The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Region 2 has formed a team to investigate alleged violations by Woggle Corporation in its exploration activities in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya.
MGB Region 2 Director Mario Ancheta confirmed the probe in an Aug. 29 letter to Congressman Timothy Joseph Cayton. Cayton had earlier requested the agency to act on complaints from local government units and residents.
In letters dated Aug. 20 and 26, Cayton, a former mayor of Dupax del Norte, cited reports that Woggle’s exploration activities had led to the uprooting of trees and encroachment on private property.
The Barangay Council of Oyao, a farming community in Dupax del Norte, has also opposed the project, stating that no valid public consultation was held. Barangay Chairman Junior Taligan said a meeting with the company on Aug. 15 was only an “information and education campaign” and not a formal consultation as required.
In a separate Aug. 25 letter to Woggle President Lorne Harvey, the barangay council denied the company’s request for a certificate of consultation, citing threats to the community’s environment and livelihood.
Cayton urged the MGB to review Woggle’s compliance with its exploration permit and work program and to suspend field operations if violations of the Mining Act of 1995 or environmental rules are confirmed.
While the MGB committed to providing its findings to Cayton’s office, it did not specify a timeline for the investigation. The lawmaker warned that the results could trigger administrative or legislative action.
Nueva Vizcaya is currently home to large-scale mining projects, including OceanaGold’s Didipio mine and FCF Minerals’ Runruno mine, both major producers of gold and copper.
On Aug. 4, FCF parent firm Metals Exploration secured an exploration license from the MGB for a 3,100-hectare site in Dupax del Norte. The company said it plans to process potential ore finds at its Runruno facility.
Metals Exploration chief executive Darren Bowden said the project offers “a great opportunity to quickly unlock value” and potentially extend Runruno’s operations.
