ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – Protesters blocked a mining company from entering a mineral site on Tuesday, January 13, despite a court order to remove barricades in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya.

A regional court in Bambang last week issued a writ of preliminary injunction allowing Woggle Corporation to access the mineral exploration site. The court upheld an earlier order to remove barricades erected by residents in September that prevented the company from conducting mining operations in the area.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) granted Woggle a permit in August covering about 3,100 hectares across five villages.

Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Representative Leila de Lima on Wednesday, January 14, called for a congressional investigation into the mining operations in Dupax del Norte. She noted the ongoing tension resulting from the opposition from residents, religious leaders, youth groups, and environmental advocates.

“We call on our colleagues in Congress to exercise its oversight and legislative functions to determine whether the mining activities of Woggle Corporation are in full compliance with existing laws that promote environmental safeguards, protection of communities, and accountability of concerned government agencies and private entities,” De Lima said.

Edgardo Balgos, lawyer for the protesters, said they requested a few days to persuade protesting residents to leave and reopen Keon Road, but Woggle did not agree. 

Authorities removed a metal gate, one of the blockades, along the road to Sitio Keon, the main exploration site, but residents continued to block access.

He said defendants named in the injunction were absent, and those guarding the barricade were other concerned residents who refused to leave despite warnings of possible charges and jail time.

Community leader Florentino Daynos, in a Facebook post, said their lawyers negotiated with the sheriff, police, and the company’s lawyers, which allowed the day’s events to remain peaceful.

“The sheriffs and PNP were also well guided in consciously following their judgment call to consider both the good of the people, and Woggle Corp’s employees as well,” he said.

Maximum tolerance

Balgos said the court sheriff did not push further because the barricade’s residents were “ready to fight.” Police were cautious, mindful of the widely criticized forcible removal of a barricade on October 17 under a temporary restraining order.

“It also helped that different organizations, the clergy, and government officials were there. There was strong public pressure,” he said.

The Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Office (NVPPO) deployed 317 officers to maintain safety, support legal processes, and prevent disturbances. 

Lawyers for Woggle and the anti-mining group discussed key points and agreed to continue talks for a mutually acceptable resolution. The police have scaled back on-site presence but remained on alert.

Songs and prayers

One of the residents, Miriam Dela Paz, described a tense atmosphere, recalling the TRO that previously allowed Woggle personnel and equipment entry. She documented the day’s events, broadcasting live on Facebook.

“We held on to hope. Everyone prayed, holding back tears and things we wanted to shout, because it was there that we felt what it means to be oppressed,” she said.

Rochelle Dela Cruz, streaming live from another angle, said the day was calmer than previous confrontations. 

The presence of lawyers, Vice Mayor Ric Asuncion, and local council members, along with songs and prayers, helped ease tensions.

In one video, protesters sang “Pilipinas Kong Mahal,” followed by the provincial hymn in Ilokano, and a long prayer as the gate was removed. 

Dela Cruz said many were prepared to lie on the road if necessary. 

“The people no longer want any drilling to continue, and they are determined to drive Woggle out,” she said. – Rappler.com