TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The leadership of the Balatoc Kalinga Tribe Inc. (BKTI) has strongly denounced recent statements circulating in the media opposing the development of the Batong Buhay mining project, describing them as false, misleading, and unrepresentative of the legitimate position of the Balatoc Tribe.
Speaking on behalf of the Balatoc tribe, Victor Gumisa emphasized that the statements being attributed to the Balatoc community do not represent the views of the recognized Indigenous People’s organization (IPO), the Council of Elders, nor the overwhelming majority of the Balatoc, Pasil people in Kalinga.
“The public deserves to know the truth. These statements are not supported by the recognized leadership of the Balatoc Tribe. They are false, misleading, and intended to create confusion regarding the legitimate aspirations of our people,” Gumisa said.
BKTI Holds the Lawful Mandate
Gumisa explained that the Balatoc Tribe has already exercised its priority rights over its ancestral domain, as recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in 2008.
As the duly recognized representative of the Balatoc Tribe, BKTI was subsequently granted the Certificate of Precondition (CP) covering the exploration area, giving it the authority and responsibility to determine the development of the mineral resources within Exploration Permit Application (EXPA) No. 79.
“The authority to decide the future development of our ancestral domain rests with BKTI and the recognized leadership of the Balatoc Tribe—not with individuals pursuing their own personal interests,” Gumisa stressed.
Strong Community Support for Responsible Mining
According to Gumisa, the President and Board of Directors of BKTI, together with the majority of tribal elders, have expressed their full support for the responsible development of the Batong Buhay Mine.
BKTI has formally nominated Metals Exploration as its preferred mining partner to develop the project under a partnership model designed to ensure that Indigenous Peoples become genuine stakeholders in the project.
Under the proposed Joint Venture arrangement, the Balatoc tribe will receive a 20-percent equity stake in the operating company and representation on its Board of Directors.
“This is a pioneering model in the Philippine mining industry. For the first time, an Indigenous community will become a true equity partner in a major mining operation rather than simply receiving royalties. We believe this can become the benchmark for future responsible mining developments on ancestral lands.”
Development Benefits for the Entire Community
FEMC (Faratuk Exploration & Mining Company) has already presented a draft Memorandum of Agreement to the community outlining substantial development commitments, including:
-Construction of the long-awaited ₱100-million access road to Balatoc;
-Improved healthcare facilities and medical services;
-Scholarship programs for local students;
-Employment and livelihood opportunities;
-Infrastructure development;
-Community development and other long-term social benefits.
“For decades our people have waited for meaningful development. This partnership offers an opportunity to improve the lives of future generations while ensuring that our ancestral domain remains under Indigenous ownership and participation,” Gumisa said.
Gumisa did not sign any MOA or JOA yet until the Balatoc tribe, and PMDC will reach acceptable agreement. What the people and government will decide, that is what I support. I did not sign any agreement without consulting my community and presenting documents to Balatoc lawyers and professionals, they need to be involved. The June 25 meeting at Balatoc was initial presentation of MOA.
Questions Raised Over Illegal Mining Operations
Gumisa also expressed concern that opposition to the project appears to be driven by vested interests seeking to preserve existing illegal mining activities in the area.
“If these efforts succeed in preventing the responsible development of Batong Buhay, it will not be the ordinary people of Balatoc who benefit. Instead, poverty will continue while only a few individuals involved in illegal operations profit from our natural resources.”
Improper small scale mining caused the death of some of our tribes’ members. Responsible small scale mining will continue with technical assistance of FEMC. We will prioritize CADT certificate of ancestral domain titling processing and ADSDPP ancestral domain sustainable development plan of our Tribe.
A Project of National Importance
Gumisa emphasized that the proposed Batong Buhay project represents far more than a local mining venture. It is expected to contribute to the country’s critical minerals development strategy while delivering lasting benefits to Indigenous communities.
“The choice before us is clear. We can continue with unregulated and illegal activities that benefit only a few, or we can pursue a transparent, legally compliant, community-led mining project that creates jobs, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and lasting prosperity for our people.”