The Balatoc Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC) in Pasil, Kalinga, has asked the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to investigate Makilala Mining Company, Inc. (MMCI) over the reported failure to deliver community commitments and the prolonged inactivity of the Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog (MCB) Copper-Gold Project.
In a statement dated November 9, 2026, the community said the project's community development commitments have reportedly remained unfulfilled for nearly a year.
The request was formalized through a demand letter dated September 21, which was received by the NCIP on November 5.
The community is seeking an assessment of MMCI's compliance with its Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), particularly its commitments on employment, livelihood opportunities, infrastructure, health programs, royalties and other community development benefits.
It also urged the NCIP to activate the MOA's Grievance Committee to address unresolved concerns, stressing that disputes involving the company and its financiers should not affect the rights and benefits guaranteed to the Indigenous Peoples.
The reported disruption in the project's activities comes amid ongoing corporate and financing disputes involving MMCI, its shareholders and lenders.
According to public disclosures by Celsius Resources Limited, Sodor Inc. and its affiliate PMR Holding Corp. failed to fulfill their US$43-million investment commitments by the extended deadline of February 16, 2026. This triggered contractual provisions for the relinquishment of Sodor's 60% shareholding in MMCI, a matter subsequently disputed by Sodor through judicial consignation.
The corporate dispute further escalated following changes in MMCI's leadership and developments involving its shareholders.
In June 2026, Maharlika Investment Corporation assigned its rights under MMCI's Omnibus Loan and Security Agreement to Equinaire Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of India's Kiri Industries.
Equinaire subsequently initiated foreclosure proceedings against Makilala Holding Limited's pledged 40% shareholding in MMCI.
On September 8, Equinaire emerged as the winning bidder in the foreclosure auction through a US$5.01-million credit bid. Celsius Resources has challenged the foreclosure, with related legal proceedings still ongoing.
Amid these disputes, the Balatoc community said its primary concern is the continued absence of promised benefits and development activities, regardless of the outcome of the corporate disagreements.
The community is calling for an independent examination of MMCI's compliance with its FPIC agreement, the reasons behind the prolonged disruption of project activities, and the accountability of parties whose decisions may have contributed to the situation.
It stressed that corporate and financing disputes should not indefinitely delay commitments made to Indigenous Peoples under the FPIC process.
