PH is most unsafe country for environmentalists in Asia – report
The two missing women, Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro, who were involved in environmental campaigns before they went missing last September 2, 2023. PHOTO FROM KARAPATAN
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is the most dangerous place for environmentalists in Asia, according to a Global Witness report released Wednesday.
The environmental group also ranked the Philippines as the fifth most unsafe country for environmentalists in the world.
“The majority of recorded killings in 2022 took place in Latin America, home to 88% of lethal attacks. Other deadly countries last year within the region include Brazil, with 34 killings, Mexico with 31, and Honduras with 14. A total of 11 defenders were killed in the Philippines,” Global Witness said on their website.
This report came out after human rights watchdog Karapatan raised the alarm on the alleged abduction of two young women working in environmental campaigns around Manila Bay on September 2.
Karapatan-Central Luzon earlier sought online help to find Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro.
In 2022, Global Witness said a total of 177 environmentalists were killed worldwide.
Based on the non-government organization’s report, the countries with the highest number of environmentalists killed in 2022 are:
- Colombia: 60
- Brazil: 34
- Mexico: 31
- Honduras: 14
- Philippines: 11
- Venezuela: 4
- Peru: 3
- Paraguay: 3
- Nicaragua: 3
- Indonesia: 3
- India: 2
- Congo: 2
- Guatemala: 2
- Madagascar: 1
- South Africa: 1
- Ecuador: 1
- Malawi: 1
- Dominican Republic: 1
The report also mentioned the names of slain Filipino environmentalists: Lumad teacher Chad Booc, Gelejurain Ngujo II, Elgyn Balonga, Robert Aragon, Tirso Añar, Joseph Jimenez, Ericson Acosta, Silvestre Fortades Jr., Rose Marie Galias, Richard Mendoza, and Eugene Lastrella.
INQUIRER.net has reached out to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for a comment on this report but it has referred the writer to investigative bodies like the Philippine National Police.
Police authorities have also yet to comment on this matter as of this writing.
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