Local government officials and barangay leaders in Paluan have officially expressed unanimous opposition to all dredging activities in the municipality’s territorial waters, citing grave environmental and safety reasons.

The unified stance was formalized through resolutions passed by various local government sectors, signaling escalation in Occidental Mindoro’s ongoing battle against controversial sand extraction operations.

The Liga ng mga Barangay-Paluan, Occidental Mindoro Chapter led the charge on July 4, 2025, passing Resolution No. 2025-07-01, expressing objection and opposition to all dredging activities in the Municipality of Paluan.

Three days later, the Sangguniang Bayan passed Resolution No. 2025-07-03, expressing “unequivocal objection and opposition to all dredging activities operations, in whatever form” within municipal jurisdiction.

Barangay Tubili’s Sangguniang Barangay added its voice through Resolution No. 24, specifically addressing dredging concerns at Sitio Tinangra within their barangay.

The Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) also issued Kapasyahan Bilang 2, 2025, formally condemning proposed dredging operations in Paluan.

According to the official statement released by Paluan LGU, dredging operations pose great risks to marine ecosystems, potentially causing long-term detrimental impacts including coral reef destruction, disruption of fish habitats, and coastal erosion.

Paluan officials noted that such operations could threaten the livelihoods of fishermen and compromise the safety and welfare of residents, particularly those in coastal areas vulnerable to erosion.

The Paluan resolutions were made in the heels of scrutiny of dredging operations across Occidental Mindoro province.

Earlier this year, Governor Eduardo Gadiano ordered the suspension of dredging activities in other parts of the province due to alleged noncompliance with permits and threats to residents’ safety.

In 2023, the Magsasaka party-list petitioned President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to investigate dredging activities in Occidental Mindoro following complaints from farmers and fishermen.

The controversy extends beyond Occidental Mindoro, as environmental groups have also opposed massive dredging operations in Oriental Mindoro, with fishermen reporting diminished fish catches due to dredging activities disturbing fish schools.

In contrast to opposition in Paluan, the dredging activities across Oriental Mindoro have received full backing from Governor Bonz Dolor, who has consistently expressed support for the operations as part of the province’s strategies to mitigate flooding and improve waterway management.

In Paluan, the Sangguniang Bayan resolution referenced Republic Act 7160, known as the Local Government Code of 1991, which mandates local government units to exercise powers necessary for efficient governance and promotion of general welfare and safety of inhabitants.

The resolution defines dredging as “the process of excavating sediments and other materials from the bottom of a body of water, such as river, lake or harbor,” noting that while sometimes necessary for navigation and flood control, it carries obvious environmental and practical disadvantages.

Paluan Mayor Michael “Adobo” Diaz, through the official statement, pledged continued coordination with government agencies to protect the environment and defend citizens’ rights.

The LGU also committed to conducting consultations with relevant agencies, organizations, and parties involved in such activities.

Despite opposition from the town LGU and barangay officials, reports indicate that dredging operations in Paluan continue, with residents’ complaints seemingly falling on deaf ears.