruled the case was “forum shopping” because a related complaint had already been dismissed by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples. The court said it lacked authority to review an NCIP decision made in its quasi-judicial capacity.

The Dalicno IPs said the ruling was procedural and not final. They plan to seek other legal remedies.

They also filed a complaint before the Commission on Human Rights, asking it to investigate alleged collusion between ISRI, government agencies, and local groups they claim were unauthorized to represent them.