Bayombong bishop defends presence among land defenders
MANILA, Philippines — Bayombong Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao pushed back on accusations that the diocese's presence among local land defenders is politically or adversarially motivated.
Mangalinao issued a statement after being named as a defendant in a case linked to opposition to a mining exploration project in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.
Mangalinao said his actions are rooted in the Church's duty to "protect God’s creation."
"As Bishop of this Diocese, I carry the responsibility, given to me at ordination, to stand with the poor, defend the vulnerable, and be a voice for those whose voices are often unheard," Mangalinao said on Monday, June 22.
He added that the church sees the environment not merely as a resource to be used, but as part of God's creation entrusted to people for future generations.
"To care for the land is to care for the poor, for they depend on it most directly and suffer first and worst when it is harmed," he said.
Pastoral, not adversarial
Mangalinao pushed back against allegations that he said mischaracterized the church's intentions, maintaining that any relief, prayers or physical presence extended by the diocese were offered out of charity and pastoral concern.
“Again, the Church's presence among our brothers and sisters was pastoral, not adversarial. There was no malice in our prayers, no scheme in our presence, and no intent in our charity beyond what the Gospel asks of us in being with those who suffer. I trust that a fair and complete reading of the facts will bear this out,” Mangalinao said.
According to a report by CBCP News, the complaint against Mangalinao and several individuals was filed by a man who identified himself as the overall chieftain of the Bugkalot and Ilongot indigenous community.
The complaint seeks court remedies related to an anti-mining barricade established within ancestral domain areas affected by the exploration project.
A municipal trial court in Kasibu declined to issue a temporary restraining order sought by the complainant but set a June 23 hearing on a request for a writ of preliminary injunction.
Support from David
Kalookan Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, meanwhile, reflected on the challenges Mangalinao is facing, noting that the prelate is confronting a different trial after fighting for his physical survival a few years ago following a heart attack and quintuple bypass surgery.
“Today he faces a different ordeal. Having taken a public stand on issues affecting the environment and the communities entrusted to his care, he now finds himself confronting legal challenges arising from that advocacy,” David said in a post on Facebook. — with reports from CBCP News
- Latest
- Trending
