Dupax del Norte residents strongly condemned the police for its violent dispersal of the barricade set up by the residents of Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte in the province of Nueva Vizcaya to block the entry of Woggle Corporation into their community on October 17. Three individuals were arrested but were immediately released.

By the authority of the Temporary Restraining Order issued by the court against those who built the barricade, the court ordered the police to arrest anyone obstructing Woggle Corporation’s mining operations.

Police carrying shields were captured on video aggressively pushing residents while dragging several protesters to arrest. At the front resisting the dispersal were mostly elderly. Foreigners with covered faces were also seen behind the police.

The Diocese of Bayombong, Order of Friars Minor–Franciscan–Philippines, publications and councils at Nueva Vizcaya State University, DWRV Radio Veritas Bayombong, Alyansa ng Novo Viscayano para sa Kalikasan, Taripnong Cagayan Valley, and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)–Central Luzon expressed their condemnation and solidarity with the residents.

Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao of Bayombong called on the provincial officials, particularly Governor Jose Valeriano and Vice Governor Eufemia Dacayo, to take a stand on the issue and denounce police violence against civilians.

Meanwhile, the police tried to evade accountability. On their Facebook page and in radio statements, they denied using violence against protesters and claimed that the circulating reports were “fake news” and malicious allegations.

Dupax del Norte residents, environmental groups, church members, and students held a caravan and protest at the People’s Stage in front of the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Capitol on October 20 to condemn the local government’s inaction regarding the people’s grievances and to demand the mining company’s expulsion from the province.

Kalikasan PNE also held a protest the same day in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

On October 21, Anakbayan United Kingdom and other national democratic organizations in the UK are set to hold a protest at the Metals Exploration PLC London office to denounce the its environmental plunder.

Woggle Corporation is 60% owned by FCF Minerals Senior Staff Annuity Corporation and 40% by Metals Exploration PLC, both companies based in London, England.