The Diocese of Borongan has condemned the legal action filed by a mining company against six environmental defenders on Homonhon Island in the central Philippines.

The diocese described the move as a “grave injustice” and an attack on those protecting God’s creation.

In a statement, the Church in Borongan expressed solidarity with community leaders from Barangay Casuguran and Carmi Macapagao, president of the Homonhon Environmental Advocates and Rights Defenders (HEARD). 

The six—Macapagao, Kerrilyn Rose Hombria, Dioniosio Bandoy, Jeremy Padilla, Nelson Badenas, and Ruben Badeo—are facing an injunction filed by Emir Mineral Resources Corporation (EMRC).

“The leaders of Casuguran and HEARD are not criminals—they are caretakers of the environment, protectors of life, and voices of the voiceless,” the diocese said.

It described the group’s defense of Area 12, a critical freshwater and biodiversity zone on the island, as “a true act of Christian stewardship.” 

The diocese warned that using the law to silence environmental advocates “is a matter of justice” and “a test of our moral courage and collective conscience.”

Faith-based network Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) also denounced the case, describing it as part of a broader pattern of harassment targeting anti-mining advocates on the island.

“This legal action is the latest in a disturbing pattern of harassment faced by environmental defenders in Homonhon,” PMPI said, citing the commercial interests of entities operating on the island. 

It described Macapagao as a “passionate and principled advocate” who has been at the forefront of the campaign to protect Homonhon’s dwindling freshwater sources.

PMPI said the case reflects the weaponization of the legal system to intimidate defenders “who dare to speak truth to power.” 

It called for the immediate dismissal of the charges and emphasized the importance of community-led resistance to destructive extractive activities.

“Environmental defenders are not criminals—they are protectors of our ecosystems, guardians of our communities, and stewards of our future,” the group said. “Their work is essential, not only for Homonhon, but for the survival of our planet.”

Both the diocese and PMPI urged institutions and the public to recognize the legitimacy of local resistance and the critical role of communities in protecting natural resources.