UNITED STAND (From left) Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan, Bishop Isabelo Abarquez of Calbayog and Bishop Nolly Buco of Catarman stand united in endorsing a pastoral statement urging local governments in Eastern Samar to reject mining and protect the island’s forests, watersheds, farmlands, coastal ecosystems and communities. —CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES PHOTOS
BORONGAN CITY—The three Catholic bishops of Samar Island have united in opposing mining activities in Eastern Samar, warning that even mineral exploration could pave the way for large-scale extraction that threatens forests, watersheds, farmlands, coastal ecosystems and the livelihoods of local communities.
Bishops Crispin Varquez of the Diocese of Borongan, Isabelo Abarquez of the Diocese of Calbayog, and Nolly Buco of the Diocese of Catarman endorsed a pastoral statement calling on local government units in the municipalities of Giporlos and Balangiga to reject mining and reaffirm resolutions opposing extractive activities within their jurisdictions.
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The statement was adopted during the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (Sippad) meeting held on July 23 and came after the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) approved Exploration Permit No. EP-2026-001-VIII, covering about 902.99 hectares in portions of Giporlos and Balangiga.FEATURED STORIES
