Parishioners from various dioceses across Samar together with other stakeholders conducted the “Jericho Walk” — a prayer rally against destructive mining operations around the island, August 7, 2023.

Held in Borongan City, the protest was led by Fr. James Abella, Parish Priest of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The protesters call for an end to mining operations in Homonhon Island, Catarman in Northern Samar, Calbayog in Western Samar, as well as the planned resumption of operations in Manicani Island.

In a phone interview, Fr. Abella says they are very much alarmed by the environmental destruction caused by the mining operations in Samar.

“Sa Homonhon may apat na mining companies na nag o-operate sabay-sabay at grabe itong destructions na nangyayari doon. Naririnig namin na may plano ulit na magbukas ang pagmimina sa isla ng Manicani. Sa Calbayong mayroong 18 mining explorations, tapos sa Catarman mayrong dalawang mining operations pero naka moratorium ngayon.”

He says the protest rally is the church’s way of asking people to help them, to listen to them and keep them from signing any agreement that will give permissions for mining companies to operate.

(Photos courtesy of The Borongan Cathedral/Save Homonhon Movement.)