MANKAYAN, Benguet — Several indigenous elders and landowners in a Benguet province village have formally withdrawn their support for a local mining company, claiming they were misled into signing a manifesto of approval for exploration activities, according to newly submitted community documents.

The withdrawal comes amid a sustained resident-led barricade in the neighboring villages of Bulalacao and Guinaoang.

Residents fortified the blockade following reports that Crescent Mining Development Corp. (CMDC) planned to bring in heavy machinery to resume drilling operations.

In one document, an elder and landowner from Barangay Bulalacao recanted statements he made in a manifesto of support signed 28 May.

In a separate document, a group of village elders and landowners echoed the withdrawal, stating they signed the 28 May papers under the impression that the text detailed completed community projects by the mining firm.

The group acknowledged they did not read the document before signing and alleged their names had been pre-printed on the signature sheets.

“Our stand now is we do not support any activities of CMDC in relation to mining or drilling,” the group said in a translated statement.

The community documents were submitted to the local government units of Bulalacao, Guinaoang and Mankayan, as well as the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Records show CMDC received at least one of the documents Saturday.

Local residents said they are maintaining the active physical barricade as a defensive measure, arguing that the renewal of the company’s Mineral Production Sharing Agreement lacked the mandatory Free, Prior, and Informed Consent from the indigenous population.

Community leaders said the blockade is a final recourse to safeguard their agricultural lands, livelihoods, and water sources while legal petitions remain unresolved by government agencies.

In a statement, CMDC said it informed municipal and village officials during a June 16 dialogue that it would mobilize to resume its stalled exploration activities.

The company maintained that it holds a valid production agreement from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

CMDC executives stressed that the firm complied with the consent process, which resulted in a memorandum of agreement with the indigenous communities represented by their council of elders.

The mining company added that it remains open to stakeholders and hopes respectful dialogue will lead to a peaceful resolution.