Stand with Filipino Environmental Defenders against the Terror Law!
Defending people and our planet is not terrorism!
Demand the Duterte administration through the Philippine Congress to repeal the Anti-Terrorism Law by signing up.
Stand with Filipino Environmental Defenders against the Terror Law!
The global environmental and climate justice movement stands together with Filipino environmental defenders and climate protectors in rejecting the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 recently signed by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
The ‘Terror Law’ is a draconian measure that would worsen the already atrocious human rights situation in the Philippines, previously tagged as the world's deadliest country for land and environmental defenders in 2019.[i]
With the wide latitude of discretion given to law enforcement agents and very limited accountability mechanisms for their abuses, the Antiterrorism law’s provisions allowing detention up to 24 days without charges, warrantless arrests, and the suppression of freedom of expression and right to privacy [ii] threatens the work of Filipino indigenous people, small farmers, artisanal fishers, forest workers, and environmental activists operating in one of the global frontlines of the ecological and climate crisis.
In the first three years of the Duterte Administration, environmental defenders and advocates have been attacked in all fronts as they protect at least 6.2 million hectares of watershed forests, agricultural lands, coasts, and seas.[iii] Their work play an important role in protecting these landscapes and seascapes situated in one of the 18 mega-biodiverse countries[iv] that is also the 5th most mineralized[v] and yet the 2nd most climate-vulnerable nation in the world.[vi]
Environmental defenders and advocates also stand up against transnational mining companies, big logging and agribusiness, and infrastructures that are considered by government as ‘vital installations’ and ‘critical investments. As such, at least 19,498 of the defenders have been erroneously terror-tagged and subjected to various other human rights abuses.[vii]
Despite the dangers they face everyday, environmental defenders are steadfastly the first and last line of defence for our planet. In this era of runaway climate crisis and pandemics emerging from nature under siege, we have to resist laws that undermine our ability to protect our rights to a balanced and healthful ecology, and most especially, the right to life of everyone.
We thus demand the Duterte administration, through the Philippine Congress, to repeal the Anti-Terrorism Law.
________________
[i] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jul/30/philippines-deadliest-country-defenders-environment-global-witness
[ii] https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/6/6/anti-terrorism-bill-review.html
[iii] https://app.box.com/s/ertqfy2miuhdatq07e5wqzvnhvz7zrtf
[iv] https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/?country=ph
[v] https://www.rappler.com/business/special-report/whymining/whymining-latest-stories/11983-fast-facts-mining-philippines
[vi] https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/06/19/ph-2nd-most-affected-by-disasters-extreme-weather-worldwide-climate-index
[vii] https://www.rappler.com/nation/250880-crackdown-environmental-defenders-yearly-ecological-damage
Signatories
Naomi Klein
Journalist and Social Activist
Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair in Media, Culture and Feminist Studies
Rutgers University
Greta Thunberg
Climate Activist
Fridays for Future
Nnimmo Bassey
Executive Director
Health of Mother Earth Fondation
2010 Right Livelihood Award Laureate
Bill McKibben
Author, Environmentalist
2014 Right Livelihood Award Laureate
Co-founder 350.org
Lia Alonzo
Coordinator
Asia Pacific Network for Environmental Defenders
Executive Director
Center for Environmental Concerns – Philippines
Kevin Bracken
Convener
International League of Peoples Struggle Commission on Environmental and Climate Justice
President
Spirit of Eureka
Rachel Cox
Campaigner
Global Witness
Avi Lewis
Strategic Director
The Leap
Karin Nansen
Chairperson
Friends of the Earth International
Hannibal Rhoades
Communications and Advocacy Coordinator
The Gaia Foundation
Beverly Longid
Global Coordinator
International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation
Danielle Hirsch
Executive Director
Both ENDS
Natalie Lowrey
Campaign Coordinator
AID/WATCH
Daniel Aldana Cohen
Director, Socio-Spatial Climate Collaborative
University of Pennsylvania
Guadalupe Rodriguez
Campaigner
Salva la Selva
Jenny Ricks
Global Convenor
Fight Inequality Alliance
Clemente Bautista Jr.
International Networks Coordinator
Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE)
Regional Coordinator for Southeast Asia
Yes to Life, No to Mining
Norly Mercado
Asia Regional Director
350.org
Lidy Nacpil
Convener
Asian Peoples Movement on Debt and Development
Naderev Saño
Executive Director
Greenpeace Southeast Asia
Mitsuta Kanna
Executive Director
Friends of the Earth Japan
Louis Mitchell
National Organiser
School Strike 4 Climate
Mitzi Jonelle Tan
Convener
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Criselda Charisse Reganion
Founder and Executive Director
Wavefarers
Janelle Audrey Cea Uy
Vice President
University of the Philippines College of Medicine 2023
Hannah Mae Sucgang
Chairperson
University of the Philippines College of Science Student Council
Jefferson Estela
Lead Convenor
Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines
Tara Santos
National Coordinator
Extinction Rebellion Philippines
Luke Borromeo
National Chairperson
Agham Youth
Jeri Latorre
Vice President For Environment and Community Development
University of the Philippines Zoological Society
Nat Galibut
Education and Research Officer
Saribuhay University of the Philippines Diliman
Kevin Lloyd Aboy
Acting Chairperson
Saribuhay University of the Philippines Manila
Jerwin “Jhewoung” Capatoy
Youth Organizer/ spokesperson
Young Bataeños Environmental Advocacy Network
Krishna Ariola
Lead Convener
Youth for Climate Hope
Rara Ada
Mindanao Point Person
Youth for Climate Justice – Davao
Jhayee Ilao
Secretary General
Millennials PH
Ian Rivera
National Coordinator
Philippine Movement for Climate Justice
Jaybee Garganera
National Coordinator
Alyansa Tigil Mina
Fr. Angelo Cortez, OFM
National Coordinator of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines
National Coordinator
Ecological Justice Interfaith Movement
Fellowship for the Care of Creation Association Incorporated
Von Hernandez
Global Coordinator
Break Free From Plastic
2003 Goldman Prize Awardee
Ramon San Pascual
Executive Director
Health Care Without Harm – Southeast Asia
Atty. Gloria Ramos
Environmental Lawyer
Atty. Mai Taqueban
Executive Director
Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center / Friends of the Earth Philippines
Emily Johnston
Communications Director
350.org Seattle
Atty. Rose-Liza Eisma-Osorio
Executive Director
Philippine Earth Justice Center
Atty. Zelda Soriano
Legal Director
Community Legal Help and Public Interest Centre
Lea Guerrero
Country Director
Greenpeace Philippines
Chuck Baclagon
Coordinator
350.org Pilipinas
Francis Dela Cruz
Convener
Aksyon Klima
John Din
National Coordinator
Global Catholic Climate Movement Pilipinas
Fr. Warren Puno
Parochial Vicar
National Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows – Dolores, Quezon
Director, Ministry of Ecology – Diocese of Lucena
Msgr. Noel Villareal
Parish priest
Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Atimonan, Quezon
Rodne Galicha
Executive Director
Living Laudato Si’ Philippines
Yolanda Esguerra
National Coordinator
Philippine Misereor Partnership Incorporated
Nestor Ravilas
President
Penuel School of Theology
Aileen Lucero
National Coordinator
EcoWaste Coalition
Geri Carretero
Communications Officer
Break Free From Plastic Philippines
Chito Arceo
Representative
Aguman da ring Pantas ampon Talasuyu ning ACSci king Scientia ampon Naturalesa (APTAS)
Leon Dulce
National Coordinator
Kalikasan PNE
Co-Convener
Environmental Defenders Congress
Jove Benosa
National Coordinator
Barefoot Science Collective, Inc.
Beau Baconguis
Environmental Activist and permaculturist
Philippine Greens
Veronica Cabe
Coordinator
Nuclear-Free Bataan Movement
Anya Mendoza
Executive Director
Climate Change Network for Community-based Initiatives
Jen Horn
Founder and President
MUNI Cultural Creatives Inc.
Ramon Grimaldo
President
Tanggol Kalikasan
Emily Fajardo
Convenor
Coal-Free Bataan Movement
Ferwin John D. Panganiban
Vice President
Samahang Ekolohiya ng UPLB
Jeoffrey Mhar Larua
Secretary-General
Tongtongan ti Umili-Cordillera Peoples Alliance
Keidy Transfiguracion
Overall Coordinator
Cordilleran Youth Center
Jerwin Baure
Chairperson
AGHAM Diliman
Kenj Almero
Chairperson
Bahaghari UP Baguio
Sr. Susan Esmile, SFIC
JPIC Coordinator
Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception
Aglaia Hajkova
Managing Director
Demos e.V.
Jan Petersen
CEO
Palawan Natural History Museum
Nirere Sadrach
Coordinator and Founding member
Fridays For Future – Uganda
Isata Roseline Mansaray
Founder and Organizer
Fridays For Future – Sierra Leone
Joe Lampasa
Executive Committee Member
Ugnayang Pilipino sa Belgium
Sheryl Anne Montano
Coordinator
Centre d’appui aux Philippines/Centre for Philippine Concerns
Umo Isua-Ikoh
Coordinator
Peace Point Development Foundation, Nigeria
Paolo Cruzalegui
Staff
Young Delegates Coalition
Robbi Miguel Falcon
President
UP Association of Biology Majors
Carmela Marie Santos
Director
Ecoteneo of the Ateneo de Davao University
Timothy John Laranang
Vice Chairperson
Make Manila Plastic-Free Movement
Tatiane Cordeiro de Souza
Consultant
CS Consulting Consultoria em Gestão Empresarial
Marianne Klute
Director
Rettet den Regenwald e.V
Joseph Gavine Jr.
Chairperson
Panday Sining Katipunan
Bianca Marie D.C. San Luis
President
UP One Earth
Nikka Macasa
Environmental Executive
UP Geology Majors’ Society
Janelle Audrey Cea Uy
Vice President
University of the Philippines College of Medicine 2023
Maanvinder Pilania
Founder and Managing Director
Save Me From My Foe India
Nathaniel Cruel
Vice Chairperson
Agham Youth UP Diliman Engineering
Badal Prasad
Founder
Save North East Campaign
Dahnna Desoy
Member
UP Geology Majors’ Society
Gabriel P. Torrecampo
Vice Chairperson
UP Manila CAS Student Council
Erik Christiansson
Activist
Fridays For Future Nederland
Muhammad Ardin Ardiansyah
Student
Islamic Student Organization
Marvin Aelen
Organizer
Climatestrike Switzerland
Jasper klein Gonzales
Coordinator / Interim Chairperson
Tulungan Lingap Batangan – Youth Movement
Kjerrimyr R. Andrés
National Office
Student Christian Movement of the Philippines
Kenneth Rementilla
President
UP Film Circle
Lorenzo Dungo
President
RTU Bio-Physical Science Club
Angelo Macasaet
President
Green Society
Alyssa Belda
President
Greenergy De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde
Vhon Michael Tobes
Executive Director
Zero Hour Philippines
Ping Fampulme
National Convenor
AKKMA National Coalition
Ayu Kusuma Pertiwi
Campaign Manager
Walhi Kalimantan Tengah
Meiki W Paendong
Executive Director
WALHI Jawa Barat
Ela Riñon
President
UP Ibalon
Vincent Kolominsky
Manager
Projektor Freiburg
Maria Casandra T. Telles
Officer-in-Charge
Kabataan Partylist Rizal
Dhanty Amalia
Treasurer
IAAS LC Undip
Lisa Urbany
Member
Youth for Climate Luxembourg
Fernando Cincotta
Activist member
Fridays for Future Weil der Stadt
Fel John Cordero
Director
Libot Kalibutan-onan
Frances Fox
Campaign Coordinator
UK Student Climate Network
Amrit Bhattacharjee
Controller
JUSTICE
Ivan Sarangsang
President
Youth for Climate Justice Davao
Sandra Neusa marchesini ferreira
Master in Environment
Associação Movimento Mecenas da Vida
Swetha Saseedhar
Partnerships Lead
SustainUS
Arfiana Maulina Fatimah
Leader
Thirst Project Indonesia
Keanna Laude
Chairperson
Gabriela Youth Batangas
Teresita Acosta
Executive director
FRENDS, Inc.
Kristine Matibag
Chairperson
Agham Youth UP Manila
Dewy Sacayan
Private Sector Engagement Lead
Generation Zero
Mange Ram Adhana
President
Association For Promotion Sustainable Development
Jane Lingbawan
Coordinator
Asia Indigenous People’s Network on Extractive Industries and Energy
Tirtha Prasad Saikia
Joint Director
North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS)
Arvi Pascual
Member
League of Filipino Students – UPLB
myLai Santos
Ecoteneo Director
Ecoteneo of Ateneo de Davao University
Jacqueline Cariño
Executive Director
Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples Rights (TFIP)
Guangpuanang Kahmei
Convener of Delhi Sector
Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Delhi Sector, India
Jarmaine Joyce B. Cabatuando
Vice President for External Affairs
UP DOST Scholars’ Association
Stephanie Joy Otivo
Member
Libot Kalibutan-onan
Rose Bridger
Co-ordinator
Global Anti-Aerotropolis Movement
Hassan Alsulaiti
Organization leader
Fridays For Future Qatar
Phoebe Dimacali
Chairperson
Filipino Domestic Workers Association
Agenonga Robert
Security Researcher
Ngetha Media Association for Peace
Olga Djanaeva
Director
PA Women’s Association Alga
Pat Simons
International Liaison
Friends of the Earth Australia
Jericho A. Trio
Chairperson
Student Christian Movement of the Philippines-UPV
Julius Cainglet
Vice President for Research, Advocacy and Partnerships
Federation of Free Workers
Simond Lars Darwin G. Lenon
Integration & Outreach Officer
Agham Youth UP Diliman
Jessie Varquez, Jr.
Executive Director
Ugnayang Pang-Aghamtao (UGAT/ Anthropological Association of the Philippines)
Benin E. Richard
Executive Director
Community Developement Advocacy Foundation (CODAF)
Joshua L. Bongyao
President
Climate Protection Movement
Diego Pascua
Member
Anakbayan Metro Baguio High School
Elma Arg
Organiser
Fridays For Future Lebanon
Lief Jezreel A. Reyes
Founding Member
Tayo Kabataan
Jasper Klein Gonzales
Coordinator / Interim Chairperson
Tulungan Lingap Batangan -Youth Movement
Trace Lane
Founder and Director
Surf Sisters for Science
Guillermo Alorro
Director
DSAC Calbayog
Vionne Garcia
Chairperson
Agham Youth-Pisay MC
Bianca Castro
Organiser
Greve Climática Estudantil – FFF Portugal
Cristina D. Munoz
Executive Director
Community Empowerment Resource Network, Inc.
Ricardo B. Peteros
Coordinator
Save Ormoc Bay Aggrupation, Inc.
Agnes Imgart
Member
Parents For Future Oldenburg
Marc Lester Calderon Pomeda
Founder and Managing Director
Lambak Youth- Youth for Region 2
Sohanur Rahman
Coordinator
YouthNet for Climate Justice
Agnes Imgart
Member
Parents For Future Global
About
The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 undermines constitutionally protected rights to political expression and dissent by equating activism with terrorist activities that are defined under the law.
It has provisions that states, individuals can be arrested without warrant, detained for up to 24 days without charges, wiretapped and put under surveillance. Because the law deleted the current requirement to bring arrested individuals to a judge to check if they were tortured, and access of people to see them is limited, outside help is going to be difficult.
The law will be implemented by the Anti-Terrorism Council, consisting of members appointed by the executive to function as the sole arbiter in determining whether a protest or any other act of political expression is considered as terrorism, without need to hear explanation or defense.
The law removes the check and balance between the court and the government. It violates our right to due process and freedom of expression. It discourages vigilance against government neglect and abuse.
Environmental advocates, activists, community organizers and development workers should be able to do their work without fear of harm or persecution.
Learn more
- Junk Terror Law!: Online repository of campaign information about the Anti-Terror Law
- Republic Act No. 11479: Anti-Terrorism Law of 2020
- Defending the Philippines: Environmental activists at the mercy of business at all costs
Stand with Filipino Environmental Defenders against the Terror Law!
The global environmental and climate justice movement stands together with Filipino environmental defenders and climate protectors in rejecting the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 recently signed by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
The ‘Terror Law’ is a draconian measure that would worsen the already atrocious human rights situation in the Philippines, previously tagged as the world’s deadliest country for land and environmental defenders in 2019.[i]
With the wide latitude of discretion given to law enforcement agents and very limited accountability mechanisms for their abuses, the Antiterrorism law’s provisions allowing detention up to 24 days without charges, warrantless arrests, and the suppression of freedom of expression and right to privacy [ii] threatens the work of Filipino indigenous people, small farmers, artisanal fishers, forest workers, and environmental activists operating in one of the global frontlines of the ecological and climate crisis.
In the first three years of the Duterte Administration, environmental defenders and advocates have been attacked in all fronts as they protect at least 6.2 million hectares of watershed forests, agricultural lands, coasts, and seas.[iii] Their work play an important role in protecting these landscapes and seascapes situated in one of the 18 mega-biodiverse countries[iv] that is also the 5th most mineralized[v] and yet the 2nd most climate-vulnerable nation in the world.[vi]
Environmental defenders and advocates also stand up against transnational mining companies, big logging and agribusiness, and infrastructures that are considered by government as ‘vital installations’ and ‘critical investments. As such, at least 19,498 of the defenders have been erroneously terror-tagged and subjected to various other human rights abuses.[vii]
Despite the dangers they face everyday, environmental defenders are steadfastly the first and last line of defence for our planet. In this era of runaway climate crisis and pandemics emerging from nature under siege, we have to resist laws that undermine our ability to protect our rights to a balanced and healthful ecology, and most especially, the right to life of everyone.
We thus demand the Duterte administration, through the Philippine Congress, to repeal the Anti-Terrorism Law.
________________
[i] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jul/30/philippines-deadliest-country-defenders-environment-global-witness
[ii] https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/6/6/anti-terrorism-bill-review.html
[iii] https://app.box.com/s/ertqfy2miuhdatq07e5wqzvnhvz7zrtf
[iv] https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/?country=ph
[v] https://www.rappler.com/business/special-report/whymining/whymining-latest-stories/11983-fast-facts-mining-philippines
[vi] https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/06/19/ph-2nd-most-affected-by-disasters-extreme-weather-worldwide-climate-index
[vii] https://www.rappler.com/nation/250880-crackdown-environmental-defenders-yearly-ecological-damage
Endorsing organizations
Fridays for Future | Health of Mother Earth Foundation | Asia Pacific Network for Environmental Defenders | Center for Environmental Concerns – Philippines | International League of Peoples Struggle Commission on Environmental and Climate Justice | Spirit of Eureka | Global Witness | The Leap | Friends of the Earth International | The Gaia Foundation | International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation | Both ENDS | AID/WATCH | Salva la Selva | Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment | Yes to Life, No to Mining | 350.org | Break Free From Plastics | Asian Peoples Movement on Debt and Development | Greenpeace Southeast Asia | Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines | Wavefarers | University of the Philippines College of Science Student Council | Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines | Extinction Rebellion Philippines | Agham Youth | University of the Philippines Zoological Society | Saribuhay University of the Philippines Diliman | Saribuhay University of the Philippines Manila | Young Bataeños Environmental Advocacy Network | Millennials PH | Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines | Ecological Justice Interfaith Movement | Fellowship for the Care of Creation Association Incorporated | Health Care Without Harm – Southeast Asia | Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center / Friends of the Earth Philippines | 350.org Seattle | Philippine Earth Justice Center | Community Legal Help and Public Interest Centre | Greenpeace Philippines | 350.org Pilipinas | Aksyon Klima | Global Catholic Climate Movement Pilipinas | National Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows – Dolores, Quezon | Ministry of Ecology – Diocese of Lucena | Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Atimonan, Quezon | Living Laudato Si’ Philippines | Philippine Misereor Partnership Incorporated | Penuel School of Theology | EcoWaste Coalition | Break Free From Plastic Philippines | Aguman da ring Pantas ampon Talasuyu ning ACSci king Scientia ampon Naturalesa (APTAS) | Environmental Defenders Congress | Barefoot Science Collective, Inc. | Philippine Greens | Climate Change Network for Community-based Initiatives | MUNI Cultural Creatives Inc. | Samahang Ekolohiya ng UPLB | Tongtongan ti Umili-Cordillera Peoples Alliance | Cordilleran Youth Center | AGHAM Diliman | Bahaghari UP Baguio | Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception | Demos e.V. | Palawan Natural History Museum | Fridays For Future – Uganda | Fridays For Future – Sierra Leone | Ugnayang Pilipino sa Belgium | Centre d’appui aux Philippines/Centre for Philippine Concerns | Peace Point Development Foundation, Nigeria | Young Delegates Coalition | UP Association of Biology Majors | Ecoteneo of the Ateneo de Davao University | Make Manila Plastic-Free Movement | CS Consulting Consultoria em Gestão Empresarial | Rettet den Regenwald e.V |Panday Sining Katipunan | UP One Earth | UP Geology Majors’ Society | Save Me From My Foe India | Agham Youth UP Diliman Engineering | School Strike 4 Climate | Save North East Campaign | Tanggol Kalikasan | Coal-Free Bataan Movement | Nuclear-Free Bataan Movement | Youth for Climate Hope | Youth for Climate Justice – Davao | Friends of the Earth Japan | UP Manila CAS Student Council | Fridays For Future Nederland | Islamic Student Organization | Climatestrike Switzerland | Tulungan Lingap Batangan – Youth Movement | Student Christian Movement of the Philippines | UP Film Circle | RTU Bio-Physical Science Club | Green Society | Greenergy De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde | Zero Hour Philippines | AKKMA National Coalition | Walhi Kalimantan Tengah | WALHI Jawa Barat | UP Ibalon | Projektor Freiburg | Kabataan Partylist Rizal | IAAS LC Undip | Youth for Climate Luxembourg | Philippine Movement For Climate Justice | University of the Philippines College of Medicine 2023 | Fridays for Future Weil der Stadt | Libot Kalibutan-onan | UK Student Climate Network | JUSTICE | Associação Movimento Mecenas da Vida | SustainUS | Thirst Project Indonesia | Fight Inequality Alliance | Gabriela Youth Batangas | FRENDS, Inc. | Generation Zero | Association For Promotion Sustainable Development | Asia Indigenous People’s Network on Extractive Industries and Energy | North-East Affected Area Development Society | League of Filipino Students | Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples Rights | Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights | UP DOST Scholars’ Association | Global Anti-Aerotropolis Movement | Fridays For Future Qatar | Alyansa Tigil Mina | Extinction Rebellion Bury St Edmunds | Parents For Future Global | YouthNet for Climate Justice | Lambak Youth- Youth for Region 2 | Parents For Future Oldenburg | Save Ormoc Bay Aggrupation, Inc. | Community Empowerment Resource Network, Inc. | Greve Climática Estudantil – FFF Portugal | DSAC Calbayog | Surf Sisters for Science | Tulungan Lingap Batangan -Youth Movement | Tayo Kabataan | Fridays For Future Lebanon | Anakbayan | Climate Protection Movement | Community Developement Advocacy Foundation | Ugnayang Pang-Aghamtao | Agham Youth UP Diliman | Friends of the Earth Australia | PA Women’s Association Alga | Ngetha Media Association for Peace -NMAP | Filipino Domestic Workers Association | JASS (Just Associates)