A group of human rights activists, and some party-list lawmakers at the House of Representatives have asserted the need for justice and an end to attacks on environmental defenders and activists.
They made the call after it was confirmed that environmental rights defenders and church workers Francisco “Eco” Dangla III and Joxielle “Jak” Tiong are no longer in the hands of their abductors, “bruised but alive” after three days of persistent and tireless efforts and camp searches.
“While they are still reeling from their harrowing ordeal, we hope that in due time, Eco and Jak will be able to fully recount the details of their abduction and subsequent release. Their captors should desist from making any attempts to further harass them,” the group said in a statement.
“We extend our gratitude to all those who supported calls to surface Eco and Jak. Your swift and resolute actions have been invaluable confronting this challenging time. To Eco and Jak and their families, we stand steadfast in solidarity throughout this difficult period,” they also stated.
Among the party-list lawmakers who called for justice and reparation for Dangla and Tiong are Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel, ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro, and Gabriela Women’s Partylist, Rep. Arlene Brosas.
“We are one with them in their demand for justice. Those responsible for their abduction and tortuous ordeal must be held accountable. Their case bolsters our assertion that terrorist-tagging engenders graver human rights violations including enforced disappearances,” they said.
“This pattern of attacks against environmental activists, human rights defenders and whole communities, in the context of the prevalent climate of impunity and socio-economic ills, shows that the rights situation in the Philippines remains dire under the Marcos Jr. administration,” they added.
Also among those groups that supported the call included the Kalikasan Peoples Network for the Environment, Center for Environmental Concerns, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, Karapatan, Promotion of Church People’s Response and Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap.
“We demand an end to attacks on environmental defenders and activists, and to surface all desaparecidos. Hands off our environmental and human rights defenders!” they further stated.