E. Samar priest and staunch anti-mining advocate dies in road accident
A Catholic priest known for his fight against mining operations in Eastern Samar province died in a vehicular accident on Wednesday. According to initial police reports, Fr. Alejandro “Alex” Galo Jr., 66, was riding a motorcycle when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle around 8 a.m. at the outskirts of Llorente town. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle’s driver, a woman, is now in the custody of the Llorente municipal police. The Borongan diocese expressed deep sorrow over the priest’s death and asked the faithful to pray for his soul “We ask for your prayers during this difficult time as we honor the life and legacy of a remarkable servant of God,” the diocese said. “Let us come together in prayer, remembering Fr. Alex in our hearts and asking for God’s comfort for all who mourn his loss,” it added. Galo was a vocal opponent of mining operations in the province, actively advocating for environmental protection and the rights of local communities. His advocacy, which included organizing communities, led to harassment and even death threats. By CBCP News January 15, 2025 Manila, Philippines
E. Samar bishop berates corruption, political dynasties
A Catholic bishop has sharply criticized corruption and the persistent influence of political dynasties in the country, urging voters to prioritize integrity and public service in the upcoming May elections. In a pastoral letter released Sunday, Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan expressed concern about the political and social issues affecting the country, with particular attention to Eastern Samar, a province considered one of the country’s poorest. He pointed to the widespread corruption, the misuse of public funds, and the dominance of political dynasties, which he said had reduced elections to financial transactions rather than contests of merit. “Corruption is rampant. The hard-earned money of the people, collected as taxes is often lost to graft,” Varquez said. “Political dynasties persist. Money has become the primary means to win elections. Vote buying has become commonplace.” He also decried the manipulation of the poor, who, he said, are too often exploited through government aid that fosters dependency rather than empowering communities to overcome poverty. The bishop did not stop there, highlighting the environmental impact of mining operations in the islands of Homonhon and Manicani. https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2Fborongandiocese%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0gQvrhzCh7PwnNMva9HdDZkP46wp3Y8pp8Zbr78QKrXkR7VQ22548EEVzkoKzb3aql&show_text=true&width=500 Varquez urged voters to support candidates who demonstrate a clear commitment to the common good, environmental protection, and social justice. “It is a noble calling that demands our commitment to the common good. Any candidate who stands for, or exemplifies anything less, does not deserve to be elected,” Varquez added. The bishop called on voters to make informed decisions, urging them to reject candidates with ties to mining interests or political dynasties. He also emphasized the need for candidates who embody integrity and a commitment to the welfare of the people and the environment. “Do not elect candidates who promote or are part of political dynasties. They impoverish our choices and reduce political positions to family heirlooms,” Varquez said. Varquez also urged voters to actively engage in the electoral process by educating themselves about the candidates, participating in discussions, and encouraging others to make well-informed choices to create a better future for the country and the province. “Choose candidates who embody integrity, goodness, and a tested commitment to serving the common good and protecting our environment,” he added. “Do not let financial incentives sway your decision; listen to your informed conscience.”
Bishop renews call to halt mining in E. Samar on 11th year of Yolanda
On the 11th anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda, a Catholic bishop renewed his call to halt mining operations in the islands off Eastern Samar province. Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan said Friday that Yolanda’s commemoration challenges the public to “deepen” their commitment to caring for the environment. “I urge our leaders to reconsider and stop the mining operations in the Islands of Homonhon and Manicani, which threaten our natural resources and the livelihoods of our people,” Varquez said. More than a decade later, the super typhoon, also known as Haiyan, remains one of the deadliest natural disasters to ever hit the Philippines. On Nov. 8, 2013, Yolanda made its first landfall in the southernmost town of Guiuan in Eastern Samar, which includes the islands of Manicani and Homonhon. According to authorities, Yolanda, one of the most powerful storms to make landfall in recorded history, claimed more than 6,300 lives, mostly in the Eastern Visayas region. The bishop invited the faithful to join him in reflecting on the journey they have traveled together. The moment is not just a remembrance of the challenges they faced, he said, “but a celebration of the resilience and unity that define us as a diocese and as one People of God.” “Let this anniversary remind us of our true mission and our true humanity. May we always embody the love of Christ in our actions,” Varquez added. “Together, may we rise anew, filled with courage and hope for what lies ahead,” he also said.
Church, city gov’t stop ‘perya’ gambling for Borongan fiesta
The diocese and the city government of Borongan have agreed to stop gambling in carnivals or “peryahan”, a constant fixture in town fiestas. Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan said that gambling opposes and defeats the purpose of fiestas as celebrations focused on matters of faith. “The holding of peryahan contradicts the primary goals of fiestas as celebrations primarily focused on matters of faith and the promotion of Christian values,” Varquez said. The bishop’s statement was contained in a letter he wrote to Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda on July 19, as the parish gears for the feast of its patroness, the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on Sept. 8. Echoing the sentiments of Bishop Varquez against gambling, Mayor Agda assured that he will not allow gambling in the “peryahan” to operate. “I definitely assure you that our administration will not let any kinds of activities that may lead to any form of gambling to happen,” said Agda, who is serving his first term as mayor. The bishop warned that “peryahan” create a “major distraction from authentic spiritual focus” especially among the young people. He also said that “peryas” are sources of “great temptation for gambling— a vice which is clearly opposed to our Catholic morals and even to our natural sensibilities”. CBCPNEWS
Borongan clergy to promote vocation through music
A local concert tour by the clergy of the Diocese of Borongan is one of the highlights in their local celebration of the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons. Dubbed as “Dayaw” or Praise, the theme of the concert is inspired by Psalm 52:9: “For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people.” Fr. Jan Michael Gadicho, the chair of the diocesan Commission on Clergy and the overall director of the concert, said “our life and ministry as priests is a total praise to God, leading and serving our people to give praise to the Lord.” He said the main objective of the activity is “to evangelize people about vocation and priestly life, and to thank the faithful for their support”. While the concert is free for the public, there will be paid seats to help organizers defray the production cost. “The proceeds from this concert shall be used in the ongoing formation of the clergy so that truly we may become renewed servant-leaders,” Gadicho added. Fr. Andiy Egargo, the concert’s musical director, said “the repertoire of this concert is centered on the ‘life and love of a priest.’ The songs hopefully will capture our story, our life, our love as ministers of God.” “You’ll Never Walk Alone, for example, is a theme that we have always shared together as Borongan clergy, even while we were seminarians. Waray mag-uusaan ngadto han altar ni Kristo; The Lord’s Prayer, and Ave Maria are prayers close to our hearts,” the musician-priest said. Asked what people may expect from the concert, Egargo said: “It will be an evening of wholesome fun where we see our priests not as presiders of sacraments or servant-leaders engaged in pastoral ministry but the human priest, always in love with God and his people.” The concert shall be held in the following towns and dates: Dolores on August 13, Borongan on Aug. 29, Balangiga of September 27, and Guiuan on October 4. By Edmel Raagas July 19, 2018 Borongan City
Pillbox blast hits Borongan seminary; no one hurt
(UPDATED) An explosion rocked inside the compound of a minor seminary in Borongan City early Sunday evening. No one was injured in the blast that happened at abut 6:45 p.m. near the exit gate of the Seminario de Jesus Nazareno, the only minor seminary in Samar Island. Este News, the news service of the Borongan diocese, reported that two explosive devices were thrown inside the SJN compound but only one exploded. “The SJN is clueless as to the motive behind the incident,” said the Este News, adding that an investigation was ongoing. The city police said the explosion was caused by a pillbox made of powder from firecrackers. “The packaging of the device shows that it was assembled by a person who has knowledge of making an improvised explosive device,” authorities said.
Borongan bishop: ‘Distorted values’ destroy elections
A Catholic bishop has called on his flock to vote responsibly in the upcoming midterm polls to correct “distorted values” that reigned in the past elections. Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan said it’s about time people use their votes with visionary leadership and good governance in mind. “It’s high time to demand for real change. This coming elections, choose good candidates,” he said emphatically in a video message. The bishop lamented how previous elections in one of the country’s poorest provinces were marred by rampant vote buying and selling. This “systemic corruption”, he stressed, has undermined the emergence of credible candidates. “I am disturbed by what is happening in our society today because of the distorted values of many people,” Varquez said. Echoing the call of the Philippine bishops’ conference, he urged the public to be discerning and elect candidates who have the common good as their top concern. “If corruption continues, nothing will happen to our country and to the lives of Filipinos,” he added. He also called on the people to participate actively during the elections and “stand for what is right, no matter how unpopular it may become”.
Borongan diocese awaits return of Balangiga bells
While the Diocese of Borongan eagerly awaits the return of the Balangiga bells, it has yet to receive official word that the US is returning the religious artifacts. The US was reported to have started the process of shipping back the bells to the Philippines. “It’s a welcome development. The parishioners of Balangiga have been patiently waiting for its eventual return,” said Msgr. Pedro Quitorio who heads the Committee for the Return of the Balangiga Bells of the Diocese of Borongan. The St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish Church in Balangiga had undergone major repair when it was damaged by Supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013. After an intensive restoration spanning around a year, the repair was completed in April 2016 and the church was rededicated. “The physical church of Balangiga is ready for the return of its bells. It has two belfries. The other one is empty, but awaiting for the return of its bells,” the priest said. But the diocese has yet to confirm the news that the bells taken by the US army from the church in 1901 will soon be returned to the Philippines. “Except from what is read in the news, the parish of Balangiga, or the Diocese of Borongan, where the parish belongs, do not have any information regarding the veracity of the event or any arrangements regarding the bells’ return,” Quitorio added. The US Department of Defense on Tuesday announced that a ceremony will be held on Nov. 15 (Manila time) at the Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming for the return of the bells. It said that Defense Secretary James Mattis will attend the event marking the beginning of the process for the repatriation of the Balangiga bells. The bells were taken by US soldiers as a war trophy in the aftermath of the Balangiga massacre during the Philippine-American War. One of the bells is in the possession of the 9th Infantry Regiment at Camp Red Cloud based in South Korea, while two others are in Wyoming. In August this year, the Pentagon chief signed the documents favoring the return of the Balangiga bells. By Roy Lagarde November 14, 2018 Manila, Philippines
Borongan diocese reopens radio station after 13-year closure
Thirteen years after it went off the air, the Diocese of Borongan’s radio station will be heard again over the air waves. Bishop Crispin Varquez led the relaunching of the DYVW-AM station located on Baybay Boulevard in Borongan City on June 26. With the use of social media and live streaming platforms, the station’s programs will also be broadcasted globally. “With the use of our radio station and live streaming online, we can bring objective news and information to our people,” Varquez said. The diocese has re-branded its media facilities as the Voice of the Word Media Network (VWMN) that includes a cable TV channel, an online news service, a local newspaper, a terrestrial AM Radio and an online FM radio which are intended to help, among others, arrest the spread of disinformation and fake news. “This is a big challenge for us in the Church, how we counter the fake news done by irresponsible people who just want to advance their selfish goals and interests,” said Varquez. Fr. Neil Tenefrancia, the assistant director of the Diocesan Commission on Mass Media and Social Communications, said “all programs will be on teleradio that can be viewed in the local cable TV, and will be streamed live on Facebook and Youtube.” In his message, Papal nuncio Archbishop Gabriele Caccia lauded the project, saying that instruments for social communication are “great gifts from God” and should be utilized for the common good. “The use of these media by the Church ought to be exemplary and reflect the highest models of truthfulness, while being at the same time instruments of hope,” Caccia said. “I wish you many more years of service to the Gospel and to the truth it proclaims,” he added. Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara of Pasig, head of the church’s Episcopal Commission on Social Communications, also hailed the diocese “for responding to the call to proclaim the Good News” through the media. “A diocese that recognizes social communications as a tool for evangelization in the digital ageis truly commendable,” he said. The diocesan radio station building and the 180-foot antenna tower that were built in 1991 were totally destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013. The reopening of the radio station coincided with the relocation of the dioceses’ various other media initiatives within the old DYVW compound including the editorial office of its Este News Service and newspaper.