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Caritas PH condemns gov't crackdown on environment defenders

Philippines | National

Caritas PH condemns gov't crackdown on environment defenders

By Manila Bulletin

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines' (CBCP) humanitarian arm, Caritas Philippines, has urged the Philippine government to stop its persecution of environmental activists and respect their legal rights.

(Courtesy of Caritas Philippines)

“We are deeply concerned by the government’s attacks on environmental defenders, who are simply working to protect our planet and the rights of communities affected by climate change and environmental degradation,” Caritas Philippines president Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said on Thursday, Sept. 21.

When it learned of the news on Sept. 2, Caritas Philippines expressed concern over the alleged disappearance and military abduction of two young environmental activists named Jolina Castro and Jhed Tamano.

They were presented to the media in an NTF-ELCAC-led press conference on Sept. 19, where they divulged their military abduction claims.

“The government’s abduction of Castro and Tamano is a clear attempt to silence environmental defenders and intimidate those who speak out against destructive development projects,” Bagaforo said.

“On this International Day of Peace, we urge the government to listen to the voices of environmental defenders and to work with them to protect our planet and the rights of all Filipinos,” he added. (Erika Escover)

Related Tags

caritas philippines CBCP

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