MANILA (LiCAS News): The Philippines is the deadliest country for environmental defenders in Asia, according to the latest Global Witness report. The report recorded 196 environmental defenders murdered worldwide in 2023, with 17 of these occuring in the Philippines.
However, data from Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment indicates even graver numbers with 21 defenders killed and 11 abductions of 19 defenders reported.
“Repression and militarisation have worsened, leading to increased harassment, red-tagging, and murders of defenders,” said Jonila Castro, advocacy officer at the organisation, who criticised the administration of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for not reducing the violence.
Environmental defenders are reportedly facing multiple threats including abductions, fabricated charges, and other forms of harassment, linked to large-scale development projects such as mining, dams, and reclamation under the current administration.
Eco Dangla, spokesperson for the Environmental Defenders Congress [EDC], highlighted the critical role of defenders in protecting ecosystems from projects presented as development.
Repression and militarisation have worsened, leading to increased harassment, red-tagging, and murders of defenders
Jonila Castro
“Rather than recognition and protection, we face systematic attacks and silencing,” Dangla noted.
The report also mentions an increase in the criminalisation of environmental activism, with 14 defenders in the Philippines facing false charges.
“The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 is being used to silence us, showing a troubling trend of judicial harassment,” Castro added.
Further, the report details militarization tactics like aerial bombings and forced evacuations against communities opposing extractive industries, intended to displace them from resource-rich lands.
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Both EDC and Kalikasan PNE are calling for action. They seek justice and accountability for the violence against defenders and urge the repeal of the Anti-Terrorism Act, which they claim criminalises legitimate activism.
They also called for a moratorium on destructive projects and the passage of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill to strengthen protections for activists.
“We will not be deterred by these attacks,” Castro said, adding, “We call on the public to support environmental defenders as we continue to resist harmful projects and advocate for our rights to a safe and sustainable environment.”
