ATM hails suspension of Woggle’s permit; commends Dupax del Norte protestors
- Alyansa Tigil Mina
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) hailed the temporary suspension of Woggle Corporation’s Exploration Permit by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MBG). ATM credits the strong opposition and dedicated perseverance of local residents and the members of Dupax Environmental Defenders who set-up and maintained the barricades for this victory.
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, said “Were it not for the unwavering and determined opposition of the residents to the exploration activities of Woggle, MGB would not have ordered this temporary suspension. We laud the people of Dupax del Norte for their bravery in the face of threats and intimidations from authorities. It is about time that the MGB acted on their demands.”
In a letter dated February 5, 2026 to Woggle Corporation, MGB Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns and Concurrent OIC Director Michael Cabalda wrote: “In the interest of public safety and the maintenance of peace and order, and pursuant to the regulatory authority vested in the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, this Office hereby TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS the Exploration Permit No. EP000030Il of Woggle, effective immediately.”
The letter qualified that “the suspension shall remain in force until such time that the force majeure conditions have ceased and normal access and safe operation conditions are restored.”
Garganera, however, reiterated the demand of the Dupax del Norte residents to cancel Woggle’s Exploration Permit. “The barricades and protest actions of the people clearly show their lack of consent to mining activities. This should compel the MGB to cancel the permit, which has been granted under dubious circumstances due to the absence of public consultations and other requirements.”
Garganera further called on the PBBM administration to institute policy changes in the mining industry and ensure stricter regulation of mining companies. He specifically called for repeal of the Philippine Mining Act and the passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB).
Comments