Three Catholic bishops in Samar Island call on local government units (LGUs) to formally reject mining activities in parts of Eastern Samar. The bishops—Crispin Varquez of Borongan, Isabelo Abarquez of the Diocese of Calbayog, and the third bishop referenced in reporting from Samar—issue a joint position after the government approves a mineral exploration permit that covers areas in Eastern Samar.
In their statement and related pastoral materials, the bishops argue that even mineral exploration can lead to larger-scale extraction. They cite potential impacts on forests and watersheds, as well as on farmlands and coastal ecosystems. The bishops also say such developments can affect the livelihoods of local communities.
Rather than asking for an immediate stoppage of all activity, the bishops focus on what LGUs can do procedurally: they urge municipal and barangay governments to oppose the mining through formal local actions. The campaign is presented as a coordinated ecclesiastical endorsement of the Diocese of Borongan’s pastoral position statement, with the bishops publicly rallying Samar towns to reject the proposed mining activities.
