Philippines continues to intimidate, harass, silence environmental defenders, says watchdog

September 19, 2024 , 07:38 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(September 19, 2024) – The Philippines remains the most dangerous country in Asia for environmental activists, according to an international watchdog.

In a report released on September 9, Global Witness found that 298 of the 468 environmental defenders killed across Asia from 2012 to 2023 were from the Philippines, accounting for 64% of the death toll.

Last year alone, 17 were murdered in the Philippines while defending their communities from corporate and environmental harm.

“Murdered defenders were, in different ways, trying to protect the planet and to uphold their fundamental human rights. Every killing leaves the world more vulnerable to the climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises,” read the report.

Globally, the Philippines ranked third in the number of environmental activists killed from 2012 to 2023, following only Colombia and Brazil.

Global Witness likewise raised the alarming number of abductions and legal harassment in Southeast Asia aimed at silencing dissent.

“(It) has emerged as a critical issue, reflecting broader systemic efforts by power holders to suppress dissent and maintain control over land and resources,” read the report.

It cited the case of environmental defenders Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro, who were abducted in September 2023 while working with fisherfolk communities affected by land reclamation projects in Manila Bay.

After 17 days, Tamano and Castro appeared at a media conference organized by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in Bulacan. In Global Witness’ report, the two maintained that it was a “setup” to force them to deny being abducted by soldiers.

The NTF-ELCAC is notorious for red-tagging.

Global Witness added that “multiple activists have been abducted” under the term of Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr.

Rowena Dasig remains missing despite being released from detention last August. She was arrested in July 2023 on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Her case was later dismissed.

“Across Asia, governments are increasingly using such tactics to silence and intimidate people who speak out against corporate harm,” added the report, noting that environmental activists are often targeted by powerful industries such as mining, agribusiness, and infrastructure development.

(PM)

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