Residents of Mariahangin, Bugsuk in Balabac, Palawan have lauded the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for denouncing their displacement over a planned luxury tourism project.
The Indigenous community described the Church’s stand as a long-awaited boost to their fight for ancestral land rights.
“We are extremely thankful here on the island because we have waited so long for this—for support that comes directly from the cardinals and bishops,” said Bhebz Pelayo, a Mariahangin resident.
She noted that the Church has stood with them beyond words, adding that it “never abandoned us in everything that happens in our community. They are always there—providing aid, in everything.”
In a pastoral letter issued on August 6, the bishops demanded swift government action to address what it described as the “enduring wounds of historical injustices” against the Molbog and Cagayanen Indigenous Peoples of Palawan.
The statement, signed by CBCP president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, was prompted by concerns raised by Palawan bishops Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa and Broderick Pabillo of Taytay during the bishops’ plenary assembly.
The bishops cited the long-standing displacement and harassment of the Molbog and Cagayanen communities of Bugsuk Island, particularly in Mariahangin, where residents face demolition threats for an eco-luxury tourism project.
They noted that ancestral land claims have remained unresolved for decades, with the communities’ 2005 application for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title still pending. The CBCP urged the removal of armed groups from the island and the prompt resolution of land disputes.
Pelayo said the public release of the bishops’ statement has lifted the community’s spirits, strengthening their belief that government agencies with the mandate to assist them might finally take decisive action for the welfare of all residents.
Sally Bersabal, Head Servant of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel in Mariahangin, extended gratitude to the clergy, especially Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa Bishop Socrates Mesiona, MSP.
“Many, many thanks for the help and support of the clergy, especially to Bishop Socrates Mesiona. We are sincerely grateful. For a whole year, you never abandoned us in our prayers to have the blue guards removed.”
She said the Church’s material assistance has been crucial to the community’s survival during the dispute.
