On 16 February 2026, the Defend Nueva Vizcaya Movement (DNVM) was formally launched at the Atencio-Libunao Hall of the University of the Philippines Diliman by a broad coalition of community leaders, environmental defenders, Indigenous Peoples, church groups, and human rights advocates led by residents of Dupax del Norte, Alyansa ng Novo Vizcayano Para sa Kalikasan (ANVIK), Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC), Promotion of Church Peoples’ Response (PCPR), AGHAM – Advocates of Science and Technology for the People, the Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP), and One Faith, One Nation, One Voice. Together, the coalition expressed solidarity with the rest of Novo Vizcayanos resisting mining operations in their province. The launch highlighted growing support for protecting the Caraballo Mountains amid reports of due process violations connected to continuing assertion of Indigenous and local community rights.

In line with this, Atty. Raymond Marvic C. Baguilat, Head Legal Officer of the UP Law Center Institute of Human Rights (UP IHR) and Program Head of the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program (IPLPP), reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to advancing human rights advocacy and supporting marginalized groups through scholarship and empirical research. He emphasized that scholars must remain free to critically examine those in power without political pressure, stressing that participation in human rights advocacy should never restrict dissenting or minority views. Espousing this principle, he shared that institutions must provide safe spaces for scholars and communities to speak out, an assurance that UP IHR continues to uphold.

Before the launch, Atty. Baguilat also visited Dupax del Norte, including the barricade site and exploration area. He observed conditions on the ground and engaged with community members to better understand their concerns. He also joined the community rally in Bayombong as a legal observer to help ensure that the community’s right to peaceful assembly was respected.

The launch concluded with calls for vigilance and sustained solidarity. The movement aims to strengthen defense efforts in Dupax del Norte while raising public awareness of the broader environmental and human rights implications of large-scale mining. These efforts reflect civil society’s continuing commitment to protecting ecological integrity and supporting communities in exercising their agency over their future.