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.
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.