The Defend Nueva Viscaya Movement denounced the filing of civil cases against Bayombong Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao, Fr. Christian Dumangeng, Florentino Daynos, leader of an anti-mining group in Dupax del Norte, and six others over their firm opposition to mining in Kasibu, Nueva Viscaya. Bishop Mangalinao stands among those leading the push for environmental protection and opposing mining projects in Nueva Viscaya, while Fr. Christian Dumangeng is a former Social Action Director of the diocese and currently the station manager of Radyo Veritas Bayombong.

The group said this clearly attempts to criminalize the legitimate defense of ancestral lands, water sources, and ecosystems against destructive exploration and mining activities.

Presenting herself as a Bugkalot/Ilongot indigenous leader, Rosario Camma filed the cases, “Forcible Entry with Temporary Restraining Order, Writ of Preliminary Injunction and Writ of Preliminary Mandatory Injunction.” Kasibu residents said Camma is represented by Atty. Osingat and Atty. Ordoñez, lawyers of North Luzon Minerals Resources Corporation (NLMRC).

The cases are linked to the construction and maintenance of a barricade against NLMRC within the Bugkalot/Ilongot ancestral domain. NLMRC is currently carrying out an exploration project covering 4,456 hectares of land spanning the areas of Pao, Kakidugen, Pacquet, Dine, and Catarawan in Kasibu.

Despite the filing of the case, the court did not grant the TRO but will instead hold a hearing on the requested Writ of Preliminary Mandatory Injunction on June 23.

Atty. Fidel Santos, counsel for those charged, said the case is a SLAPP suit or Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.

“A SLAPP suit is filed with the intent to pressure, harass, intimidate, or demoralize people like us and the Bishop who stand firm in protecting the environment. It is a harassment suit meant to stop the anti-mining campaign,” Atty. Santos explained.

The Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission (JPICC) of the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP), Saint Mark’s Parish Cabarroguis – Diocese of Bayombong, Saint Louis College of Solano – Supreme Secondary Learner Government, Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos, and Tuguegarao Archbishop Ricardo Baccay expressed support and solidarity with Bishop Mangalinao.