CWR | Center for Women's Resources

The Center for Women’s Resources raises alarm over the recent abduction of human rights and environmental defenders in the Philippines. Last September 2, two community organizers, Jonila Castro, 21, and Jhed Tamano, 22, were abducted by four armed men in Barangay Lati, Orion, Bataan. 

The two young women had been experiencing surveillance and harassment while conducting an investigation in the community regarding the impacts of the Manila Bay reclamation project on fisherfolk’s livelihood and flooding in the area. The two were preparing for relief operations and consultation in communities in Bataan, days before they were abducted. 

At least 23 land reclamation projects have been approved in Manila Bay, an important fishing ground and hub of marine biodiversity in the country. These projects in the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Cavite have caused the displacement of coastal communities, the decline of fish catch, and the deforestation of mangroves, ultimately contributing to the decline in fisherfolk’s livelihood. The permits for the projects were completed under the Duterte Administration between 2019-2022, these builds are linked with Chinese construction company China Communications Construction Co. (CCCC).

While the Marcos administration has ordered an indefinite suspension of 22 major land reclamation projects in Manila Bay, this is not enough to address the long-term impacts of these projects on the livelihood of fisherfolks. It is also crucial to recognize that this suspension was the result of the relentless and persistent advocacy efforts of local rights groups and civil society organizations.

What is also concerning is the surge in acts of violence and aggression targeting community organizers and environmental rights defenders who oppose the reclamation project. The abduction of Castro and Tamano is only the recent spate of these attacks. In October 2019, Cora Agovida, then spokesperson for Gabriela Manila and a campaigner against land reclamation was illegally arrested and detained for two years. Three other anti-land reclamation activists Ram Carlo Bautista, Alma Moran, and Reina Mae Nasino were arrested in November of the same year.

The Center of Women’s Resources joins the families, fellow volunteers, and anti-reclamation groups in demanding the safe return of Jonila and Jhed, in calling to stop attacks against community organizers and rights defenders, and in putting an end to state-sponsored terror. #

The Center for Women’s Resources stands in solidarity with the brave Rohingya women and people as we mark the 6th anniversary of the Rohingya genocide. Today, we honor and remember the countless lives lost and the suffering inflicted upon them.

We condemn the atrocities committed against the Rohingya community, particularly women, and demand justice for the grave human rights violations. Our fight for justice is not only a demand but a necessity to ensure accountability for those responsible – the Myanmar military and government.

Beyond seeking justice, we also recognize the urgent need to address the root causes of this systemic violence and persecution. Plunder and extraction of resources played a significant role in violating the rights of the Rohingya people. The richness of natural resources and fertile land of the Rakhine region has attracted economic interests seeking to exploit these resources, including logging, mining, and agriculture companies. We condemn this plunder, extraction, and land grabbing that fuels and perpetuates violence and discrimination. 

Likewise, we urgently demand immediate support for the Rohingya people who continue to endure unbearable conditions within overcrowded refugee camps devoid of basic necessities such as clean water, healthcare, and education. We pledge to stand alongside the Rohingya people, to advocate for their rights – including their right to citizenship, to seek reparation, and ensure their right to safely return to their homeland. 

Finally, we reaffirm our commitment to support all forms of resistance of all the Myanmar people against the military rule and authoritarian regime. The resistance movement in Myanmar represents the struggle of an entire nation, including the Rohingya people, in fighting for justice and democracy. The people of Myanmar deserve to live in a society that upholds their fundamental rights, values their diversity, and promotes peace based on social justice. #