ILOILO CITY — A proposed 50-megawatt artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Oton, Iloilo, promised jobs and a new wave of technology-driven investment. But a public consultation meant to address residents’ concerns instead turned tense after a representative of the Norwegian company behind the project walked out and allegedly confronted members of the media.

The incident involving Daniel Stefan Robertsen, managing director and AI data developer of Norway Green Energy Corp., unfolded during a public consultation in Barangay Abilay Sur, where residents and stakeholders raised questions about the proposed facility.

The project is planned on 10 hectares in Oton — eight hectares in Barangay Abilay Sur and two hectares in Barangay Lambuyao — and is expected to require about 50 megawatts of electricity to operate.

The company has pitched the project as a potential source of jobs, business opportunities and improved digital services, with construction targeted to begin before the end of the year.

It has also reportedly committed to employ about 100 Ogtonganon residents.

But for some residents, the proposed development comes with concerns that go beyond jobs and investment.

Barangay officials said at least 20 households and more than 20 farmers and farm owners could be affected, raising questions about agricultural livelihoods, residential properties and the project’s broader impact on the community.

A consultation turns tense

Oton Vice Mayor Jose Neil Olivares said the project remains in the consultation stage, with the Sangguniang Bayan having already conducted two committee hearings before the public consultation in Abilay Sur.

The discussions have focused on the project’s potential environmental impact, as well as its implications for water and electricity supply, zoning and other concerns raised by residents and stakeholders.

But the consultation took an unexpected turn when Robertsen reportedly walked out after being asked an initial question.

Members of the media later approached him for a reaction, but he allegedly shouted at and confronted them and objected to being filmed.

In a video of the incident circulated by media groups, Robertsen is seen approaching members of the media and appearing to raise his voice before walking away. He is also heard saying, “If you don’t have a brain, just f*ck, go away.”

The incident drew condemnation from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Iloilo, which described the incident as alleged verbal harassment and disrespect toward journalists covering the public consultation.

NUJP Iloilo said journalists have the right and responsibility to ask questions, seek clarification and report on matters of public interest, particularly when proposed projects could significantly affect local communities.

The group also raised concern over what it described as the growing involvement of foreign companies in local development projects, stressing that media organizations must be able to independently scrutinize projects and raise questions on behalf of the public.

“Public-interest projects deserve public scrutiny, and journalists must be allowed to perform their work without intimidation, hostility, or disrespect,” NUJP Iloilo said.