Leyte residents oppose black sand mining

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February 14, 2026 | 12:00am

TACLOBAN, Philippines — Residents of MacArthur town in Leyte on Tuesday blocked the entry of a massive equipment allegedly intended for black sand mining operation.

The protesters formed a human barricade to prevent a dredging machine as large as  a six-story building from moving from the seashore toward a mining site in Barangay Maya.

Reports said the equipment has been trying to reach the mining site since last month.

The group’s spokesman, Jesus Cabias Jr., said residents were worried that the mining operation would destroy their farms and livelihood.

Residents have urged the government to stop the mining operation, citing the company’s alleged failure to rehabilitate previously mined areas, and the lack of monitoring mechanisms.

The protesters said they want to protect their land and livelihood from potential environmental and economic impacts of the mining operation.

In a letter, residents urged President Marcos to issue an executive order stopping black sand mining.

The company, MacArthur Iron Project Corp. (MIPC), has reportedly been bringing in ships carrying dredging equipment to Barangay Maya.

Residents said the mining oeration would destroy local irrigation systems and farms.

“Without any intervention to stop this mining operation, we will end up with nothing to feed our families,” the protesters said.

Earlier, residents said they have been denied access to their farms located near the mining site.

MIPC manager Laurence Medua said that residents and farmers were allowed to go to their farms after seeking permission from the company.

In a statement released yesterday, the MIPC said it has secured necessary permits to operate and transport the dredging machine.