[SIGN ON] Hands Off Jhed And Jonila

August 14, 2024

Sign on to stand in solidarity with Filipina youth environmental defenders Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano, whose struggle for justice after their September 2023 abduction continues:

https://tinyurl.com/SignOn-HandsOffJhedAndJonila

Read the full statement with signatories below:

 

Statement of support for the continuing struggle for justice of Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano

[Written as a response to the denial of their petition of the writ of amparo and habeas data filed by Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano, environmental defenders who were victims of abduction and enforced disappearance in 2023]

We, the undersigned, express our profound concern and disappointment over the August 2nd decision by the Court of Appeals Former Special Eighth Division in the Philippines to deny the petition for the writs of amparo and habeas data filed by environmental human rights defenders Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano. This decision not only endangers the lives of these two young women but also sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the safety and fundamental rights of all individuals working to protect human rights and the environment in the Philippines.

The writ of amparo is a critical legal remedy designed to safeguard individuals against threats to their life, liberty, and security, particularly from state forces. The writ of habeas data serves as protection against the unlawful collection and misuse of personal information. These writs are essential tools for defending the rights of those at risk of 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.

Jonila and Jhed were abducted by military forces on September 2, 2023, in Bataan province. They were detained for nearly 17 days by the military and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). During this time, they were forced to surrender as armed rebels. Their courageous decision to expose their abduction and denounce the military’s actions during an NTF-ELCAC-organized press conference was a powerful testament to their resilience and commitment to truth and justice.

Despite these clear violations of their rights, their petition was denied, citing a lack of evidence of continued threats to their lives and security, and asserting that they had voluntarily surrendered. This ruling is particularly troubling as it appears to align with the narrative promoted by the NTF-ELCAC and the military, without sufficiently considering the context of their abduction or the ongoing risks they face as environmental and human rights defenders. The court’s narrow interpretation of the writs of amparo and habeas data fails to address the broader pattern of harassment and intimidation faced by activists in the Philippines, a country where red-tagging and state-sponsored repression are pervasive.

This case is a stark reflection of the disconnect between the existence of laws in the Philippines meant to protect its citizens and the reality of their application. While the Philippines has established legal frameworks, including the writs of amparo and habeas data, intended to shield individuals from human rights violations, this case demonstrates how these protections can be rendered ineffective. The decision to deny these writs undermines the very purpose of these legal remedies and highlights a disturbing gap between the law and its implementation in safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, this decision stands in direct contradiction to the Philippines’ obligations under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which it is a State Party. The ICCPR mandates the protection of individuals against arbitrary arrest, detention, and threats to life and liberty. By denying Jonila and Jhed the protection afforded by the writs of amparo and habeas data, the court has failed to uphold these essential human rights principles.

We call upon the Philippines government to review and overturn this decision, ensuring that Jonila and Jhed receive the full protection of the law. We also urge the international community, civil society organizations, the United Nations and other human rights organizations, to closely monitor this case and to stand in solidarity with all those who risk their lives to defend human rights and the environment.

The protection of environmental and human rights defenders is not just a national issue; it is a matter of global concern. The fight against climate change and the defense of human rights are interconnected and universal struggles. We must ensure that those on the frontlines of these battles are not left vulnerable to persecution and violence. 

In signing this statement, we reaffirm our commitment to the protection of all environmental and human rights defenders and call for immediate action to safeguard their lives, their work, and their rights. Let us stand together to ensure that justice prevails and that the voices of those who protect our planet and our freedoms are heard and respected.

 

Signatories:

As of November 29, 2024 3:05pm: 223 total signatories (144 individuals, 79 organizations)

 

Organizations

  1. Asia Pacific Network of Environmental Defenders 
  2. Center for Environmental Concerns – Philippines Inc.
  3. Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment
  4. Environmental Defenders Congress
  5. KARAPATAN Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights
  6. EcuVoice Philippines
  7. Promotion of Church People’s Response
  8. Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan para sa Pagtatanggol sa Kabuhayan, Paninirahan at Kalikasan ng Manila Bay (AKAP KA Manila Bay)
  9. Global Witness
  10. Both ENDS
  11. Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
  12. UTS Alumni Association 
  13. Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA)
  14. Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD)
  15. Institute for National and Democracy Studies (INDIES)
  16. Kanlungan Filipino Consortium UK
  17. Disability Peoples Forum Uganda
  18. Masekerere Water Project Uganda
  19. Auriga Nusantara
  20. WALHI South Sulawesi
  21. SERUNI (Serikat Perempuan Indonesia)
  22. JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
  23. Tanggol Batangan
  24. Kilometer64 Writers Collective (KM64)
  25. United Tribal Organization of Assam, India 
  26. Association des Amis de la Nature 
  27. Kamukunji Paralegal Trust (KAPLET)
  28. International Coalition for Human Rights in the Phiippines
  29. Phiippines Australia Union ink
  30. Natural Resource Women Platform 
  31. International Association of Peoples Lawyers
  32. UP Fisheries Guild
  33. Migrante Australia in NSW 
  34. FILEF Federation of Italian Migrant Workers (Sydney)
  35. Initiative for Right View (IRV))
  36. Ponlok Khmer Organization
  37. Alliance for Future Generations – Fiji
  38. Samahan ng Kabataan para sa Bayan
  39. TIPD-Turkana Indigenous People Action for Development
  40. Aliansi Masyarakat Adat Nusantara (AMAN) Maluku
  41. Agham Youth National
  42. Protect Sierra Madre for the People (PSM)
  43. Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
  44. Kartunista-Manunulat Kolektib
  45. National Campaign for Sustainable Development Nepal
  46. Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura
  47. SERUNI
  48. Australia Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines
  49. Tunay na Alyansa ng Bayan Alay sa Katutubo (TABAK)
  50. Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
  51. Vikas Adhyayan Kendra
  52. Community Development Trust
  53. KATRIBU Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas 
  54. Bai Indigenous Women’s  Network
  55. Front Line Defenders
  56. Rutu Foundation
  57. Sengwer Of Embobut CBO
  58. Siklab Philippine Indigenous Youth Network
  59. Kabataan para sa Tribung Pilipino (KATRIBU)
  60. Lembaga Bentang Alam Hijau
  61. LBH ANGSANA
  62. NTFP Exchange Programme Networking Forum India
  63. Campaign for Human Rights in the Philippines – UK
  64. Friends with Environment in Development 
  65. AbibiNsroma Foundation (ANF)
  66. AGHAM – Advocates of Science and Technology for the People
  67. Bantay Kita Publish What You Pay Philippines
  68. PNU-Luntian
  69. International Service for Human Rights
  70. KATRIBU PUP – Kabataan para sa Tribung Pilipino 
  71. International Service for Human Rights
  72. Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL)
  73. Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
  74. Transnational Institute
  75. Campaign for Human Rights in the Philippines
  76. Tahanan
  77. Aotearoa Philippines Solidarity
  • 2 organizations requested to stay anonymous

 

Individuals

  1. Daniel Fabellon
  2. Kaira Francisco
  3. Liyanah, Canasa
  4. Lorraine Garcia
  5. Parus, Shah
  6. Angela Asuncion
  7. Gwendolyn Gay L Gaongen 
  8. Mae Fe Templa 
  9. Rev. Irma M. Balaba
  10. Ian Ferrer
  11. Ashlee Steven Ligna
  12. Charlyn Niña Aguilar
  13. Isa kwambo Dagona 
  14. Adrian Luarca
  15. Richardson Tubo
  16. Jerome Suplemento
  17. Carlo Manalansan
  18. Alonzeyah Omangpang
  19. Jan Juffermans
  20. michelle foster
  21. Ason Hipolito
  22. Gilbert, Rossier McGoon 
  23. Pinky Tam
  24. Frine Cristina Sanchez
  25. Gerard Francis Palma
  26. Cesar Puno
  27. Rosa Fruto
  28. Forgwei Tem
  29. John Knox
  30. Peter Murphy
  31. Francis
  32. Gill Boehringer
  33. Bea Elisha, Janaban
  34. Edgardo Dela Peña 
  35. B. Mallory
  36. Jerwin Baure
  37. Gino Lopez 
  38. Bless Verganio
  39. Alyzza Angelie De Guzman
  40. Petero Qaloibau 
  41. Noreen Flores
  42. Neil Kemmis
  43. Sheila Antaran
  44. Fithriyyah
  45. Paulo Asuncion
  46. Jehan
  47. Edwin Subijano
  48. NGO THI LAN PHUONG
  49. Irene Juffermans
  50. Kyra Pohlan
  51. Ain Contractor
  52. Beverly L. Longid
  53. Idda Alexa Therese De Jesus-Tiongco
  54. Sumarni Laman 
  55. Agnes Schim van der Loeff
  56. Paul Wolvekamp
  57. Marcus Colchester
  58. Robert Kugonza 
  59. Shahnoor Hasan 
  60. Meike Klarenbeek
  61. Casper Egas 
  62. sjef Langeveld
  63. Joannes Patrick Wasai
  64. Kate Leira Borgonia
  65. Jaap Evers
  66. Evert Jan Robberts 
  67. Charizz Villegas
  68. Jerry van den Berge 
  69. Ranjana Giri
  70. A Despi 
  71. Jur Schuurman
  72. Kathrin Ernst
  73. Andy Whitmore
  74. Rise Dicen
  75. Andrew Lawrence, Orig
  76. Anne de Jonghe
  77. Murtah Shannon
  78. Meynardo Argana
  79. MEYNARDO ARGANA
  80. Agnes Stefanski
  81. Ana Alves
  82. Sam de Jong
  83. Jacob Olaño
  84. Kiran, Pereira
  85. Paolo Capelli
  86. Robin Urban
  87. Marco  Sebastian Tueres
  88. Jimmy Z. Ginting 
  89. Leigh Morales
  90. Peti S. Enriquez
  91. Kristine Joice Leray
  92. Ken Bautista
  93. Nohm Diego 
  94. Sacia Burton
  95. Angela Camille, Gando
  96. Resi
  97. MANTO SAMOU KOKOLAKI
  98. Esther Hofkamp
  99. Myra Hoffmann 
  100. Victor Aguilar
  101. Rutgerd Boelens
  102. Melinda Yunita
  103. Lisa Kluia
  104. Wieb Devilee
  105. Willemijn Lodders
  106. Juan Pablo 
  107. Matti Baten
  108. Maëva Mercat
  109. Susan Perebolte 
  110. Gayathri, M S
  111. Lilly Erdmann
  112. Sjoerd, Pieters
  113. Antonia Leitz
  114. Nika Scheepers
  115. Angeline Aquino
  116. Marie Belland
  117. Rahmad , Siregar
  118. Tom van Geest
  119. Rocio Naval
  • 25 individuals requested to stay anonymous

(Signatories will be added here periodically)

Sign on to stand in solidarity with Filipina youth environmental defenders Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano:

https://tinyurl.com/SignOn-HandsOffJhedAndJonila

#DefendTheDefenders #HandsOffJhedAndJonila #HandsOffJhedTamano #HandsOffJonilaCastro