The unrelenting fight of the people of Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya against the intrusion of Woggle Corporation into their community forced the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to issue an order on February 5 temporarily suspending the company’s exploration permit. The agency cited “force majeure” or events beyond the control of the permit holder as the reason. These include the setting up of barricades, the firm opposition, and the ongoing tension between residents and the company.

The company continued its exploration in defiance of the order. On February 17, with the help of the PNP, the company transported its equipment and delivered to the DENR the mineral samples it took from the village.

Hundreds of residents, environmental groups, church people, and supporters of the Dupax struggle protested on February 12 at the Nueva Vizcaya capitol to demand the immediate cancellation of the company’s exploration permit.

The protest coincided with the hearing for the seven environmental defenders arrested after the violent dispersal of the barricade on January 23. Citing humanitarian considerations, RTC Branch 30 in its hearing withdrew its order for seven residents of Dupax del Norte to explain why they should not be charged with indirect contempt (violating a court order).

On February 16, the Defend Nueva Vizcaya Movement was established at UP Diliman. Community leaders from Dupax del Norte, environmental groups, indigenous people, church members, academic institutions, and individuals pledged to defend the environment, natural resources, and the people’s rights in Nueva Vizcaya.