I was in Don Bosco Church when a quiet but powerful voice broke through the calm of the Mass. Before the priest’s final blessing, a representative from the indigenous Molbog tribe of Palawan stood before the congregation — humble yet firm — to share their story.
Their message wasn’t loud or angry. It was human.
The Molbog and Palaw’an communities of Bugsuk and Mariahangin Islands are caught in a land dispute involving San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through its subsidiary Bricktree Properties Inc.. Behind the corporate paperwork and legal jargon what’s happening on the ground is simple and painful — displacement, harassment, and the slow erasure of a people’s ancestral connection to their land.
Here’s a breakdown of the issues:
For decades the Molbog and Palaw’an have lived on Mariahangin and Bugsuk, fishing, farming seaweed (“agar-agar”), harvesting their island livelihood quietly.
SMC says it holds some 7,000 hectares on Bugsuk — the titles trace back to 1974 under the Marcos regime.
In 2005 the community applied for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) over 10,821 hectares in Bugsuk/Mariahangin — but approval is still pending.
In 2023 the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) suddenly cancelled a “Notice of Coverage” (NOC) under CARP (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program) which would have recognized the land as agricultural and eligible for redistribution. The DAR’s reason: “not suitable for agriculture.” Locals say seaweed farming, crops, fishing prove otherwise.
Since June 2024, armed private security reportedly deployed to Mariahangin (over 80 guards at one point) allegedly to clear the island for a luxe project by Bricktree. A shooting incident occurred June 29, 2024.
SMC / Bricktree say their development is on Bugsuk, not Mariahangin, and they deny ownership/interest in Mariahangin.
Meanwhile, residents say they were offered relocation money (initially ~₱75,000 per family, later as much as ₱400,000) to leave their homes — but without proper livelihood support or guarantee.
Harassment claims: boats blocked, fishing fins seized, community members arrested on questionable charges (cyber libel, “grave coercion”), homes threatened for demolition. This affects not just property, but culture, identity and survival.
Palawan, often called the last frontier, now faces a test of conscience. How do we balance progress with protection? Development with dignity?
This isn’t about choosing sides; it’s about choosing fairness. The Molbogs are not asking for pity; they’re asking to be heard, respected, and allowed to live in peace on land that their ancestors called home long before any corporate title existed.
Why This Matters to Every Filipino
Because land is not just property — it’s heritage. Because progress that silences the powerless is no progress at all. Because in every island, barrio and tribe that’s ignored, a piece of the Filipino soul is lost.
We need national dialogue — one that doesn’t pit business against people, but finds a win-win solution rooted in justice and humanity.
When the Mass ended, the representative bowed his head, grateful for the chance to speak. I couldn’t help but think — maybe this is how true prayers begin: when faith meets action.
What’s your stand — should development have limits when it costs people their home?
Roy Bato is the Founding President of the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) CALABARZON Chapter and has been a dedicated broadcast journalist for 29 years. Roy Bato is also the CEO of IBS Media Group. Through powerful storytelling and fearless journalism, he champions truth, transparency, and the voice of every Filipino.
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