BY TVJ NEWS TEAM
DUPAX DEL NORTE, Nueva Vizcaya—A wheel excavator, part of a road-clearing operation in the aftermath of Typhoon Uwan, was reduced to ashes in a suspected arson attack in Sitio Upper Tacbao, Barangay Bitnong, on Friday, December 12, 2025.
The incident, reported at 5:58 a.m., is believed to be linked to ongoing anti-mining protests in the area.
The equipment, along with three pickup trucks and a light truck, was trapped on the site after protesters erected barricades blocking its exit. This is not the first time that anti-mining groups have clashed with mining exploration activities in the area.
On November 14, 2025, these equipment owned by the Global construction company, along with their operators and crew, were dispatched to clear roads following Typhoon Uwan.
Roberto Madriago, Security Specialist of FCF Minerals, alerted authorities to the burning equipment. According to Madriago, a representative from the mining group had made threatening statements before the incident, warning of consequences if the equipment were forced to be withdrawn from the area.
“Adda mangyari agitoy gamit yu ken personnel yu nu ipilit yu iruwar,” the representative allegedly said, which translates to “Something will happen to your equipment and personnel if you force them to be withdrawn.”
The Second Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Dupax del Norte Police Station responded promptly to the scene and coordinated with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to investigate the incident.
“We are taking this incident seriously and will do our best to identify the perpetrators,” said Major Rudil Bassit, Chief of Police.
The incident highlights the escalating tensions between mining operations and local communities in this town, raising concerns about the safety of mining exploration personnel and equipment.
The mining industry is a complex and often disputed topic, with some communities concerned about environmental and health impacts, while others see it as an opportunity for economic growth and job creation.
According to Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau officials led by Region 2 Director Mario Ancheta, the government has been working to balance the needs of the industry with the rights of local communities, but incidents like this underscore the challenges that lie ahead.