TACLOBAN CITY, July 27 -- The Diocese of Borongan and the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) have urged municipal and barangay councils in Giporlos and Balangiga, Eastern Samar, to adopt resolutions opposing mining activities following the approval of a mineral exploration permit covering portions of the two towns.

In a pastoral position statement dated July 27, the Diocese of Borongan, through its Diocesan Commission on Social Action - Justice and Peace (DCSA-JP), expressed concern over the Mines and Geosciences Bureau's (MGB) approval of Exploration Permit EP-2026-001-VIII, which covers about 902.99 hectares in Giporlos and Balangiga towns.

The diocese acknowledged that the permit authorizes only mineral explo...