MANKAYAN, Benguet — Several elders and landowners in Barangay Bulalacao have formally withdrawn their support for Crescent Mining Development Corporation (CMDC), saying they no longer back the company's mining and drilling activities.

In a sworn statement, one elder and landowner recanted the declaration of support he signed on 28 May 2026, saying he wanted the residents and officials of Barangay Bulalacao to know that he was withdrawing his support for the mining firm.

In a separate document, a group of elders and landowners from the same village also withdrew their support, claiming they signed the 28 May manifesto after being told it only concerned CMDC's completed projects.

The group said they did not read the document before signing and alleged that their names had already been printed on the papers before they affixed their signatures.

"Ti takder mi tatta ket keep haan mi nga suportaran jay CMDC iti anya nga aktibidades da ijay ili mi maipanggep iti minas wenno drilling," the group stated, adding that they no longer support any CMDC mining or drilling activities in their community.

The withdrawal documents were submitted to the barangay governments of Bulalacao and Guinaoang, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and the Mankayan municipal government. One of the documents showed it was received by CMDC on 27 June 2026.

The withdrawals come as residents of Bulalacao and neighboring Barangay Guinaoang continue to maintain a community barricade following reports that CMDC intended to deploy heavy equipment to resume exploration activities.

Residents said they established the barricade because they believe the renewal of the company's Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) lacked the required Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from affected indigenous communities.

They also said the barricade serves as a last resort to protect their farmlands, livelihoods, and water sources while legal petitions and complaints remain pending before government agencies.

In a statement, CMDC said it informed the Mankayan local government and officials of Barangays Bulalacao and Guinaoang during a dialogue on 16 June that it would resume its stalled exploration activities.

The company maintained that it holds a valid MPSA issued by the MGB under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and has complied with the FPIC process, resulting in a Memorandum of Agreement with the indigenous communities represented by their Council of Elders.

CMDC added that it remains open to dialogue with all stakeholders and hopes continued engagement will lead to a peaceful and mutually beneficial resolution.