Norwegian AI hub proponent curses, walks out after Oton residents oppose project

A Norwegian businessman angrily walked out of a public consultation after residents of Oton, Iloilo, voiced opposition to a planned artificial intelligence (AI) data center in their town.

In a report by Zen Quilantang-Sasa on "24 Oras Weekend" on Saturday, Daniel Stefan Robertsen was seen leaving the venue while being followed by local media.

“If you don’t have a brain, just f***, go away!” Robertsen said as he tried to shoo reporters away.

His company is seeking to build a 50-megawatt hyperscale AI data center on 10 hectares of land in Oton.

During the public consultation, residents opposed the proposed AI hub. Before walking out, Robertsen said the company would not force the project on the town.

While the AI hub is expected to create jobs, residents expressed concern about its potential impact on their livelihoods.

“Lilipat na naman kami? Kakalipat lang namin. Ang dami pa naming pananim sa likuran,” one resident said. (We’re going to move again? We just moved. We have so many crops out back.)

Another resident said they had lived in the area for a long time and warned that the AI hub could have a significant impact on the community.

Barangay Abilay Sur Captain Marites Eusoya said residents needed a clearer picture of what would be built on the site.

Oton Vice Mayor Jose Olivares said the company approached local officials with its plans in May, hoping to begin construction by the end of the year. The project, however, remains in the consultation phase.

Cabinet Secretary Benjamin Abalos criticized Robertsen’s behavior, saying the Norwegian businessman should respect Filipinos and Philippine laws.

“His behavior is deplorable. You should not curse or disrespect Filipinos, especially in our own country,” Abalos said in a mix of English and Filipino.— Jean Mangaluz/MCG, GMA News