By Melvin C. Gascon
Residents of Barangay Bitnong in Dupax del Norte town in Nueva Vizcaya have begun setting up barricades on their private property to stop the entry of mining equipment, escalating their opposition to the exploration activities of Woggle Corp. in the area.
Florentino Daynos II, a community leader, said a village footpath, once used only by farmers and their carabaos and now serving as a motorcycle passage, was barricaded by villagers to prevent it from being converted into an access route for heavy mining machinery.
Unauthorized Stockpile
Daynos said Woggle Corp.’s drilling equipment had been stored along a roadside lot owned by an anti-mining resident, who has since filed a complaint before barangay officials.
“The resident filed a complaint with the barangay, as the company had no permission to stockpile their equipment there,” he said.
In Barangay Bitnong, villagers have begun pledging cash and in-kind support for the barricade and are organizing officers in every purok to sustain the campaign, according to Daynos.
“This development is truly heartwarming for us in the movement,” he said.
Woggle has yet to issue a statement on the blockades set up by villagers.
The company has faced stiff opposition from affected communities for its supposed failure to consult and secure the consent of affected local communities before it was given its exploration permit.
Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code, mandates that no project or program shall be implemented by government authorities unless approved by the concerned local government unit.
Presidential Decree 1586, or the Environmental Impact System Law, also requires social acceptability for the issuance of an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
Anger Over LGU’s Silence
Another resident accused Woggle Corp. of entering his property without consent and vows to file a complaint with barangay officials and demand the removal of drilling materials.
Exploration guidelines require companies to secure written consent from landowners before entering or drilling on private land.
The barricade marks the latest pushback by villagers against Woggle Corp., whose planned exploration in Dupax del Norte has drawn strong resistance since it was first reported earlier this year.
Dupax Del Norte residents also uncovered a letter signed by then-acting vice mayor and now Mayor Juan Paolo Cayton, which confirmed that the local government unit had long been aware of the company’s plans but kept them from the public.
The revelation has further fueled anger and mistrust in the community, Daynos said.
No barangay clearance
According to Daynos, the anti-mining residents have already secured a certification from barangay officials confirming that no clearance had been issued to the company, which is a prerequisite for obtaining a mayor’s business permit.
He added that the group would next seek certification from the mayor’s office.
Church-Led Campaigns
Daynos said the Cagayan Valley Regional Ecumenical Alliance (CAVREA) will hold a forum on environmental protection and opposition to mining at the St. Barnabas Episcopalian Church on Sept. 15, as part of the community’s continuing campaign to oust Woggle Corp.
Residents are also set to launch another information drive in Barangay Inaban on Sept. 21, with invitations extended to Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Timothy Joseph Cayton, Mayor Cayton, Vice Mayor Ric Ronelson Asuncion, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan.
“This will be the last chance for our officials to answer the questions of their constituents,” Daynos said.
If the officials do not attend, residents may march to the municipal hall to demand answers, he said.
Anti-mining residents have expressed disgust that officials refused to respond to their sentiments during Friday’s supposed “mining forum.” #
