Manila: The Diocese of Borongan and the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) have called upon municipal and barangay councils in Giporlos and Balangiga, Eastern Samar, to formally oppose mining activities in their regions. This plea follows the approval of a mineral exploration permit that affects portions of these towns.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Diocese of Borongan, through its Diocesan Commission on Social Action - Justice and Peace (DCSA-JP), expressed its concerns in a pastoral statement dated July 27. The statement addressed the Mines and Geosciences Bureau's (MGB) approval of Exploration Permit EP-2026-001-VIII, which spans approximately 902.99 hectares in Giporlos and Balangiga. While the permit only authorizes exploration, there are fears that it could lead to future mineral extraction.
The diocese urged local governments and communities to express their stance against mining activities. Drawing from past mining experiences on Homonhon and Manicani islands, as well as Bagacay and other parts of Samar Island, the diocese called on the municipal and barangay councils of Giporlos and Balangiga to pass resolutions opposing mining.
The statement highlighted the potential environmental and social risks of mining, such as forest and watershed degradation, river and coastal water contamination, loss of agricultural and fishing areas, erosion, flooding, landslides, and community conflicts. The diocese emphasized the importance of protecting Eastern Samar's natural ecosystems, given its vulnerability to typhoons, to safeguard local communities' livelihoods.
The diocese appealed to various stakeholders, including local government officials, civil society organizations, and faith communities, to collaborate in promoting environmentally protective development that respects human dignity. Citing Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato si', it argued that true development should consider economic growth alongside respect for people, nature, and future generations.
During a quarterly meeting in Catarman, Northern Samar, SIPPAD endorsed the diocese's pastoral statement and supported the call for Giporlos and Balangiga councils to adopt anti-mining resolutions. SIPPAD emphasized that development should not compromise human dignity or ecological integrity and should be guided by justice and community protection.
The network referenced the environmental and social impacts of mining on Homonhon and Manicani communities and encouraged Samar Island's local governments to enact environment-protective policies. Their appeal extended beyond current exploration activities, advocating for a sustainable development vision for the entire island.
The endorsement was signed in Catarman by Calbayog Bishop Isabelo Abarquez, Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez, and Catarman Bishop Molly Camingue Buco. Exploration Permit EP-2026-001-VIII grants Altimas Ventures, Inc. the right to explore for chromite and associated minerals for two years, renewable up to six years.
Giporlos Mayor Gilbert Go clarified that no mining operations have started, emphasizing that the permit is solely for exploration. He advised residents to ignore misinformation and assured that any mining proposal would require consultations and compliance with legal and environmental standards.
The Sangguniang Bayan of Balangiga had already passed Resolution 25-122 on September 24, 2025, opposing both small- and large-scale mining within the municipality and urging national agencies to reject or revoke mining permits for the area.
