4 MIN READ

By SHERWIN DE VERA
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY—Environmental groups condemned the reported attacks against residents of Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, with residents accusing Woggle Corporation personnel of forcibly entering private lands, destroying property, harassing residents, and committing theft. 

The incident occurred at Sitio Upper Tacbao on December 12, after the company’s wheel excavator was set on fire by unknown perpetrators. The equipment, along with other vehicles, had been stuck in the area since November after residents prevented it from passing through their properties.

The Alyansa ng Novo Vizcayano para sa Kalikasan (ANVIK) expressed concern that the equipment burning could be used to justify attacks against the residents. The group noted that hours after the incident, Woggle personnel and the police entered the area, with company employees allegedly committing rights abuses against the residents.

“Nawa’y di gamiting dahilan ang naratibong ito ng pagsunog para kasuhan at gamitan ng dahas  ang mga mamamayang nagdedepensa ng kanilang karapatan sa lugar laban sa dayuhang minahan,” ANVIK said.

(May this arson narrative not be used as a pretext to file cases or inflict violence against residents who are defending their rights in the area against a foreign mining company.)

Meanwhile, Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment condemned the alleged forced entry and harassment by Woggle employees despite police presence, citing reports from residents.

“Environmental defenders deserve protection, not persecution. These repeated acts of violence and intimidation constitute grave human rights violations,” Kalikasan stated.

“Instead of serving and safeguarding the people, the police have become instruments of coercion and corporate aggression,” the group added. 

Woggle is conducting an exploration in the area, which the residents have opposed, citing a fraudulent permitting process and a threat to their livelihood and the environment.

On December 10, International Human Rights Day, the Provincial Sheriff served the Writ of Preliminary Injunction issued by Judge Paul Attolba, Jr, restraining several community leaders from preventing the company from conducting its exploration. The residents, with their lawyer and supporters, stood their ground and maintained the barricade, foiling efforts to resume exploration activities.

Forced entry, harassment

In a video statement, lawyer Ellice Balgos, who is helping the affected communities, said that residents reported Woggle and FCF employees, along with police, forcibly entered private land to recover company vehicles.

“Pinuwersa nila na pumasok sa private properties ng mga residente sa Upper Tacbao at sa pamamagitan ng dahas at threats ay pinilit na ilabas ang mga equipment kahit na hindi naman sila allowed na dumaan ay ipinilit pa rin nilang dumaan g walang consent sa may-ari ng lupa,” she stated.

(They forced their way into the private properties of residents in Upper Tacbao and, through force and threats, compelled the removal of the equipment. They pushed through even though they were not allowed to pass and did so without the consent of the landowners.) 

The account included residents being chased away, threatened with arrest if they tried to move the vehicles out of the area, a police officer aiming a firearm, and company personnel seizing personal belongings like cellphones, IDs, and ATM cards.

“Ang nakakagalit sa akin bilang isang babae ay yung reports na sa sobrang panghaharass ng mga Woggle employees ay dumating na sila sa power tripping mode nila na at least dalawang babaeng residente ay hinarangan at pinaghuhubad ng damit nila,” Balgos said.

(What angers me as a woman are the reports that, due to the extreme harassment by Woggle employees, they resorted to power tripping, where at least two women residents were blocked and forced to strip.)

Footage shared by residents showing community belongings on the backs of alleged Woggle vehicles.  Materials recovered by residents include kitchen items (utensils, burners, and LPG tank), rice, condiments and spices, other foods, a generator set, tents, and other items. Another video shows police on site as residents retrieve their personal belongings from the vehicle. 

Balgos mentioned that residents reported to the police instances of harassment, stealing, and other atrocities committed by Woggle personnel. However, the authorities prioritized removing vehicles from the area over addressing the reported violations against the residents. 

“At nakakagalit, imbes na tulungan tayo ng mga state agent, mga kapulisan ay sila pa yung naging makinarya ng Woggle upang mapabilis at lalong dahasin ang mga residente,” she added.

(And what is infuriating is that instead of helping us, state agents, particularly the police, became instruments of Woggle, enabling the faster and more violent assault against residents.)

In a statement, Woggle denied the allegations. “The company will pursue all available legal remedies and will seek justice through the proper authorities,” the company stated. It also added that it will continue to seek dialogue to resolve the issues.#nordis.net