SENATE INVESTIGATION ON DUPAX DEL NORTE

Anti-mining residents from Brgy. Bitnong, Sitio Keon protested in the gates of the Senate of the Philippines in support of the senate hearing attended by the Dupax del Norte (DDN) Environmental Defenders regarding the bypassing of the local government unit concerning the mining operations in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya.

Florentino “Bro. Tino” Daynos, the president of DDN Environmental Defenders and a key resource speaker during the senate hearing, presented the evidence and testimonies concerning the grave abuse that took place during the implementation of the Writ of Preliminary Injunction (WPI) back in January 23, 2026.

Daynos emphasized that the residents of the barricade have dedicated their time and energy to ensuring that the personnel of Woggle Corporation, Inc. do not reach the drilling site which is clear evidence that a great majority of the residents in Dupax del Norte are opposed to the mining operations.

“The people were forced, dispersed and harassed. Why? Because the people there, their only crime that they may have committed is genuine love and care for their children and their land. If that is a crime, then we were indeed punishable by the law and we deserved to be put behind bars. I was one of those among 7 who were handcuffed and put behind bars because we were defending our land,” argues Bro. Tino.

Anti-mining leader Tanaw Dulnuone Jhoy recalled how she was harassed and attempted to be arrested thrice by the Philippine National Police during the entirety of the barricade’s inception. She also mentioned that the barricade is a symbol of their love for their family, hope, and solidarity in continuing the fight against mining.

“May mga kasama kami dito na naposasan at nakulong ng tatlong araw sa bilangguan dahil sa pagtatanggol sa lupang tinubuan subalit hindi kame natitinag. Ngayong nandito kami para suportahan ang aming mga kasama sa loob ng senado. Nais namin ipakita na totoo ang aming ipinaglalaban,” states Jhoy.

Residents also expressed their concern in the participation of local government officials during the senate hearing. They explained that during the rising tension between the anti-mining residents and Woggle Corporation, Inc. the local government did not address the discrepancies of the exploration permit of the company.

In fact, they stated that the very existence of the exploration permit is proof that bureaucratic red-tape has allowed its approval without going through the correct process of public consultation. Now amidst the investigation and rising public clamor, the local government has changed its tone regarding mining despite publicized opposition of the residents against its operations.

Senior Legal Fellow of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Atty. Ryan Roset stated during the senate hearing that the national agencies of Nueva Vizcaya have historically treated prior consultation as mere formalities, citing Section 26 and 27 of the Local Government Code. He utilizes the renewal of FTAA No. 001 of OceanaGold as an example that also bears striking resemblance regarding the lack of consideration towards the livelihoods of communities.

With the metal barricades in Brgy. Bitnong, Sitio Keon erected once more, the anti-mining residents are once more in full alert as more developments come from the senate. More eyes are on the anti-mining opposition as their efforts intensify to block the personnel of Woggle Corporation, Inc. As the senate hearing comes to a close, the senators in attendance must take a concrete stand against the blatant lapses in institutional processes.

For the people of Dupax del Norte and the welfare of our environment, the full abolition of Woggle Corporation's exploration permit must be achieved.