A Catholic bishop has called for prayer and dialogue after the Supreme Court struck down a 25-year ban on large-scale mining in Occidental Mindoro province, warning the decision could threaten similar environmental protections.

Bishop Moises Cuevas of Calapan said in a pastoral letter that the high court’s January ruling could set a precedent affecting a parallel ordinance in neighboring Oriental Mindoro province.

The Supreme Court declared the Occidental Mindoro ordinance void, saying it violated the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

“This decision could plausibly be a precedent-setting move for the subsisting parallel local ordinance in Oriental Mindoro,” Cuevas said in the pastoral letter.

The bishop referenced Pope Francis’ 2015 environmental encyclical, saying the ruling “could also probably have destructive impacts for our shared mission … on care for our common home.”

Cuevas announced a “Dialogue Forum on the Mindoro Mining Moratorium” for July 10, 2025 at Bishop Cajandig’s Conference Hall in Calapan City from 1pm to 5 pm.

He declared it a day of prayer, calling on clergy and religious communities to hold prayer services.

The bishop praised local officials who opposed mining operations but warned that political divisions could weaken unified resistance.

“Party-line affiliations and individual dispositions are at odds that weaken our desired end,” Cuevas said.

Occidental Mindoro has been central to environmental debates, with officials and activists opposing large-scale mining they say threatens the province’s biodiversity and marine ecosystems.

In Oriental Mindoro, a sand dredging operation in Gloria town has been met with resistance despite having the approval of Gov. Bonz Dolor.

Rep. Arnan Panaligan and Rep. Alfonso Umali Jr. of Oriental Mindoro, and Rep. Leody Tarriela of Occidental Mindoro have vowed to fight mining. The three congressmen are expected to re-file a mining-ban House bill at the 20th Congress.

Mindoro Island contains several protected areas and serves as habitat for marine species, making it a focus of conservation efforts.

“Sitting on the fence is not an option,” Cuevas said, urging stakeholders to find common ground against mining operations.