A murder every 12 days, Philippines a global danger zone for environmental activists
Father-of-five Ruben Arzaga was one of the most recent land defenders murdered in the Philippines when he was shot in the head as he tried to approach illegal loggers on Palawan island
Environmental activists are being killed in record numbers around the world, with the corruption-plagued Philippines one of the most dangerous countries, according to watchdog Global Witness.
At least 200 community activists, NGO workers and other civilians on the front lines of protecting the environment were reported murdered worldwide last year, the highest on record, the group said.
In the Philippines, an environmental activist was recorded to have been killed at a rate of every 12 days in 2016, with only Brazil and Colombia having more murders.
As in other hotspot nations, the deaths in the Philippines are rising as communities stand up against corrupt politicians and businessmen intent on securing increasingly scarce natural resources.
“Voracious industries such as mining, agribusiness and logging are trampling over people’s rights to take part in decisions that affect their land and environment,” Billy Kyte, Global Witness environmental and land defenders campaign leader, said.
“Forced into activism, many of these marginalised communities then receive threats and attacks for defending their rights. The government does little to stop the ensuing violence and rarely holds anyone to account for the killings.”