The protesters, more than 200 affected rice farmers from several barangays in MacArthur town, Leyte allege iron sand mining operations can destroy farmlands and damage irrigation systems that support their crops.

The mining area claimed by MacArthur Ironsand Mining Corp. (MIMC), spans about 2,268 hectares in MacArthur, around 62 kilometers from Tacloban City. MIMC operates as a contractor of Strong Built Mining Development Corp. (SBMDC), which holds a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) issued on July 28, 2007 and set to expire on July 27, 2032. MIMC began mining operations in 2012 but was ordered to stop by the MacArthur local government on February 8, 2022 after a drainage canal was damage.

Farmers fear extraction of magnetite sand—commonly used in steel and iron production—could cause damage to rice fields and irrigation systems.

On 19 February 2026, MacArthur Ironsand Mining Corp. (MIMC) decided to withdraw the dredger and coordinate with authorities while reassessing its work plan. The company also stressed its commitment to balancing mining activities with environmental protection and community welfare.