DUPAX DEL NORTE, Nueva Vizcaya—A tense standoff unfolded in Sitio Tacbao in Barangay Bitnong on Friday ( November 14, 2025), as an anti-mining group blocked the access road, trapping a Global wheel excavator, two Hilux units, and an Elf vehicle, along with their operators and crew.
According to eyewitnesses who refused to be named for fear of reprisal from anti-mining group, the incident began around 7:00 a.m. when Global contractor personnel and Woggle Corporation team members entered the area to begin clearing the access road damaged by Typhoon Uwan.
They said the team was also conducting river widening and backfilling activities, upon the request and assistance of some community members who were affected by the typhoon.
However, at around 10:00 a.m., Leonardo Rodota, purok president at Sitio (sub-village) Tacbao expressed concerns that he was not informed by the community about the river enhancement and clearing activities. Despite being asked if the team should stop, he walked away without responding.
Shortly after, an anti-mining group, reportedly led by Novelyn Tagure and Florentino Daynos, began setting up a barricade at the entrance/exit of the road, blocking the team’s exit.
The group refused to allow the equipment and personnel to pass, citing three conditions among which is the resignation of all Sitio Tacbao residents employed by Woggle Corporation and the removal of all equipment at Sitio Keon.
Despite efforts by Global and Woggle personnel, as well as the Barangay Captain and Philippine National Police personnel, the anti-mining group remained firm on their demands.
The standoff continues, with the trapped personnel and equipment still at the site. Woggle Corporation has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. LEIF DAHL, TVJ