A Catholic bishop is sounding the alarm on the increasing threats faced by indigenous communities, urging stronger efforts to protect those who are marginalized and vulnerable to what he calls “development aggression.”

Bontoc-Lagawe Bishop Valentin Dimoc, the chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples (ECIP), underscored the need to safeguard indigenous groups, especially those unable to resist external pressures.

“Let us reach out to our indigenous peoples and see how we can help them,” Dimoc said during a Mass at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) chapel in Intramuros on Thursday, Feb. 13.

The prelate emphasized the importance of finding “suitable partners” to advocate for the rights and well-being of indigenous communities.

Many of these groups, he noted, depend on external allies to influence decision-makers and ensure their protection.

“That’s why we need suitable partners for them. They rely on suitable partners to help them,” Dimoc said.

The bishop also stressed that meaningful support for indigenous peoples must be rooted in their lived experiences.

“From there, we will discover how best to support them across various levels of society,” he said.

“We must journey with them, accompany them, and listen to their stories. To truly help, we must understand their experiences and respond to their needs.”

Tribute to an advocate

The Mass was held in memory of Fr. Pedro “Pete” Montallana, a Franciscan missionary and longtime advocate for indigenous rights and environmental protection, who died on Jan. 27 at the age of 75.

In the early 2000s, Montallana founded the Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance, a movement dedicated to protecting the mountain range that is home to the Dumagat-Remontado indigenous communities.

He led the organization until 2020, when he suffered a stroke while testifying at a Senate hearing as the lead convenor opposing the controversial, China-funded Kaliwa Dam project.

Montallana also served as the longtime director of the Indigenous Peoples Apostolate of the Prelature of Infanta, where he was formally incardinated in 2022.

Dimoc described the late priest as a tireless defender of indigenous communities and other marginalized groups.

“In a concrete way, the example of Father Pete is a source of inspiration,” Dimoc said.

“So let us take courage, be inspired by the life of Father Pete… and look after others, especially indigenous peoples.”