Environmental defenders working to protect the globally important corridors of nature and climate in the archipelagic nation of the Philippines have recently been among the targets of the deadly practice of ‘red-tagging.’
Red-tagging, defined by the Philippine Commission on Human Rights as, “an act of State actors, particularly law enforcement agencies, to publicly brand individuals, groups, or institutions as affiliated to communist or leftist terrorists,” has been known to lead to life-threatening human rights abuses against citizens challenging injustices and abuses perpetrated by the State.
The work of environmental defenders are crucial, now more than ever, as we have witnessed in the recent consecutive typhoon and flood disasters leading to Typhoon Ulysses (international name Vamco). Extreme rainfall met massive deforestation, land conversion, earth disturbance in watersheds across the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, causing more than US$ 862 million in damages affecting almost eight million Filipino people.
We, the undersigned environmental and climate activists from the Philippines and the international community, thus urge Filipino public authorities to undertake preventive interventions against the continued red-tagging and the possible escalation of reprisals against environmental defenders.
We urge legislators to declare red-tagging as a crime punishable by law for curtailing constitutionally-guaranteed free speech and other civil liberties.
Finally, we urge the Supreme Court to take action on the 37 pending legal actions filed by various groups and sectors to junk the authoritarian Anti-Terrorism Law.
Add your voice: #NoToRedTagging
Environmental defenders working to protect the globally important corridors of nature and climate in the archipelagic nation of the Philippines have recently been among the targets of the deadly practice of ‘red-tagging.’
Red-tagging, defined by the Philippine Commission on Human Rights as, “an act of State actors, particularly law enforcement agencies, to publicly brand individuals, groups, or institutions as affiliated to communist or leftist terrorists,” has been known to lead to life-threatening human rights abuses against citizens challenging injustices and abuses perpetrated by the State.
In April 2018, land rights lawyer Benjamin Ramos found his name along with other activist leaders on a ‘hit list’ poster put up by the Philippine National Police accusing them of being personalities of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army. Months later, he was shot dead by riding-in-tandem assassins.
The pattern of Attorney Ben’s murder reflects the dangers that thousands of Filipino environmental defenders constantly face. Documentation by the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) revealed that every victim of extrajudicial killing under President Rodrigo Duterte is just the bloody tip of some 124 defenders who suffer red-tagging and criminalization, threats and intimidation, illegal arrests, harassment lawsuits, and forced displacement.
Last December 1, 2020, Kalikasan PNE, a vocal watchdog on environmental defender killings, was itself red-tagged in a baseless presentation made by government intelligence officials during a Philippine Senate hearing.
Worse, the Anti-Terrorism Act recently railroaded by President Duterte allows government to designate or proscribe anyone as terrorists with reckless abandon. In turn, they are enabled to undertake warrantless arrests, ‘witch hunt’ inspections, and freeze orders of assets of anyone they labelled as ‘terrorist.’
The work of environmental defenders are crucial, now more than ever, as we have witnessed in the recent consecutive typhoon and flood disasters leading to Typhoon Ulysses (international name Vamco). Extreme rainfall met massive deforestation, land conversion, earth disturbance in watersheds across the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, causing more than US$ 862 million in damages affecting almost eight million Filipino people.
We, the undersigned environmental and climate activists from the Philippines and the international community, thus urge Filipino public authorities to undertake preventive interventions against the continued red-tagging and the possible escalation of reprisals against environmental defenders.
We urge legislators to declare red-tagging as a crime punishable by law for curtailing constitutionally-guaranteed free speech and other civil liberties.
Finally, we urge the Supreme Court to take action on the 37 pending legal actions filed by various groups and sectors to junk the authoritarian Anti-Terrorism Law.
On International Human Rights Day environmental advocates and climate justice activists took the streets to protest and at the same time celebrate the contributions of land, sea and forest defenders to the advancement of ecological justice.
Leon Dulce
National Coordinator
Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE)
Lia Mai Torres
Executive Director
Center for Environmental Concerns – Philippines
Xian Guevarra
National Coordinator
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Fread De Mesa
Representative
350.org Pilipinas
Kevin Bracken
International League of Peoples Struggle
Australia
Frances Quimpo
Center for Environmental Concerns
Philippines
Jeznin Angekyla Barroquillo
Anakbayan UP Diliman
Philippines
Katherine Delos Santos
Gabriela Youth Laguna
Philippines
Jane Frances Senosa
Panday Sining
Philippines
Deo Montesclaros
KADUAMI-North Luzon
Philippines
Joyce Sierra
Oceana
Philippines
Elvira Bolinget
Alliance of Concerned Teachers
Philippines
Petty S. Enriquez
Bukluran para sa Inang Kalikasan
Philippines
Corinne Bohos
Panday Sining
Philippines
Sofia Angela Federico
Center for Environmental Concerns
Philippines
Aye Mon Thu Aye
Dawei Probono Lawyer Network
Myanmar
Jay Tolentino
Center for Environmental Concerns
Philippines
Antonio Casitas
Ugnayan ng Mamamayan Laban sa Pagmimina at Kumbersyong Agraryo,
Philippines
Art Balmadrid
Farmers’ Assistance for Resource Management Education and Rehabilitation Incorporated
Philippines
Lobert Capispisan
Lakas ng Maliliit na Mangingisda sa Bicol
Philippines
Mitzi Jonelle Tan
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Catherine Coumans
MiningWatch Canada
Canada
Vito Hernandez
AGHAM-Advocates of Science and Technology for the People
Philippines
Judith Eisl
Fridays for Future Austria
Austria
Ariel Capistrano
350 Pilipinas
Leo Mendoza Jr
Extinction Rebellion Philippines
Philippines
Faith Cuenca
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Philippines
Joanna Marie Lising
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Philippines
Lamar Moises Jeremiah Lioanag
Philippine Collegian
Philippines
Julie Anne Estrella
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Philippines
Gabrielle Holazo
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Philippines
Alonzeyah Mae
Kalihokan Para Sa Kinaiyahan
Philippines
Coleen Biore
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Philippines
Elaine Estrera
Kalihokan Para Sa Kinaiyahan
Philippines
Erol Apo Villacorta
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Philippines
Dani Jacob
KATRIBU – UP Diliman
Philippines
Jaymee Sofia Surro
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Philippines
Meggie Nolasco
Salugpongan Lumad Schools
Philippines
Mark Jerome Jerome Pacia
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Philippines
Rodne Galicha
Living Laudato Si’
Philippines
Iris Joy Gonzales
AGHAM-Advocates of Science and Technology for the People
Philippines
Nikki Santos
Taripnong Cagayan Valley
Philippines
John Mar Gamayon
Kalihokan para sa Kinaiyahan (KPSK)
Philippines
Ailís Níc Aoidh
Polluters Out
United Kingdom
Hannah Mae Mae Sucgang
Saribuhay UP Diliman
Philippines
Ace E. Quijano
STEP Philippines
Philippines
Ma. Isabel
Alay Sining
Philippines
Arra Mae Diana Manjares m
Youth Advocate for Climate Action Philippines
Philippines
Karl Begnotea
Kalikasan – Timog Katagalugan
Philippines
Shayne Remoroza
Youth Advocate for Climate Action Philippines
Philippines
Cid Ryan Ryan Manalo
SEARICE
Philippines
Erika Pardillo
PUP CTHTM JUNIOR COUNCIL – Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation
Philippines
Annie Richards
Youth Strike for Climate, Nottingham
United Kingdom
Robert Victor Oclida
PUP SEED Network
Philippines
Cristina Palabay
Karapatan Alliance Philippines
Philippines
Reinsel Anne Peñamora
Miriam Environmental Planning Organization
Philippines
Deanna El Khoury
Youth Strike 4 Climate Nottingham
United Kingdom
Jacob Olaño
ACT-ES PNU
Philippines
Ava Bertolotti
Fridays for Future Digital, Polluters Out
United States
Richard Zafico
QCPSTA
Philippines
Natalie Lowrey
AID/WATCH
Philippines
Bong Andres
Migrante Australia in New South Wales
Australia
Sophia Bonifacio
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Philippines
Edwin Subijano
Migrante Australia
Australia
John Din
Global Catholic Climate Movement-Pilipinas
Philippines
Joseph Pilapil
Climate Reality
Philippines
Phoebe Dimacali
GABRIELA-LONDON
Philippines
Nnimmo Bassey
Oilwatch International
Lou Arsenio
RCAM Ecology Ministry
Philippines
Adriana Bascone
CliMates Austria
Austria
Analisa Caunceran
FDWA
United States
Lila Akal
Igapo Project
United States
Samantha Hargreaves
WoMin African Alliance
South Africa
Hal Rhoades
The Gaia Foundation
United Kingdom
Eva Mayor
Kanlungan
United States
Richard Solly
London Mining Network
United Kingdom
Bill Angelo Bontigao
Bicol University Science Alliance Club
Philippines
Guadalupe Rodriguez
Salva la Selva
Spain
Juan Mathieu Thevenot
Programa Voluntariado Intag Ecuador
France
Shane Stevens
Victoria Branch of the Maritime Union of Australia
Australia
Joyce Elaine Kharess Linis
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Philippines
Fiore Williams
Fridays For Future
United States
Donna Miranda
Sama-samang Artista para sa Kilusang Agraryo
Philippines
Douglas Booker
Ontario Committee For Human Rights in the Philippines
Canada
Kiko Paciencia
Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc.
Philippines
Maro Luciano
Migrante Canada
Canada
Beth Dollaga
Canada-philippines Solidarity for Human Rights
Canada
Benjamin Zidar
Canada-Philippines Solidarity Organizations -Toronto
Canada
Stuart Ryan
Ontario Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines
Canada
Danica Aguinaldo
ASEAN Youth Advocates Network
Philippines
Fiona Racines
NTC Science Club
Philippines
Renuka Kad
Vikas Adhyayan Kendra
India
Regilyn Dalagan
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Christia Gail Ocampo
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Anina Abola
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Katrina Stuart Santiago
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Camille Dajay
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Christelle van Es
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Netherlands
Aileen Tolentino
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Netherlands
Martin Axelrot
Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc.
Philippines
Andy Whitmore
Campaign for Human Rights in the Philippines (UK)
United Kingdom
Veniz Guzman
Lunas Collective
Philippines
Keisha Uy
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Camille Desacada
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Kim Jose
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Patricia Verdote
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Rico A Villanueva
ANAKPAWIS WMR
Philippines
Salsabila Khairunisa
Jaga Rimba
Indonesia
Kellyane Levac
ICHRP-Canada
Canada
Tengku Maharani
Jaga Rimba
Indonesia
Atiqah Bahrunnisa
Jaga Rimba
Indonesia
Phuong Ngo
Center for Sustainable Community Development
Vietnam
Nur Alifah
Jaga Rimba
Indonesia
Rachel Cox
Global Witness
United Kingdom
Maricel Meneses
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Rosie Lucente
Anakbayan Toronto
Canada
Michelle Cruz
Pantayo
Philippines
Aldrin Taule
Bayan Gitnang Luzon
Philippines
Stum Casia
KM64 Writers Collective
Philippines
Franchesca Timbreza
KM64 Writers Collective
Philippines
Geraldine Enriquez
Gabriela Youth Laguna
Philippines
Coleen Salamat
Oceana
Philippines
Liza Lorenzetti
Alberta Assembly of Social Workers
Canada
Marian Donly
Calgary Social Workers for Social Justice
Canada
Gabrielle Cayetano
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Ashok Ashok shrimali
Mines mineral and people
India
Angelica Vilela
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Arielle Baldonado
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
John Ray Obina
Kabataan Partylist
Philippines
Glemir Sordilla
HAPI Jr.
Philippines
Easter Reyes
UP Marine Biological Society
Philippines
Jane Brock
ILPS (International League of Peoples’ Struggle)
Australia
Kamille Cuello
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Andrew Morrison
PASA
Australia
Benjamin Hitchcock
Earthworks
United States
Clarence Santero
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Frenzzy Heart Conag
PAGASA-People for Accountable Governance and Sustainable Action
Philippines
Antonio de Jesus
ICHRP Québec
Canada
Patricia Fox
PASA
Australia
Beverly Longid
International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL)
Philippines
Jen Guste
Council for People’s Development and Governance
Philippines