By Rachel Magday
NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines – Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito called for civility and unity, affirming the provincial government’s duty to respect court processes in the disputed mining exploration.
He invited anti‑mining leaders to a “fruitful dialogue,” saying he wants to work with civil, responsible leaders to find solutions and prefers engagement over confrontation — even with protesters he believes are acting out of political interest.
At the provincial government’s flag‑raising ceremony, Gambito said he will not be drawn into online attacks. “I am not silent, but I do not want to engage with disrespectful people on social media,” he said, noting a surge of harsh posts directed at him.
He appealed for respect: “If they can’t respect the person, at least respect the position. If they disrespect the position, they also disrespect the people of Nueva Vizcaya who put me here.”
He added that critics should not expect him to join scuffles at barricades — “I have other, more effective ways” — and said he has already relayed constituents’ concerns to the proper authorities, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos.
The governor framed his role as the province’s “father,” saying pro‑ and anti‑mining groups are like “children” in conflict. “As a reasonable father,” he said, he must find ways to resolve misunderstandings rather than inflame tensions, and he urged community leaders not to provoke residents or make the conflict worse.
“If the majority of Nueva Vizcaya residents do not want mining, so be it. I can very well serve the province with or without mining,” Gambito added, saying his priority is serving the people and finding a peaceful solution.
His remarks followed an incident last Friday in Sitio Keon, Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, where anti‑mining protesters confronted police officers who were providing security to a court sheriff serving an order from RTC Branch 30 Judge Paul R. Attolba Jr. The order was related to a temporary restraining order (TRO) sought by Woogle Corporation to allow it to proceed with exploration activities.
As an anti‑mining rally took place Monday morning at the People’s Stage at the provincial capitol,
Gambito sent a same‑day invitation to church leaders — including Bishop Elmer Mangalinao of the Diocese of Bayombong, who attended the protest — the protesters’ lawyers and anti‑mining leaders from Barangay Bitnong for a dialogue in his office. He described the invite as a sincere effort to resolve the issue peacefully and find common ground.
The group declined the office meeting and insisted the governor come to the rally instead. Gambito at first considered agreeing to that demand, but one of the more civil anti‑mining leaders advised him not to go for security reasons.
PNP Provincial Director Paul Bometivo said the demonstration was peaceful. Police estimated about 400 people took part — including residents from Dupax del Norte and other towns in Nueva Vizcaya, clergy, local officials and youth leaders. During the program at the capitol, leaders delivered speeches voicing their opposition to the mining project. Afterward the crowd marched out of the capitol grounds and continued their rally in front of the municipal hall in Dupax del Norte.
Gambito reiterated that his office remains open for good‑faith dialogue and called on all sides to help lower the temperature, respect institutions and work toward a peaceful resolution.
