Karapatan-Cagayan Valley (CV) called the 86th IB of the Philippine Army the protector of Woggle Corporation, a foreign mining firm, on January 30. This followed the battalion’s announcement that it would “intensify monitoring” in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, after Barangay Bitnong residents launched actions against the destructive company.

The 86th IB Civil-Military Operations Officer 2nd Lt. Donebing Petalcorin said they would stay “on alert” because the revolutionary movement and the New People’s Army (NPA) would “exploit” the issue to recruit. The military officer claimed the people’s army would use the situation to “create anti-government resentment.”

The human rights group responded that the military’s statement clearly showed its subservience to the foreign firm in protecting destructive mining. It also followed repeated police attacks and dispersals of the barricade set up by Barangay Bitnong residents against the entry of Woggle Corporation.

Police violence peaked on January 23 when they arrested seven residents for opposing the company’s drilling operations. Aided by personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection, nearly 400 police were deployed to dismantle the residents’ barricade.

“The seizure of livelihood and the severe impacts of disasters caused by environmental destruction are compelling the people of Nueva Vizcaya to unite, fight, and defend the environment, their lives, and livelihood,” Karapatan-CV said. The group added that the 86th IB’s statement “belittles the people’s capacity to defend their land and life.”

Karapatan-CV expressed concern for the rights and safety of Dupax del Norte residents following the 86th IB’s statement. The group said the pronouncement signals intensified repression and terrorizing against residents to allow Woggle Corporation full operation.

The group again called on all environment and human rights sympathizers to join the struggle of the residents of Dupax del Norte. “The people’s barricade must continue,” the group said.

Meanwhile, the group reported that military threats in Dupax del Norte are also happening in Dinapigue, Isabela. It said the 86th IB and CAFGU are also protecting destructive mining in that town, with one platoon encamped within the mining area itself.