MANILA, Philippines — Attacks against land and environment defenders in the Philippines have increased, an environmental group said as it called on candidates to take a stand on the defense of environmentalists and advocates.
Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment documented seven incidents — which involved physical assault, extrajudicial killing, frustrated murder, and illegal arrest and detention — since the start of the campaign season in February against two in January.
“There is a 483% spike in the number of environmental defenders under attack and a 350% increase in incidents after the formal electoral campaign season started,” said Leon Dulce, national coordinator of Kalikasan PNE.
“We hope that the current electoral hopefuls will live up to their promises of climate and environmental concern by standing with our beleaguered defenders. We should call out the worsening violence they face and demand accountability from the outgoing public authorities,” he said.
These are the incidents.
- Dr. Naty Cuba, a Caraga-based community doctor and human rights advocate, was taken into custody on February 18 for kidnapping charges and serious illegal detention. According to Kalikasan PNE Castro is well-known for her opposition to the displacement Lumad communities, which paved the way for foreign mining companies.
- Chad Booc (Lumad volunteer teacher) and Gelejurain Nagujo III (three others) were killed in New Bataan on February 24, Davao de Oro. According to the military, they were killed in an encounter. However, Save Our Schools Network said there was no encounter in the area between government troops and communist rebels. SOS condemned the incident as a “bloody massacre” of civilians.
- Seven forest rangers from the Masungi Georeserve Foundation were attacked by men who claimed they were working for resorts in the Upper Marikina River Basin protected landscape on February 18.
- Kalikasan PNE stated that the protest camp of agrarian Reform beneficiaries on a 200-hectare land at Concepcion, Tarlac was set ablaze on February 23.
- On February 27, Mayor Filipina Grace America of Infanta in Quezon province was seriously injured by a gun attack. America is a staunch opponent to Kaliwa Dam Project, which is projected will submerge indigenous peoples in Rizal & Quezon provinces.
- Police arrest Agnes MesinaOn February 28, Bulatlat, an alternative news outlet, reported that a church worker and activist, whose long involvement in anti-mining campaigns has been in Cagayan Valley.
Castro has been accused by the government of being a spokesman for the Communist Party of the Philippines. Booc and Ngujo were also tagged as rebels of the New People’s Army.
Global Witness, an international watchdog has consistently identified the Philippines to be the worst place for environmental defenders. Last year, it recorded 29 killings in the country, over half of which were directly linked to people’s opposition to mining, logging and dam projects.
Agenda for climate and environment
In response to Booc’s killing, campaigner Greenpeace Philippines called for an end to the culture of violence and impunity that targets those who work to defend communities and the environment.
“Violence is the last thing our country needs in the face of a worsening climate crisis,” Greenpeace Philippines country director Lea Guerrero said.
“Protecting our marginalized sectors, such as the indigenous communities, and the environment entails defending their defenders and listening to their calls for action,” she added.
Ann Dumaliang (Masungi Georeserve Foundation trustee) previously called for candidates to present strong climate- and environment agendas in the May polls.
“2030” is a year that is relevant to the climate crisis targets and the restoration movement. It is the next administration’s term that will determine if we make it or break it,” she said.
