BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines—A regional trial court in Nueva Vizcaya province has ordered protesters to immediately remove the barricades along the Keon Barangay Road in Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya leading to the exploration area of mining firm Woogle Corp.

This is contained in the consolidated resolution issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 30 presiding judge Paul Attolba Jr. on Jan. 6, 2026, upholding a preliminary injunction in a civil action brought by Woggle Corp. against Florentino Daynos and other defendants.

The court’s resolution addressed a series of interrelated motions in SCA Case No 139-25-J.

It also asked the Philippine National Police provincial director to assist the court sheriffs in the implementation of the writ of preliminary injunction. It said the police are authorized to take action against any individuals who defy the writ.

The court denied several defense pleadings, including motions to dissolve the injunction.

It emphasized the binding nature of judicial orders and warned that the defendants and their supporters should obey the injunction within a specified period or face potential contempt charges.

Attolba noted that officers of the court are expected to uphold respect for judicial orders rather than erode them.

The legal dispute involves the application of the Philippine Mining Act and the propriety of injunctive relief. The court reached its decision based on existing pleadings and records without the need for a trial on disputed facts.

Woggle Corp. general-manager Lorne Harvey said the company respects and accepts the consolidated resolution issued by the court. “We recognize it as part of the proper functioning of the judicial process,” said Harvey.

“We appreciate the Court’s careful consideration of the issues raised by all parties and its effort to resolve the related matters in a clear, orderly, and principled manner, consistent with established law and procedure,” he said.

“Our company has always maintained that disputes of this nature are best addressed within the framework of the law,” Harvey added.

“We remain fully committed to complying with all court orders and to conducting our operations responsibly, transparently, and in a manner that respects both the rule of law and the communities affected by our work.”

The ruling took effect immediately upon its Jan. 6 promulgation.

While the court resolution did not specify a monetary value for the dispute, any future fines or bonds related to the case would be denominated in pesos.

The dispute over Woggle Corporation’s exploration project in Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte began with community concerns about possible impacts on land and livelihoods, but escalated into a court case after protest actions led to road barricades and questions over the limits of lawful protest and public access. PR