“Ang labintatlong taong ito ay hindi natin mga kaaway. Sila ay bahagi ng ating pamayanan. (These 13 people are not our enemies. They are part of our community.),” he said.
Mangalinao also called on government officials and mining interests to listen directly to communities affected by exploration, saying permits do not automatically guarantee community acceptance.
He urged all sides to avoid further confrontation and seek a peaceful resolution based on facts, dialogue and respect.
“Maupo tayo at mag-usap. Makinig tayo. Magsalita tayo nang tapat. Suriin natin ang mga katotohanan (Let us sit down and talk. Let us listen. Let us speak honestly. Let us examine the facts),” he said.
The bishop also urged protesters and their supporters to defend their rights peacefully and reject anger, violence and hatred.
“Ang ating pakikibaka para sa katarungan ay dapat laging may paggalang sa dignidad ng tao (Our struggle for justice must always respect human dignity),” Mangalinao said.
The Diocese of Bayombong has been involved in disputes over mining exploration in Nueva Vizcaya, with Mangalinao accompanying communities raising environmental and livelihood concerns.
In June, a municipal court in Kasibu dismissed a case against Mangalinao and other anti-mining advocates linked to opposition to an exploration project.
Mangalinao said the latest arrests should not deepen the conflict but instead provide an opportunity for government, communities, police and mining interests to seek a peaceful settlement.
“Hindi namin hinihiling na isantabi ang batas. Ang hinihiling namin ay ang batas ay ipatupad nang may katarungan, malasakit … at pantay na paggalang sa dignidad ng bawat isa (We are not asking that the law be set aside. We are asking that it be enforced with justice, compassion … and equal respect for everyone’s dignity),” he said.
