Philippine Protestant bishops condemned the “continuing harassment and intimidation” of environmental defenders after three residents opposing mining operations were arrested in Nueva Vizcaya.
The prelates warned that government policies risk putting mining and corporate interests ahead of Indigenous peoples’ rights and environmental protection.
The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Council of Bishops said in an Aug. 20 pastoral appeal that development should not come at the expense of communities affected by mining and other projects.
“We are deeply concerned that government policies and actions may prioritize mining and corporate interests over community rights and ecological protection,” the bishops said.
“Development must never sacrifice human dignity, Indigenous peoples’ rights, environmental integrity, or the welfare of future generations,” they added.
Police arrested Lei Jin Dugay, Donny Dugay and June Fataccad at an anti-mining barricade in Barangay Paquet, Kasibu, on Aug. 19.
The three, members of the Kasibu Inter-Tribal Response for Ecological Development (KIRED), were released after posting bail on charges of grave coercion and violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, according to their lawyers.
Their lawyers described the case as another strategic lawsuit against public participation, or SLAPP.
Residents have maintained barricades in Kasibu since May to hinder the movement of fuel and other supplies they say are needed for the exploration activities of North Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation (NLMRC).
The UCCP said the arrests reportedly occurred while residents were questioning the entry of seven barrels of crude oil intended for a road project involving an NLMRC backhoe.
The bishops also cited reports that legal counsel was prevented from communicating with the three following their arrest, raising concerns over their access to legal assistance and due process.
“As the UCCP Council of Bishops, we unequivocally join this call for justice and condemn the continuing harassment and intimidation of environmental defenders,” the bishops said.
“We affirm the right of every person to due process, legal counsel, and protection from unjust and retaliatory actions,” they added.
The church council linked the arrests to broader concerns over harassment, intimidation, and legal actions reportedly directed against environmental defenders in Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela, including nearly 20 reported strategic lawsuits against public participation.
The bishops urged authorities to review the charges and dismiss them if they are found to be baseless or retaliatory.
They also called on the government to end harassment, intimidation and retaliatory legal actions against environmental and community defenders and to respect Indigenous peoples and communities whose lands, livelihoods and environment are affected by mining and development projects.
The UCCP called for transparency, accountability and meaningful participation in decisions involving natural resources.
“Environmental defenders who protect land, water, communities, and creation deserve respect and protection not intimidation, harassment, or repression,” the bishops said.
The Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Office (NVPPO), however, said the three were arrested after a road obstruction incident along Aling Barangay Road in Barangay Paquet.
The UCCP bishops called for continued protection of the three and an end to what they described as a broader pattern of harassment and intimidation against environmental defenders.
“As a Church, we seek neither confrontation nor division, but justice that restores, truth that liberates, and peace that reconciles,” the bishops said.
“We stand with communities who suffer and speak when silence would allow injustice to flourish,” they added.
