MORE THAN 300 police personnel were deployed to dismantle a barricade in Sitio Keon, Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya on Monday, 23 January. The said barricade was set up by residents of the area to oppose the entry of Woggle Corporation, a subsidiary of British-owned Metals Exploration Inc., into their community. The operation followed a court order issued by the Bayombong Regional Trial Court.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), including SWAT units, enforced a writ of preliminary injunction ordering the immediate removal of the barricade. The court directive authorized law enforcement agencies to ensure free passage along the barangay road leading to the mining exploration site. It also allowed the arrest of individuals who would resist or obstruct the implementation of the order.
A regional trial court in Nueva Vizcaya has ordered authorities to identify and arrest protesters who continue to block access to a mining exploration site in Dupax del Norte, saying their actions defy a court injunction. The court emphasized that any act intended to thwart or render its lawful orders ineffective constitutes defiance of judicial authority and undermines the administration of justice. It added that the formation of a human barricade was a “clear circumvention of the Writ” and a “patent act of disobedience.”
Police arrested seven residents during the dismantling of the barricade opposing Woggle Corporation’s mining exploration activities in Dupax del Norte. The arrests were carried out as authorities enforced a court order directing the removal of obstructions leading to the exploration site. Reports said those arrested were accused of resisting the implementation of the injunction.
Residents maintained that the barricade was erected on private property to protect their land, water sources, and livelihoods. Environmental groups supporting the community alleged that trees were cut using chainsaws without proper certification. They also claimed that there was a lack of prior consultation and written consent from affected landowners and occupants.
In August 2025, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) approved an exploration permit for Woggle Corporation. The permit allows the company to explore more than 3,000 hectares of land in Dupax del Norte for gold and copper.
Environmental defenders warned that continued mining exploration could result in land degradation, environmental damage, and loss of livelihood for farming communities. They drew parallels to the long-term impacts of previous large-scale mining operations in Nueva Vizcaya. Groups reiterated their call for the suspension of exploration activities pending further review.
Authorities stated that the police deployment and dismantling of the barricade were conducted in compliance with the court’s directive. Meanwhile, residents and advocacy groups continue to call for transparency, dialogue, and respect for community rights. As of writing, tensions remain in the area as discussions on the mining project continue.
