The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 3 has issued a Cease and Desist Order to the mining exploration being conducted by the Fortuna Mining Corporation at Barangay Cawag in the town of Subic, Zambales, on May 4, 2026.

MGB RO3 Regional Director Noel B. Lacadin issued the Cease and Desist Order to Fortuna Mining Corp. President Ze Hong Zhuang Tan, citing that the mining company was “found exploring without fully complying with the conditions of the Exploration Permit No. EP-001-2026-III.

The order also stated that two conditions were not met, including providing proof of consultation and endorsement by the Sanggunian concerned prior to the implementation of the Exploration Work Program (ExWP); and securing the NCIP Certification prior to implementation of the ExWP.

“In this regard, you are hereby ordered to Cease and Desist from further conducting above-mentioned activity immediately upon receipt hereof.”

Before the issuance of the said order, the DENR, Subic LGU, PNP, and the Barangay Cawag officials held a preconference meeting, which was followed by an ocular inspection at the said mining area.

Mayor Jon Khonghun has expressed dissatisfaction over the mining activity, citing that the Subic LGU is against any form of mining in their municipality. “We will not allow any form of mining that would destroy the environment and rights of the residents of Subic,” he added.

During the serving of the Cease and Desist Order, RD Lacadin, Khonghun, and Barangay Captain Marvin Martinez spotted numerous mining equipment in the area, as well as personnel from the Fortuna Mining Corporation.

The company is set to remove their mining equipment from the mining exploration activity area as part of the order issued by the DENR.