The Dupax del Norte people strongly condemned Woggle Corporation for filing a Complaint with Application for Temporary Restraining Order and/or Writ of Preliminary Injunction against Barangay Bitnong residents who barricaded to oppose the mining plans in their town.
The case against 21 individuals was filed at the Regional Trial Court Branch 30 in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. Residents protested against the company’s harassment concurrent with the case’s first hearing on October 13.
The Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment also expressed condemnation, stating that the cases clearly constitute acts of intimidation and harassment aimed to silence the community and crush the growing resistance against destructive mining operations.
Residents began building the barricade on September 17 to block the entry of Woggle Corporation’s mining equipment. Most of those who joined the barricade were farmers, indigenous people, and youth. The community and nearby barangays supported the barricade by providing rice, money, and other needs for the barricaders and their families.
Barangay Oyao residents also condemned Woggle Corporation for falsely claiming to have held a consultation meeting with the residents on August 15. The residents said no consultation occurred, and the barangay council sent a letter to the company stating their refusal to attend the company’s requested meeting. Barangay leaders of Bitnong, Munguia, Inaban, and Parai had also earlier sent letters declaring their refusal to attend any company-called meetings. The consultation meeting with residents is a requirement for approving the company’s exploration permit.
Dupax del Norte people resolutely stand with their commitment to protect their land and way of life and vow to resist the entry of mining into their town.
Woggle Corporation is a subsidiary of Metals Exploration Inc, a United Kingdom-based company. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau approved the company’s mineral exploration in August, covering more than 3,100 hectares or five barangays in Dupax del Norte.
