01/09/2026
SOLIDARITY STATEMENT
OFM Province of San Pedro Bautista
Stand with the Land Defenders of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya
โWherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live.โ(Ezekiel 47:9)
As we begin the 2026 Season of Creation with the theme โLiving Water,โ inspired by Ezekiel 47:1โ12, we, the Franciscan Friars of the Province of San Pedro Bautista, stand in solidarity with Bishop Elmer Mangalinao, the Diocese of Bayombong, the Indigenous Peoples, farmers, and communities of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, who seek to defend their ancestral lands, watersheds, farms, and sources of life.
We are deeply disturbed by reports of the arrest, intimidation, and criminalization of Indigenous leaders and community members peacefully opposing mining exploration which they maintain has proceeded without their genuine consent. Protecting creation is not a crime. Defending ancestral land and water is not a crime. Peacefully demanding to be heard is not a crime.
The theme โLiving Waterโ speaks powerfully to the situation in Kasibu. Ezekiel gives us the beautiful vision of life-giving water flowing from the temple, restoring barren lands and allowing life to flourish wherever it flows. Yet today, many of our watersheds, rivers, forests, and agricultural lands are threatened by destructive human activity. When the sources of water are endangered, the poor, farmers, Indigenous Peoples, and generations yet unborn bear the consequences. The cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are one cry.
The 2026 symbol, โImmersion in Living Water,โ challenges us not simply to observe the ecological crisis from a distance, but to immerse ourselves in the work of healing, defending, and renewing Creation. Solidarity therefore cannot remain only in words and prayers. It calls us to stand beside communities whose land, water, livelihood, and future are threatened.
This call has particular meaning for us Franciscans as we celebrate the 8th Centenary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology. Francis praised God through Sister Water, โuseful, humble, precious and pure.โ To commemorate his Transitus is not simply to remember his passing, but to rediscover and live his Gospel legacy todayโespecially by standing with the poor and defending our common home.
We therefore appeal to government authorities, law-enforcement agencies, mining interests, and all concerned: stop intimidation and unnecessary criminalization; respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and genuine free, prior, and informed consent; protect the watersheds of Nueva Vizcaya; and allow transparent and peaceful dialogue to prevail.
To Bishop Elmer, the Church of Bayombong, and the courageous communities of Kasibu: you are not alone. We stand with you in prayer, fraternity, and solidarity.
Listen to the people. Defend the land. Protect the water. Care for our common home.
May St. Francis of Assisi teach us once again to become brothers and sisters to the poor and to all Creation, and may the Living Water of God give us courage to defend and renew life wherever it is threatened.
Pace e Bene!
Br Lino Gregorio V Redoblado, OFM
Minster Provincial
Province of San Pedro Bautista โ Philippines
