Makabayan bloc seeks probe into mining ops in Dupax del Norte, N. Vizcaya

Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc on Thursday sought an inquiry into alleged illegal mining operations by a UK-based company in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, which led to an alleged violent confrontation between residents and the police.

Under House Resolution 422, the Makabayan bloc urged the House Committee on Natural Resources to investigate the alleged violations of permit conditions, use of judicial process to restrain community opposition, and a broader pattern of corruption, among others.

They also urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to suspend Exploration Permit 3011 pending a full investigation of reported violations, and to stop issuing new permits for extractive activities in Dupax del Norte town and nearby areas in the region.

The Makabayan bloc further called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to cease enforcing the TRO against the residents.

According to the Makabayan resolution, the DENR - Mines and Geosciences Bureau's (MGB) Exploration Permit 3011 allowed Woggle Corporation, a subsidiary of FCF Minerals Corporation, to explore gold and copper deposits across 3,100 hectares in Dupax del Norte, with a written consent from residents.

However, the Makabayan bloc said local government units in Dupax del Norte town adopted resolutions opposing the mining activities and calling for the cancellation of the exploration permit.

Residents also built barricades on access roads to the exploration site, but a Regional Trial Court of Bambang Town issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) in favor of Woggle and ordered the removal of the barriers.

The PNP then enforced the TRO, which used "excessive and unnecessary force" against the residents and indigenous peoples, according to the Makabayan bloc.

"The situation in Dupax del Norte is emblematic of a broader pattern of environmental plunder, displacement of indigenous peoples and rural communities, and collusion between government agencies and foreign mining corporations that prioritize profit over people, environmental sustainability, and national patrimony," the lawmakers said in the resolution.

GMA News Online has reached out to Woggle and FCF Minerals for comment on the matter, but they have yet to respond as of posting time.

In a statement on October 18, the Police Regional Office 2 said the police presence near the exploration site aims to maintain the order and safety of the public.

"Sa unang bahagi ng operasyon, nagkaroon ng pagkaantala bunsod ng pagtutol mula sa ilang grupong tutol sa pagmimina. Subalit sa pamamagitan ng epektibong negosasyon na isinagawa at sa pakikipagtulungan ng mga kinatawan ng nagpoprotesta, ay naabot ang isang kasunduan para sa mapayapang pagpapatupad ng TRO," it added.

(At the start of the operation, there were delays due to the opposition of some groups. However, through effective negotiations and cooperation with the representatives of the protesters, an agreement was reached to ensure the peaceful implementation of the TRO.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News