Clear mining road, NE RTC orders protesters

A regional trial court in Nueva Ecija has ordered protesters to immediately remove the barricades blocking the Keon Barangay Road in Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, which leads to the exploration site of a mining company.

In a consolidated resolution issued on 6 January, RTC Branch 30 Judge Paul Attolba Jr. upheld a writ of preliminary injunction in a civil case filed by Woggle Corp. against Florentino Daynos and other defendants. The ruling covers several related motions under SCA Case No. 139-25-J.

The court also directed the provincial director of the Philippine National Police to assist court sheriffs in enforcing the injunction. Police were authorized to act against individuals who refuse to comply with the order.

Motions filed by the defense, including requests to lift or dissolve the injunction, were denied.

Judge Attolba stressed that court orders are binding and must be obeyed. He warned that the defendants and their supporters could face contempt charges if they fail to remove the barricades within the period set by the court. He also reminded officers of the court of their duty to uphold respect for judicial authority.

The dispute centers on the mining firm’s exploration project and the application of the Philippine Mining Act, as well as whether injunctive relief was proper. The court said its decision was based on the pleadings and records already on file and did not require a full trial on disputed facts.

Woggle Corp. general manager Lorne Harvey said the company respects the court’s ruling.

“We recognize this as part of the proper functioning of the judicial process,” Harvey said. “We appreciate the court’s careful consideration of the issues raised by all parties and its effort to resolve them in a clear, orderly, and principled manner, consistent with the law.”