By Abegail Lupaas

Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya — After weeks of sustained barricade and community resistance, Woggle Corporation has agreed to pull out its remaining drilling equipment from Sitio Keon in Barangay Bitnong.

The agreement was reached during a dialogue on May 5 between the company and members of the Dupax del Norte Environmental Defenders (DDN), facilitated by the local government through Vice Mayor Asuncion. Representatives from the barangay local government unit (BLGU) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) were also present.

Under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), Woggle committed to remove all equipment from the drilling site within a maximum of two months, with a deadline set on July 5, 2026. Equipment left beyond the deadline will no longer be retrieved.

The MOA also secures the community’s right to freely access the area at any time for monitoring.

After the dialogue, participants conducted an inventory of mineral samples stored near the residence of the surface owner. They documented a total of 68 core boxes with five rows each.

The route for hauling disassembled drilling machines was also inspected. According to discussions, the equipment will be transported using a sledge and winch system. Personnel from the DENR-CENRO assessed the area for potential impact on trees and surrounding vegetation.

Woggle, for its part, committed to rehabilitate areas affected by its operations. Under the agreement, rehabilitation will be carried out progressively as the company vacates the site, including tree planting based on the preference of the surface owner.

Despite the agreement, residents stressed that the pullout does not resolve the broader issue of mining in their community. They reiterated calls for the protection of their environment and asserted that vigilance will continue even after the equipment is removed.

“The barricade stays,” a community member said, underscoring the collective resolve to defend their land.

Abegail Lupaas is an Altermidya contributor based in Nueva Vizcaya.