BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—The Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Office (NVPPO) successfully provided police assistance for the full implementation of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in Dupax del Norte (DDN) on October 17, 2025.
The TRO, issued by the Regional Trial Court – Bayombong, Branch 30, presided by Judge Paul Attolba, directed residents and anti-mining groups to refrain from installing or maintaining any barricade and from obstructing or barring Woggle Corporation from accessing and conducting exploration activities in Sitio (sub-village) Keon, Barangay (village) Bitnong in Dupax del Norte.
Personnel from Dupax del Norte Police Station and the First and Second Nueva Vizcaya Police Mobile Force Company were dispatched to the area to maintain peace and order, ensuring the Court’s Sheriff could carry out the court’s mandate.
Despite initial resistance from anti-mining groups, effective negotiation led by Sheriff Marites Rañada and Lawyer Edgardo Balgos, representing the protesters, resulted in an agreement to implement the TRO peacefully. The protesters, numbering approximately 100, voluntarily dispersed at 6:45 p.m. without further incident.
Police Cornel Paul Bometivo, acting provincial police director, said the NVPPO demonstrated its commitment to responsible policing, safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.
A total of 58 NVPPO personnel were deployed, with an additional 80 on standby for augmentation if needed, ensuring a controlled environment. The operation concluded successfully with no reported casualties or injuries.
Bometivo also emphasized that the NVPPO will continue to monitor the situation and maintain a strong presence to prevent any further disruption and uphold the integrity of the court’s order.
“The NVPPO is committed to upholding the law while protecting the rights of all citizens,” he said.
Bometivo added that the successful implementation of the TRO in Dupax del Norte showcases the NVPPO’s dedication to maintaining peace and order while upholding the rule of law.
“The police force’s professionalism and restraint in handling the situation ensured a peaceful resolution, demonstrating their commitment to responsible policing,” he said.