Police nab 13 people in Nueva Vizcaya anti-mining standoff

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August 31, 2026 | 12:00am

KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — Thirteen residents opposing a mining exploration project here were arrested Friday night, following a tense standoff with police at a human barricade.

The residents accused members of the Philippine National Police of siding with the mining firm North Luzon Mineral Resources, an allegation that the Kasibu PNP unit denies.

Lt. Lloyd Guillermo, Kasibu police chief, said his personnel were merely performing their duty as they responded to a 911 call.

However, the residents claimed that the police officers were actually escorting the mining firm’s vehicles that were transporting fuel to the exploration site. 

Tension rose when the police attempted to dismantle the human barricade to allow the vehicles to pass, resulting in the arrest of the 13 protesters. 

Gov. Jose Gambito ordered police to defuse the tension, as a meeting with Vice Mayor Alberto Bumolo and town councilors was called between the community and the mining firm representatives.

The parties agreed to temporarily keep the mining firm personnel, including equipment and supplies, out of the exploration site as the negotiations continue, with another meeting set on Tuesday.