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News / 16 augustus 2024

Statement on the denial of legal protection by the Philippines Court of Appeals towards environmental defenders Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano

Both ENDS expresses its profound concern over the recent decision by the Philippines Court of Appeals to deny legal protection to Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano against unlawful harassment and reprisals from state forces. Castro and Jhed are two young environmental human rights defenders who were violently abducted by Filipino armed forces in September 2023, for almost 17 days, in a case that made international headlines. The two women had been working as community organizers in Northern Manila Bay, where large-scale land reclamation's have wreaked havoc on communities and ecosystems.

After their release, Castro and Tomano had filed the Supreme Court for protection under the writs of amparo and habeas, which serve as critical legal remedies to safeguard individuals against threats to personal safety and the unlawful collection of personal information, particularly by state forces. These writs are essential tools for protecting environmental human rights defenders against extrajudicial actions, enforced disappearances, and other forms of state-sponsored violence. 

The denial of these protections to Castro and Tamano disregards the serious and well-documented threats they have faced and continue to face. By doing so, this decision not only endangers the lives of these two young women but also sets a dangerous precedent in the Philippines, which is a already recognized as one of the world deadliest countries for environmental defenders. 

For several years Both ENDS has supported environmental human rights defenders like Jonila and Jhed through our partners in the Philippines, who play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of communities impacted by large-scale land reclamations in Manila Bay. We call upon the Philippine government to review and overturn this decision, ensuring that Castro and Tamano receive the full protection of the law. We also call upon the Dutch government, who has supported large-scale land reclamation in Manila Bay despite widespread evidence of human rights violations and reprisals, to use it’s diplomatic means to ensure Castro and Tamano are protected. 

The safety of environmental and human rights defenders is a matter of global concern. We must ensure that those on the frontlines are not left vulnerable to persecution and violence. Show your support to Jhed and Jonila by signing the international solidarity statement calling for their protection.

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