Govt urged to ease tension in Palawan island

BISHOP Socrates Mesiona of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa issued a public appeal urging government authorities to intervene and abate the renewed tensions between armed security forces and indigenous communities on a disputed island in the southern Palawan province.

The latest unrest broke out on Friday when approximately 80 armed guards reportedly entered Mariahangin, a remote settlement on Bugsuk Island in the municipality of Balabac.

The unexpected arrival of the guards alarmed the residents, who fear displacement from their ancestral homeland.

"I am calling on government agencies to intervene immediately to prevent any possible violence," Bishop Mesiona said in a statement from Manila, where he attended a synodal consultation for the National Capital Region. "This incident has caused great fear among the residents."

The bishop is apprehensive of the presence of armed men on the island, which the Cagayanen and Molbog Indigenous peoples have been inhabiting for generations. He warned that tensions may rise further if authorities do not act swiftly.

The conflict is believed to be linked to a controversial eco-luxury tourism development reportedly covering over 5,000 hectares in Bugsuk, including Mariahangin. While plans for the project surfaced several years ago, they have been met with strong resistance from indigenous groups and local advocates, citing environmental damage and cultural displacement.

In June 2024, masked men allegedly fired shots near a group of residents who were opposing the development of a resort in the area.

As the situation remains volatile, Mesiona reiterated his appeal for peace and protection of the rights of indigenous communities.

"The government must listen to the voices of those who have long called this land their home," he said.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the latest incident.