Narra residents rally vs. Redmont endorsement, urge leaders to uphold Palawan’s mining safeguards
Narra, Palawan — September 12, 2025 (PH time). Community members staged a peaceful rally in front of the Sangguniang Bayan building to protest the council’s endorsement of Redmont Consolidated Mines Corporation’s application. The action—organized by a broad civic coalition led by Silvestra N. Dadison (Women Environmental Defenders–WEDs, Narra Chapter) and community leader Bert Dadison, together with the Parish Social Action of Sto. Niño Parish, Bgy. Princess Urduja (represented by Marichi L. Orcajada) and the Indigenous Peoples Organization (represented by Aguilardo D. Deig)—called on officials to rescind the endorsement and uphold Palawan’s protective framework under the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) and ECAN zoning.
According to council records and community briefings, the Narra Sangguniang Bayan passed Resolution No. 5867 on July 28, 2025, endorsing Redmont’s bid for ECAN zoning certification and SEP clearance related to activities in Barangay Calategas. Community leaders emphasized that any application should undergo a rigorous review and involve meaningful public participation, and must align with Palawan’s long-standing mining safeguards.
A Walk for Nature: route and purpose
In a letter dated 08 September 2025 addressed to Municipal Mayor Gerandy B. Danao and the Sangguniang Bayan, organizers sought permission for a civic activity titled “A Walk for Nature,” aligning with the Season of Creation observance.
Start: 8:00 AM, Caraniogan
Photo - a snippet from the video of Monitte Ogsoc Lantas, also a WEDs member.
Route: Caraniogan → Narra Public Market → Municipal Building (Legislative Building and Office of the Mayor)
Purpose: Submit a petition to the Mayor’s Office and Legislative Office opposing the recent endorsement of mining in Narra; hold a short program urging transparency, accountability, and decision-making for the common good—consistent with principles of ecological stewardship and intergenerational equity.
Why residents mobilized
Residents, farmers, fisherfolk, and youth who attended the rally stated that Narra’s agricultural base and sensitive ecosystems face long-term risks from mining. They raised concerns about watershed integrity, soil and water quality, and coastal livelihoods, noting that precaution and transparency should guide any government action.
What the community is asking for
- Rescind Resolution 5867 and publicly explain the process that produced it;
- Full transparency on all applications, studies, and endorsements related to Redmont;
- Strict application of SEP/ECAN safeguards and Palawan’s mining restrictions in any review at the municipal, provincial, and PCSD levels;
- Meaningful participation of affected barangays, farmers, fisherfolk, and Indigenous communities at every decision point.
Photos by Monitte Ogsoc Lantas
Next steps
Organizers stated that they would continue community dialogues and submit formal letters to local and provincial authorities. They encouraged residents to monitor official proceedings and to participate in consultations to ensure decisions reflect Narra’s long-term interests.
Editor’s note: This report is based on ELAC’s direct documentation of the rally and community briefings. ELAC has requested official copies of relevant documents for public record. We welcome statements from the Narra Sangguniang Bayan, Redmont Consolidated Mines Corporation, and the PCSD for inclusion in future updates. Please email comments to elacpalawan@gmail.com.
