| Subject: | Re: Alert: 2 Environmental Defenders in the Philippines abducted |
|---|---|
| Date: | Mon, 1 Apr 2024 12:14:59 +0800 |
| From: | ‘Jax Bongon’ via IBON International Climate Justice Mailing List <ii-climate-justice@googlegroups.com> |
| Reply-To: | jbongon@iboninternational.org |
Dear friends and comrades,
The fact-finding mission team for Eco Dangla III and Jak Tiong, environmental defenders abducted on March 24, released an update saying both individuals are no longer in the hands of their abductors. However, Eco and Jak obtained multiple bruises and are currently recovering from this traumatic incident.
To this end, we would like to extend our deep gratitude to everyone who supported the call and signed the statement for Eco and Jak’s safe return. Your solidarity has been invaluable during this challenging time.
While we are relieved, it’s crucial to recognise that this incident is part of a trend of increasing attacks against environmental activists, human rights defenders, and whole communities in the context of the prevalent climate of impunity and socio-economic ills. We hope for your continued support in demanding accountability from those responsible for their abduction and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
In solidarity,
Jax
On 3/25/24 11:04 PM, Jax Bongon wrote:
Dear friends,
Last night, March 24, 2024, reports on the abduction of Philippine environmental defenders Eco Dangla, 39, and Jak Tiong, 29, at around 8pm in a village in Pangasinan reached us.
Eco and Jak visited victims of demolitions in the said village. As they were leaving the barangay, 2-3 individuals onboard a grey 4×4 pickup vehicle, together with men onboard a motorcycle, intercepted the tricycle they were riding and took them.
Torn pieces of Eco’s tshirt were seen at the scene of the incident. Jak also reportedly shouted for help.
Jak Tiong is the coordinator of the youth party Kabataan Partylist in the province and a member of the Provincial Youth Development Council. Eco Dangla is currently the spokesperson of Bayan, Pangasinan, a cross-sectoral grassroots alliance. Both are convenors of the Pangasinan People’s Strike for the Environment, and had been involved in the campaigns vs proposed black sand mining operations and nuclear power plants, among other environmental concerns, in the province. They actively engaged with social action networks of churches and groups.
Prior to this incident, the two had been wrongly tagged as “terrorists” and “threats” by State security forces.
We call for your international solidarity to demand authorities to surface Eco and Jak by signing this statement by the Asia Pacific Network of Environmental Defenders.
For climate and social justice,
Jax-- Jax Bongon Policy Officer (Climate Justice) IBON International Signal/WhatsApp: +63 906 543 0185
-- Jax Bongon Policy Officer (Climate Justice) IBON International Signal/WhatsApp: +63 906 543 0185