Environmental groups welcomed the temporary suspension of Woggle Corporation’s exploration permit in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, describing the move as a result of sustained community resistance.

Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment said the suspension of the exploration permit was a “hard-fought, historic victory” achieved through the collective action of residents defending their land and resources.

In its decision, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau cited “force majeure” under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 2010-21, referring to circumstances “beyond the reasonable control of contractor including, but not limited to riots, civil disturbance, blockades, any dispute with surface owners.”

The bureau noted that “such opposition has resulted in the establishment of barricades and blockades along access roads leading to the exploration site,” adding that “the suspension shall remain in force until such time that the force majeure have ceased and normal access and safe operation conditions are restored.”

While welcoming the decision, Kalikasan criticized the framing of protests as disruptions, saying, “The state should not treat people’s protest as a disruption, but as a democratic voice against corporate greed and environmental destruction.” 

The group warned against militarization, saying, “We reject any attempt to use the suspension as a justification for militarization, intimidation, or the dismantling of people’s barricades.”

Alyansa Tigil Mina also hailed the suspension and commended Dupax del Norte residents for their protest actions. 

Jaybee Garganera, ATM national coordinator, said, “Were it not for the unwavering and determined opposition of the residents to the exploration activities of Woggle, MGB would not have ordered this temporary suspension.”

In a Feb. 5 letter to Woggle Corporation, MGB Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns and concurrent OIC Director Michael Cabalda wrote that the permit was suspended “in the interest of public safety and the maintenance of peace and order.”

Garganera reiterated calls to cancel the permit, saying the protests “clearly show their lack of consent to mining activities,” and urged policy reforms, including repeal of the Philippine Mining Act and passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill.

Kalikasan also criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying he “parades himself as a climate champion while serving as the salesman of our mineral wealth to foreign corporations like Woggle Corporation.”