Stand with Dupax! Stand for land and life!

When the Bambang Regional Trial Court ordered protesters in Dupax del Norte to remove their barricades in favor of the Woggle Mining Corporation, we saw how our current justice system works to oppress resisting communities.

On January 13, 2026, the regional court implemented a writ of preliminary injunction against the anti-mining barricade in Barangay Bitnong, allowing Woggle to access the mineral exploration site. This was followed by the removal of one of the blockades, as well as the presence of hundreds of police on-site, their presence serving as a threat towards those who fight for their survival. The court’s legal directive does not serve the people, but rather aggravates the hardships that people are already experiencing at the hands of Woggle Corporation.

The forceful entry of Woggle is not something new for indigenous communities, as we have seen in many past extractive and energy projects that corporations will do anything to plunder the people’s lands. Corporations will work with government agencies, such as the DENR and NCIP, and will bypass processes put in place for the protection of communities. Police and military are deployed to suppress resistance, and human rights violations ensue.

We stand with the people of Dupax and their inspiring fight against destructive mining. Their communities prove to us the power of unity for the defense of land and life. Katribu remembers the victories of indigenous communities who stood together against destructive projects like Woggle, such as the Cellophil struggle in Abra, the Chico Dam Struggle in Mt. Province and Kalinga, and the strong opposition of the Dumagat-Remontado against the Kaliwa Dam that prompted the government to shelve the project in the past.

We urge all allies who believe in genuine developm

ent and self-determination to voice out our support for the people of Dupax, and our rejection of Woggle Corporation. With legitimate permits or not, what must be highlighted is that those who are directly impacted by the project have clearly stated their non-consent to such encroachment.

Stand with Dupax, stand for land and life!

Reference: Funa-ay Claver, national coordinator