Officials of an upland barangay in Nueva Vizcaya have declared the officers and employees of British firm Woggle Corp. persona non grata for illegal tree-cutting and pushing ahead with exploration activities despite strong community opposition.
In a resolution, the Sangguniang Barangay of Munguia in Dupax Del Norte said the decision stemmed from reports that Woggle workers felled several trees in Purok Keon in nearby Barangay Bitnong without securing a cutting permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
..(T)he Sangguniang Barangay of Munguia… declare the officials, employees and agents of Woggle Corp. as ‘persona non grata’ within the territorial jurisdiction of the barangay,” the resolution said.
Warning Signs of Violence
The measure pointed out that residents had already rejected any planned exploration works under Woggle’s proposed exploration work program within the barangay’s territorial jurisdiction.
“Most of the residents have expressed their opposition to any mining activity within the barangay,” the document read.
The village officials expressed concern that the corporation’s continuing efforts to carry out exploration in the area “would result in confrontation and possible violence” with residents who have vowed to resist the mining venture.
The resolution also condemned the company’s alleged disregard for local authorities and the will of the community.
“These actions of Woggle Corporation have not only offended the will of the people and residents of the barangay, but are likewise an utter sign of disrespect to the duly elected and constituted officials,” the measure stated.
Call for United Stand
The Sangguniang Barangay further urged all sectors, institutions, and individuals within Munguia to refrain from supporting Woggle Corp.’s operations.
Woggle is facing stiff resistance from residents after it supposedly obtained an exploration permit from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) despite the lack of prior consultation with affected communities.
Anti-mining groups are invoking the provision that requires social acceptability through prior consultation before it is granted an environmental clearance certificate (ECC).
Woggle is attempting to conduct large-scale mining activities within an area of 3,100 hectares that is covered by its exploration permit.
Watershed Haven Under Threat
Nueva Vizcaya, located in northern Luzon, has been a flashpoint for disputes between mining firms and local communities.
Environmental advocates and indigenous groups in the province have long resisted large-scale mining operations, citing threats to water sources, forests, and agricultural lands.
Barangay officials in Munguia said their resolution was meant to safeguard local resources and maintain peace in the community.
“If allowed, the continued exploration works would result to confrontation and possible violence with the residents,” they warned.
The declaration means that Woggle’ representatives are unwelcome within the barangay’s territorial jurisdiction, though it carries no direct legal penalty under national law.
Similar declarations have been issued by local governments in the past as a form of political or moral sanction against individuals or entities viewed as hostile to community interests.
Residents are also criticizing the supposed silence of Nueva Vizcaya Rep. and former Dupax Del Norte mayor Timothy Joseph Cayton and his brother, Mayor Juan Paolo Cayton. #
