BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – On Friday, Jan. 23, the Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Office (NVPPO) announced that a human barricade set up along the Sitio Keon barangay road in Dupax del Norte had been peacefully dispersed, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals, including prominent anti-mining leader Florentino Daynos.
The arrests were made for obstructing the lawful implementation of a court order. Police officials emphasized that their actions were strictly in line with judicial directives and adhered to the principle of maximum tolerance.
Police Colonel Paul Bometivo, Provincial Director of the NVPPO, clarified that the Philippine National Police (PNP) acted solely to support the judiciary, following explicit instructions from the court.
“Our actions are anchored entirely on lawful court orders. The PNP did not initiate this enforcement; we merely assisted the court in the execution of its writ,” Bometivo stated.
He added that the police operation was carried out with restraint and professionalism, using no unnecessary force, and the situation was resolved peacefully.
“We observed maximum tolerance at all times. There was no use of unnecessary force, and the situation was resolved peacefully. Our priority is to maintain public order while fully respecting constitutional rights and human dignity,” Bometivo said.
The court order in question stems from a Writ of Preliminary Injunction issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 30 in Bayombong, presided over by Judge Paul Attolba Jr.
The writ mandates access along the Sitio Keon barangay road in Barangay Bitnong, which leads to mining exploration areas operated by Woggle Corporation, holder of Exploration Permit No. 00030-II from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB).
Earlier, physical barricades had been removed, but groups opposing the mining project formed human barricades to block company personnel and contractors. The court deemed these actions as “patent disobedience” and a circumvention of judicial authority.
In its January 19 order, the RTC directed court sheriffs, with police assistance, to arrest anyone who refuses, resists, or obstructs the implementation of the writ without needing further court instruction. The court also ordered the identification of those involved for possible indirect contempt of court, punishable by fines and imprisonment under the Rules of Court.
Bometivo reiterated that the PNP is not a party to the mining dispute and has no independent discretion in enforcement actions, emphasizing that respect for court orders is crucial to upholding the rule of law.
The NVPPO reminded stakeholders that mining-related disputes should be resolved through proper regulatory and judicial channels, as outlined in Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995), and not through self-help measures that undermine court authority.
The police called for continued restraint and cooperation, warning that defiance of court orders could result in further legal consequences and contempt charges.