A Catholic bishop on Friday called on church members and supporters to extend aid and solidarity to residents maintaining barricades against mining exploration in Nueva Vizcaya province’s Kasibu town.
Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao of Bayombong said two new barricades were recently set up to block operations of Northern Luzon Mineral Resources Corp., which he said is seeking to explore more than 4,400 hectares covering villages of Pao, Kakiduguen and nearby communities.
“We once again stand firm and take a principled stand,” Mangalinao said, reiterating opposition to mining activities he described as destructive to mountains, water sources, livelihoods and local communities.
Alongside his appeal for resistance, he urged the public to help sustain residents stationed at the barricades, calling for donations of basic necessities such as rice, drinking water, medicines and daily food supplies.
“Beyond your prayers… I am also asking for help for the people at the barricades,” he said.
Kasibu town already hosts the Didipio gold and copper open pit mine operated by OceanaGold Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of multinational mining firm OceanaGold Corp., making the area a long-standing flashpoint for anti-mining protests.
Mangalinao expressed gratitude for continued support from inside and outside the diocese, saying collective action has strengthened earlier campaigns opposing mining expansion in the province.
He renewed his call for unity against what he described as destructive mining, urging residents and supporters to “defend Nueva Vizcaya, defend our watershed, defend our life and livelihood.”
Communities across the northern Philippine province have repeatedly mounted barricades against mining firms, including FCF-affiliate Woggle Corp., which faced strong opposition in Dupax del Norte town.
