By ARTEMIO DUMLAO
www.nordis.net

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya  — The Nueva Vizcaya Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed all cases filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against seven residents protesting the exploration project of Woggle Corporation in Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte.

In a consolidated resolution on January 26, Prosecutor Orville Ibarra said the evidence was insufficient to support the charges against Florentino “Tinong” Daynos, leader of the Dupax del Norte Environmental Defenders; Barangay Bitnong Councillor Krislyn Betit Pocday; Adela Modi; Analiza Baliao; Amelia Rabino; Janet Macario; and Sonnette Bullecer. They were collectively known as Dupax del Norte (DDN) 7.

They were charged with three separate violations: Direct Assault, Resistance and Disobedience Against Persons of Authority, and Obstruction of justice.  

The police arrested and detained the anti-mining activists on January 23, during the forcible dispersal of their community barricade to prevent Woggle from accessing the exploration site. Authorities claimed they violated the January 19 court order issued by Judge Paul Attolba of RTC Branch 30. 

In his decision, Ibarra noted that it was unclear exactly where the writ of preliminary injunction was implemented—whether on a barangay road or on land belonging to the protesters and their supporters. He also emphasized that the gathering was a peaceful expression of opinion, a right protected under the Constitution.

Following the dismissal, the prosecution ordered the immediate release of all the accused. Families, friends, and neighbors welcomed the DDN 7 at the community barricade, where they held thanksgiving programs.

The Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment welcomed the DDN7’s release, calling their arrest and detention “illegal and unjust.” 

“Their release affirms what has been clear from the start, that their arrest was an apparent breach of their fundamental rights as environmental defenders,” the group said. “These individuals were targeted not for committing crimes, but for asserting their rights to free expression, peaceful assembly, and participation in matters of urgently defending their land.”

Kalikasan also urged individuals and civil society organizations to “join in solidarity with the affected communities,” demand accountability from the police forces of Nueva Vizcaya, and challenge authorities to uphold justice.#nordis.net