The Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera (CDPC) expresses its unwavering solidarity with Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao, Fr. Christian Dumangeng, Florentino Daynos, Tommy Pitas, Manny Ticawa, Joel Ket-el, Martin Pitas, Piit, Lei Dugay, and all environmental defenders who are facing legal action for their steadfast commitment to protecting the environment, defending community rights, and safeguarding the welfare of present and future generations in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.
We are deeply alarmed by the filing of the civil case for Forcible Entry with Urgent Prayer for the Issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), Writ of Preliminary Injunction, and Writ of Preliminary Mandatory Injunction on 16 June 2026 against individuals whose actions have been rooted in peaceful advocacy, community solidarity, and the defense of the common good. Such legal actions raise serious concerns about the use of the courts to discourage public participation and silence those who speak out on matters of environmental protection, the collective rights of Indigenous Peoples and community welfare.
The defense of forests, watersheds, agricultural lands, and other natural resources is not merely an environmental concern. It is a matter of human rights, the collective rights of Indigenous Peoples, social justice, cultural integrity, food security, and the survival of communities whose lives and futures depend on a healthy and sustainable environment. Indigenous communities, in particular, possess inherent and collective rights over their ancestral lands, territories and resource, including the right to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) and to self-determined development. Communities have every right to question, oppose, and seek accountability for projects that they believe may threaten their environment, livelihoods, culture and well-being.
We recognize the courage demonstrated by Bishop Mangalinao and his fellow environmental defenders who, despite legal challenges and mounting pressure, continue to stand alongside affected communities. Their actions reflect a deep commitment to protecting creation, upholding the collective rights of Indigenous Peoples to their ancestral domains, self-determination, cultural integrity; defending rights of local communities, and promoting a model of development that respects both people and the environment.
The filing of cases against environmental advocates must never be used as a tool to intimidate, harass, or silence legitimate dissent. When citizens, church leaders, Indigenous Peoples, and community members are subjected to legal action for exercising their rights and fulfilling their responsibilities as stewards of the environment, the principles of democracy, justice, accountability, and meaningful public participation are placed at risk.
CDPC calls on churches, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, civil society groups, human rights defenders, environmental advocates, academic institutions, and all concerned citizens to stand united in support of those facing reprisals for their advocacy. We enjoin Indigenous communities and their organizations to assert their collective rights to land, life, and self-determination and we urge all sectors to remain vigilant in defending civic freedoms, environmental justice, and the right of communities to participate fully and freely in decisions that affect their lands, resources, and future.
History has repeatedly shown that many of the environmental protections, social reforms, and community rights that people enjoy today were secured because courageous individuals chose to speak out against actions they believed would cause harm. Their voices must not be silenced. Their commitment must not be criminalized.
We stand firmly with Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao and all environmental defenders in Nueva Vizcaya and throughout the country. Their struggle is not theirs alone; it is a shared struggle for environmental justice, Indigenous Peoples’ collective rights, human dignity, community rights, and a sustainable future for all.
Defending the environment is not a crime.
Protecting our natural resources is not a crime.
Standing with communities is not a crime.
Speaking for the people is not a crime.
In solidarity,
Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera (CDPC)