Court orders removal of Nueva Vizcaya anti-mining barricade

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – A regional court has upheld an order directing protesters to dismantle a months-old barricade opposing a mining exploration in Nueva Vizcaya.

The Regional Trial Court in Bambang denied motions filed by residents of Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, seeking to overturn an injunction obtained by Woggle Corporation, the mining exploration firm.

In a ruling on Tuesday, January 6, Judge Paul Attolba Jr. affirmed an earlier order requiring the immediate removal of barricades along Keon Barangay Road and warned that those who defy the order could face contempt charges. 

The court also directed police to assist in enforcing the injunction.

Residents erected the barricade in September to block Woggle’s exploration activities after the Mines and Geosciences Bureau granted the company a permit in August covering about 3,100 hectares across five villages.

Lawyer Fidel Santos said the residents would elevate the case to the Court of Appeals through a petition for certiorari, adding that people not named as defendants should still be allowed to protest peacefully.

Community leader Florentino Daynos, one of the defendants, said residents were bracing for a more aggressive enforcement of the order. A previous attempt to dismantle the barricade in October triggered clashes and drew criticism from church and civil groups.

Bitnong resident Rochelle Dela Cruz, said “Nangangamba kami sa maaaring mangyari at pinapanalangin na sana di na maulit ang paglusob sa Upper Tacbao.” 

(We are worried about what might happen and are praying that the assault in Upper Tacbao doesn’t happen again.)

Tensions flared again in December after residents accused company personnel of attacking their outpost, allegations the company denied. The incident followed the burning of a company excavator.

Despite the ruling, Daynos said residents would continue to oppose the project.

Local officials, residents and church groups have opposed the project, citing alleged lack of consultation and potential harm to farms and the environment. Several barangay and municipal councils have passed resolutions rejecting the exploration.

The Catholic Diocese of Bayombong, schools and student groups, and the League of Municipalities of Nueva Vizcaya have expressed solidarity with the protesters. 

Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc and Mamamayang Liberal Representative Leila De Lima filing resolutions calling for a congressional inquiry. – Rappler.com