Mining firm continues Nueva Vizcaya operations

Mining firm continues Nueva Vizcaya operations | Daily Tribune

Mining firm Woggle Corporation announced it has resumed mineral exploration activities here, asserting full compliance with Philippine law and pledging continued dialogue with local communities following allegations questioning the validity of its operations.

The move comes after a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), issued 18 October, authorized the Philippine National Police to remove barricades set up by anti-mining groups, allowing Woggle to continue its exploration work.

Woggle, an affiliate of Britain’s Metals Exploration Plc. and operator of the nearby Runruno gold mine, stressed that all exploration is being conducted in full compliance with the Philippine Mining Act.

The company said it secured all necessary permits and approvals from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and local government units.

“Our work is governed by the law, guided by science, and built on respect,” Lorne Harvey, Woggle’s general manager for Operations, said in a statement. “We are committed to transparency and to sharing accurate information about our operations.”

Woggle specifically addressed claims that barangay representatives were misled into signing documents to secure the permit. The company clarified that attendance sheets used during community meetings were never used as consent forms, calling the allegations of deceit a “misrepresentation of the process.”

It also cited an NCIP Certificate of Non-Overlap, which it said confirms no registered Indigenous Cultural Communities or Ancestral Domains exist within the specific exploration area.

Woggle confirmed community consultations were held in Barangays Bitnong, Oyao and Parai, as well as before the municipal and provincial councils, both before and after the exploration permit’s issuance. Documentation was submitted to the MGB Regional Office, the company said.

The village council of Oyao, a farming community, had previously voted to oppose the exploration, citing environmental and livelihood threats. Woggle acknowledged that while some local councils declined to issue post-consultation certificates, video documentation of the meetings has been made publicly available.

“We recognize that consultation must go beyond compliance,” Harvey said. “That’s why we’re expanding efforts to engage communities directly through open forums, information sessions, and ongoing dialogue.”

Woggle said its request for the TRO was filed to protect the integrity of its government-issued permit after operations were “unlawfully obstructed.” The court recognized the company’s legal rights and granted the TRO pending the resolution of a broader case.