REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Court Dismisses Case Against Bayombong Bishop, Anti-Mining Advocates
Photo credit: CBCP
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — A local court has dismissed the civil case filed against Bayombong Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao and several environmental defenders over their opposition to a mining exploration project in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.
The Diocese of Bayombong announced the dismissal on Wednesday, June 24, describing the ruling as a victory for communities working to protect the province's watersheds, farmlands, and ancestral domains.
Church leaders thanked supporters, Indigenous communities, environmental advocates, prayer partners, and volunteer lawyers who stood with the respondents throughout the legal battle.
The complaint stemmed from the campaign against the exploration activities of Northern Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation (NLMRC) in Kasibu. Residents and members of the Indigenous Bugkalot-Ilongot community had established barricades and protest actions to stop exploration activities in areas they said were environmentally sensitive and vital to local livelihoods.
The civil suit, which sought a temporary restraining order and injunction, named Mangalinao, former diocesan social action director Fr. Christian Dumangeng, and several community defenders. The complaint included allegations related to the anti-mining barricades and claims of forcible entry. It was filed by Rosario Camma, who identified herself as an overall chieftain of the Bugkalot-Ilongot Indigenous community.
Before the dismissal, a municipal trial court in Kasibu had already declined to issue the requested temporary restraining order. Lawyer Fidel Santos, counsel for the respondents, described the case as a strategic lawsuit against public participation, or SLAPP, aimed at intimidating environmental advocates and critics of mining activities.
Mangalinao earlier defended the Church's involvement, saying its support for communities resisting mining was rooted in its pastoral mission and responsibility to care for 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."
He also stressed that the Church's participation in the issue was "not a political duty" but a pastoral one.
The dispute over mining in Nueva Vizcaya has drawn national attention, with Church groups and environmental organizations warning that exploration activities could threaten forests, water sources, agricultural lands, and Indigenous ancestral territories. Supporters of the project, meanwhile, have maintained that mining exploration is subject to government regulations and environmental safeguards.
Despite the court victory, the Diocese of Bayombong said its advocacy for environmental protection and the defense of local communities would continue, emphasizing peaceful action and stewardship of the province's natural resources.
The Diocese of Bayombong announced the dismissal on Wednesday, June 24, describing the ruling as a victory for communities working to protect the province's watersheds, farmlands, and ancestral domains.
Church leaders thanked supporters, Indigenous communities, environmental advocates, prayer partners, and volunteer lawyers who stood with the respondents throughout the legal battle.
The complaint stemmed from the campaign against the exploration activities of Northern Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation (NLMRC) in Kasibu. Residents and members of the Indigenous Bugkalot-Ilongot community had established barricades and protest actions to stop exploration activities in areas they said were environmentally sensitive and vital to local livelihoods.
The civil suit, which sought a temporary restraining order and injunction, named Mangalinao, former diocesan social action director Fr. Christian Dumangeng, and several community defenders. The complaint included allegations related to the anti-mining barricades and claims of forcible entry. It was filed by Rosario Camma, who identified herself as an overall chieftain of the Bugkalot-Ilongot Indigenous community.
Before the dismissal, a municipal trial court in Kasibu had already declined to issue the requested temporary restraining order. Lawyer Fidel Santos, counsel for the respondents, described the case as a strategic lawsuit against public participation, or SLAPP, aimed at intimidating environmental advocates and critics of mining activities.
Mangalinao earlier defended the Church's involvement, saying its support for communities resisting mining was rooted in its pastoral mission and responsibility to care for 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."
He also stressed that the Church's participation in the issue was "not a political duty" but a pastoral one.
The dispute over mining in Nueva Vizcaya has drawn national attention, with Church groups and environmental organizations warning that exploration activities could threaten forests, water sources, agricultural lands, and Indigenous ancestral territories. Supporters of the project, meanwhile, have maintained that mining exploration is subject to government regulations and environmental safeguards.
Despite the court victory, the Diocese of Bayombong said its advocacy for environmental protection and the defense of local communities would continue, emphasizing peaceful action and stewardship of the province's natural resources.
Jun 24, 2026
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