‘Don’t block entry of mine equipment’

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – A regional trial court here has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against residents of a remote mountain village who continue to block the entry of the equipment of a mining company in their community.

For nearly two weeks now, some residents of Barangays Pa-o, Paquet, Dine and Kakidugen in the mineral-rich Kasibu town have barricaded the road leading to the exploration site of Oxiana Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of Royalco Resources Ltd. and Oxiana Ltd.

RTC Judge Godofredo Naui issued the 20-day TRO as it ruled that Oxiana “has established its clear right to explore the areas… as specified under the (government-issued) exploration permit.”

Earlier, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau said majority of the indigenous folk have expressed support for the mining venture.        – Charlie Lagasca