Nueva Vizcaya bishop slams ‘favored’ mining firm, urges officials to act

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — The Catholic Bishop of Nueva Vizcaya has spoken out against what he described as government and judicial favoritism toward mining companies at the expense of people and the environment.

Bishop Jose Elmer I. Mangalinao of the Diocese of Nueva Vizcaya questioned the priorities of officials following the issuance of an exploration permit and a temporary restraining order (TRO) in favor of Woggle Corporation, whose operations cover 3,101.11 hectares across five barangays in Dupax del Norte.

Police dismantled barricades in Barangay Bitnong and arrested residents who resisted the TRO enforcement after the mining firm secured the order from a local court.

In a statement written in Tagalog, Mangalinao expressed frustration over what he saw as misplaced government priorities amid ongoing environmental and governance crises.

“May baha, may lindol, may bagyo, may malalang KORAPSYON sa pamahalaan! Sa gitna ng lahat ng ito ay PERMISO SA PAGMIMINA ANG IBINIBIGAY?” (“There is flood, there is earthquake, there is a massive corruption in the government! Despite all of this, they are giving permits for mining?”) the bishop lamented.

The prelate also questioned the court’s decision to side with the mining company, asking, “The TRO was issued in favor of mining company Woggle Corporation, whose Exploration Permit covers 3,101.11 hectares across five barangays in Dupax del Norte. Why so favored? Why? Why? Why?”

He further demanded transparency regarding the company’s supposed benefits to the community: “What are they giving? What are they offering? What is the promise of wealth that cannot be refused?”

Bishop Mangalinao called on Nueva Vizcaya’s elected officials, including the governor and vice governor, to take a stand against the violent dispersal of residents defending their land.

“We need your voice NOW against the violence being committed by the police against those defending nature in Brgy. Bitnong, Dupax del Norte,” he said. “We need elected officials who will stand up for justice for nature and the community!”

Woggle Corporation received its exploration permit from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) on August 4, 2025, sparking protests from residents and environmental groups over the lack of consultation and potential ecological harm. The local court justified the TRO by saying the company would suffer “irreparable damage” and financial losses from the protest barricades.