Bishop Urges Fair Law Enforcement, Dialogue After 13 Arrested Over Mining Protest

Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao of Bayombong has urged for fair law enforcement and dialogue following the arrest of 13 activists opposing mining exploration in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. According to the bishop, 11 individuals were detained and two were hospitalized after they attempted to block the reported entry of crude oil intended for mining exploration. While acknowledging the authority of the police and courts, Mangalinao stressed that any alleged offenses should be investigated and resolved through due process, but also implored authorities to look beyond the charges. "Let us not only look at the charges written on paper. Let us also see the people behind these charges," the bishop stated. He highlighted that the 13 are parents, farmers, workers, and community members, emphasizing that poverty does not diminish their rights. He asserted that residents have the right to question mining exploration due to concerns over farms, water sources, forests, and their children's future, declaring, "The land is home. The land is livelihood. The land is food. The land is inheritance. The land is life." Furthermore, the bishop questioned whether residents had been adequately heard and if peaceful avenues for consultation had been exhausted before the dispute escalated. He called on the police to exercise restraint and compassion, reminding them that those arrested remain members of the communities they serve. "These 13 people are not our enemies. They are part of our community," he said. Mangalinao also urged government officials and mining interests to listen directly to communities affected by exploration, noting that permits do not automatically guarantee community acceptance. He called on all parties to avoid further confrontation and seek a peaceful resolution based on facts, dialogue, and respect. "Let us sit down and talk. Let us listen. Let us speak honestly. Let us examine the facts," the bishop proposed. He also advised protesters and their supporters to defend their rights peacefully and reject anger, violence, and hatred. The Diocese of Bayombong has been involved in disputes over mining exploration in Nueva Vizcaya, with Mangalinao accompanying communities raising environmental and livelihood concerns. In June, a municipal court dismissed a case against Mangalinao and other anti-mining advocates linked to opposition to an exploration project. The bishop expressed hope that the recent arrests would not deepen the conflict but rather provide an opportunity for the government, communities, police, and mining interests to seek a peaceful settlement. "We are not asking that the law be set aside. We are asking that it be enforced with justice, compassion... and equal respect for everyone’s dignity," he concluded.