22 February 2024
Dismiss the charges against Jhed and Jonila! Investigate abductions of environmental defenders! Stop the practice of false surrenders!
We strongly denounce the persistent injustice and harassment faced by environmental defenders Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro, aimed at silencing their opposition to projects such as the New Manila International Airport and other reclamation initiatives in the Manila Bay area.
Last February 2, warrants of arrest were issued against the two brave women environmental defenders, an act that further perpetuates the state’s oppression against Jhed, Jonila, and environmental activists at large. The warrants were issued based on a case of grave oral defamation filed by the Department of Justice, the very institution entrusted with upholding justice. However, by taking this action it effectively contributes to the ongoing unjust persecution of Jhed and Jonila.
We are deeply dismayed by this action, which not only undermines the integrity of the justice system but also contradicts the recent decision of the highest court of the land. Just six days ago, on February 15, the Supreme Court granted the two women their appeals for Writs of Amparo and Habeas Data, along with a protection order. The decision validates the activists’ claims of abduction by state agents and acknowledges the serious threats to their lives, freedom, and security. It also serves as a stark affirmation, by the high court, that state abductions of environmental defenders do occur in the country.
We assert that the charges of grave oral defamation are a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the atrocities committed by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and its allies, notably the 70th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. In contrast, the bravery displayed by Jhed and Jonila in revealing their abduction and subsequent mental torture by the military is commendable and merits our steadfast support.
Furthermore, by issuing these warrants of arrest, the DOJ has demonstrated its alignment with the NTF ELCAC, transforming itself into a “Department of Injustice” that actively facilitates the oppression of defenders like Jhed and Jonila and other brave Filipinos who courageously oppose destructive projects and advocate for the interests of marginalized Filipino communities.
In solidarity with Jhed and Jonila, as well as all other environmental defenders who frequently fall victim to state oppression, intimidation, and terrorism, we demand justice.
We demand the dismissal of the grave oral defamation charges against them.
We call upon President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself to launch a comprehensive and impartial investigation into all cases of abductions involving environmental defenders. Under this administration alone, there have been 18 reported incidents of abductions by state forces, affecting 35 individuals, with 11 of these incidents involving 18 environmental defenders. As of this writing, eight of these defenders still remain missing.
We also demand an investigation into the pervasive NTF-ELCAC-Armed Forces of the Philippines practice of false surrenders, where ordinary citizens and even entire communities are coerced into “surrendering” to state agents as armed rebels.
Given that two United Nations Special Rapporteurs have recently echoed this call after conducting country visits, we believe that this action is long overdue. ###