Woggle Corp. on Tuesday resumed mineral exploration activities in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, reaffirming its full compliance with Philippine law and pledging continued dialogue with local communities amid allegations questioning the validity of its operations.
The resumption followed a temporary restraining order, or TRO, issued Oct. 18 that authorized the Philippine National Police to remove barricades erected by anti-mining groups.
The company stated that all exploration activities are being conducted in full compliance with the Philippine Mining Act and that it has secured the necessary permits and approvals from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) 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 also addressed claims that village representatives were misled into signing documents to secure the permit, clarifying that attendance sheets used during community meetings have never been used as consent forms. The company said all documents supporting its application were certified by the appropriate authorities, calling the allegations of deceit a misrepresentation of the process.
Woggle further noted that an NCIP Certificate of Non-Overlap confirms no registered Indigenous Cultural Communities or Ancestral Domains exist within the exploration area.
The company stated that community consultations were held both before and after the exploration permit was issued, with certificates and documentation submitted to the MGB Regional Office. Consultations were conducted in Barangay Bitnong, Barangay Oyao and Barangay Parai, as well as before the Sangguniang Bayan and Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
While some local councils declined to issue post-consultation certificates, Woggle noted that video documentation of the meetings has been made publicly available.
“We recognize that consultation must go beyond compliance. That’s why we’re expanding efforts to engage communities directly through open forums, information sessions, and ongoing dialogue,” Harvey said.
The exploration aims to scientifically assess the area’s mineral potential. The company believes that if the project proves viable, it could help transform the economic footprint of host communities and the Province of Nueva Vizcaya into a sustainable center of growth.
The exploration firm, FCF Minerals, is a major local employer and a consistent awardee of the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award.
Woggle explained that its request for a TRO was filed to protect the integrity of its government-issued permit after operations were unlawfully obstructed. The court recognized Woggle’s legal rights and granted the TRO, pending the resolution of a broader case.
“We deeply regret any tension that occurred during the implementation of the court order. We are committed to peace, lawful conduct and the protection of human rights,” Harvey said. “We are happy to engage all stakeholders in productive dialogues and share how we can work together toward designing a model of symbiotic relationship based on a shared vision of sustainable prosperity.”
