[SIGN ON] Surface Rowena Dasig

August 28, 2024

Sign on to urgently call to immediately and safely surface Rowena Dasig, a dedicated Filipina youth leader and environmental advocate:

https://tinyurl.com/SurfaceRowenaDasig

Read the full statement with signatories below:


Sign-on Statement to Surface Rowena Dasig

We, the undersigned, urgently call for public support to surface Rowena Dasig, a dedicated youth leader and environmental advocate whose whereabouts are still unknown.

On July 12, 2023, Rowena Dasig, along with fellow human rights defender Miguela Peniero, was arrested by military forces while the two were researching the situation of coconut farmers and fisherfolk in Atimonan, Quezon in relation to a power plant of Atimonan One Energy, Inc. They were accused of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, charges that have been widely recognized as fabricated.

On August 20, 2024, the Gumaca Regional Trial Court Branch 172 granted a demurrer to evidence, resulting in their acquittal.

However, despite this victory, Rowena’s situation remains uncertain. When members of the team formed by Karapatan Southern Tagalog and the Free Owen and Ella Network composed of paralegals and human rights advocates went to the Lucena City District Jail (LCDJ) on August 21, 8:00AM to process her release papers, they faced delays from the LCDJ. They found out the following day that Rowena was supposedly released but her legal counsel and paralegals were not informed. According to LCDJ, she was fetched by her family. When her family was asked about this, they said they also did not know Rowena’s whereabouts. The team requested help from government agencies but to no avail.

Rowena Dasig, affectionately known as “Owen” among her peers, is the Secretary-General of Anakbayan Southern Tagalog. A resident of Rizal Province, she pursued a degree in Medical Laboratory Science at Our Lady of Fatima University before choosing to dedicate herself full-time to activism, particularly during the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Her commitment to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, especially farmers and fishermen affected by environmental threats, exemplifies her courage and dedication to social justice.

We must take action to ensure Rowena’s safety and to stand against the systemic attacks faced by environment and human rights defenders in the Philippines. The Philippines has been known as one of the most dangerous places for environmental defenders in the world. Her case highlights the broader issues of human rights violations and the dangers that they encounter. By supporting Rowena, we are not only advocating for her rights but also for the rights of all individuals who bravely stand up against injustices in their communities.

We urge the public, civil society organizations, and the international community to join us in this call for action. Let us unite to demand accountability for those responsible for Rowena’s unjust treatment and to ensure that her voice, along with those of other defenders, is heard and respected. The fight for justice and the protection of human rights is a collective responsibility, and together, we can make a difference.

In signing this statement, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Rowena Dasig and all environmental and human rights defenders. We must act now to safeguard their lives and work, ensuring justice prevails for those who dedicate themselves to protecting our planet and our freedoms.

Signed:

(As of September 16, 2:30PM: Total of 458 signatories, 162 organizations and 296 individuals)

Organizations

  1. Free Owen and Ella Network
  2. Karapatan Southern Tagalog
  3. Environmental Defenders Congress
  4. Asia Pacific Network of Environmental Defenders
  5. Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment
  6. Kalikasan Timog Katagalugan
  7. Center for Environmental Concerns – Philippines Inc.
  8. KOTHOWAIN (Vulnerable Peoples Development Organization)  Bandarban Hill Tract, Bangladesh
  9. SERUNI
  10. Alliance for Future Generations – Fiji
  11. Society for Peace and Sustainable Development
  12. National Union of Students of the Philippines – Southern Tagalog 
  13. Anakbayan Rizal
  14. Yayasan Pusaka Bentala Rakyat
  15. UPLB Forestry Society
  16. Aliansi Masyarakat Adat Nusantara (AMAN) Wilayah Maluku
  17. Tambisan sa Sining – Sta. Mesa
  18. Southern Tagalog Exposure 
  19. CFNR Freshman Bloc Assembly
  20. Kapitaran Simbahan Para sa Bayan(KASIMBAYAN)
  21. Indigenous Womens Network-Bai, Inc.
  22. League of Filipino Students UPLB
  23. National Network of Agrarian Reform Advocates Youth UPLB
  24. Sandugo – Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination
  25. Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas
  26. First Quarter Storm Movement
  27. INNABUYOG-Alliance of Indigenous Women’s Organization in the Cordillera Region, Philippines
  28. Cordillera Human Rights Alliance
  29. Inisiasi Masyarakat Adat (IMA)
  30. Lakapati Laguna
  31. IBON Foundation
  32. Kabataan para sa Tribung Pilipino (KATRIBU)
  33. Kabataan para sa Tribung Pilipino (KATRIBU) – UP Diliman Chapter
  34. Kabataan para sa Tribung Pilipino (KATRIBU) – UP Manila Chapter
  35. Samahang Ekolohiya ng UPLB
  36. Roots for Equity
  37. Tambisan sa Sining
  38. UP Lady Veterinary Students’ Association
  39. Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA)
  40. TIPD-Turkana Indigenous People Action for Development
  41. Rural Development Organization
  42. PANALIPDAN! Mindanao
  43. Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) 
  44. Women Working for Justice and Peace in the Cordillera 
  45. JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
  46. Protect Sierra Madre for the People (PSM)
  47. Association For Promotion Sustainable Development 
  48. UP Alpha Chiron Society 
  49. Mindoro Youth for Environment and Nation
  50. Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum 
  51. Panday Sining UPLB
  52. Kartunista-Manunulat Kolektib
  53. Bukluran para sa Ibang Kalikasan
  54. Education Training & Service for Community-Nepal
  55. Umalohokan, Inc. 
  56. Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
  57. Forum Petani Plasma Buol
  58. International Migrants Alliance
  59. Center for sustainable community development 
  60. Front Line Defenders
  61. Kabataan para sa Tribung Pilipino – KATRIBU PUP
  62. UPLB Sigma Rho Fraternity
  63. Buliisa Initiative for Rural Development Organisation (BIRUDO)
  64. Defenders in Development campaign
  65. Inclusive Development International
  66. Green Advocates International
  67. UPLB Writers’ Club
  68. Pulso Han Mag-aaram
  69. ONG Sustentarse
  70. Lawyers’ Association for Human Rights of Nepalese Indigenous Peoples (LAHURNIP)
  71. Centre for Human Rights and Development 
  72. “Armenian Forests” Environmental NGO”
  73. Ontario Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines
  74. Femmes de diverses origines 
  75. Consejo Indígena Maya Ch’orti de Olopa Chiquimula Guatemala 
  76. Aotearoa Philippines Solidarity
  77. UP Veterinary Medical Students’ Society
  78. National Council of Churches in the Philippines
  79. Indigenous Perspectives
  80. Community Resource Centre 
  81. Gabriela Aotearoa New Zealand
  82. Migrante Aotearoa New Zealand
  83. Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines 
  84. Palangkaraya Ecological and Human Rights Studies (PROGRESS)
  85. UP Sigma Alpha Sorority – Los Baños Chapter
  86. Kulturang Ugnayan ng Kabataan Alay sa Bayan (KULAYAN)
  87. Panday Sining 
  88. Equitable Cambodia
  89. Defenders in Development Campaign
  90. GABRIELA Alliance of Women
  91. UP Rodeo Club 
  92. Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women
  93. Jamaa Resource Initiatives
  94. Accountability Counsel
  95. Student Christian Movement of the Philippines
  96. UP Society for the Advancement of Veterinary Education and Research
  97. Iniciativa Mesoamericana de Mujeres Defensoras de Derechos Humanos 
  98. Anti-Imperialist Alliance
  99. Veterinary Medical Students’ Alliance
  100. Trend Asia
  101. ICON Data and Learning Labs
  102. The League of Agricultural Engineering Students (N.G.)
  103. UP Agricultural Society
  104. Council for People’s Development and Governance (CPDG)
  105. PEREMPUAN AMAN
  106. UP Agricultural and Applied Economics Circle 
  107. Makiling Initiative
  108. Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development 
  109. Marsinah.id
  110. National Fisheries Solidarity Movement
  111. Anakbayan Canada
  112. We Woman Lanka Network 
  113. StandUp Movement Lanka 
  114. Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women 
  115. Women’s Centre Sri Lanka
  116. Initiative for Right View (IRV)
  117. “Voice of the Plantation people” Organization 
  118. Sangat – a South Asian Feminist Network
  119. Karmojibi Nari 
  120. Women’s association Alga
  121. Gramya Resource Centre for Women
  122. Women’s League of Burma 
  123. PA Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan
  124. The UPLB Com Arts Society 
  125. The center of support and development initiatives “Umid” 
  126. Leitana Nehan Women’s Development Agency 
  127. Aksi! for gender, social and ecological justice
  128. Aaprabasi Mahila Kamdar Samuha Nepal
  129. Feminist League
  130. National Indigenous Women Forum 
  131. National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers
  132. Penn Thozhilalar Sangam (Women Workers Union)
  133. Odhikar
  134. International Rivers
  135. Protect Thacker Pass
  136. `Space Allies` (Japan)
  137. Beranda perempuan Indonesia 
  138. Public organization “Zan va Zamin”
  139. Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
  140. Women forum for Women Nepal (WOFOWON) 
  141. KERI: Caring for Activists
  142. Beijing-SDG 5 Facilitating Group
  143. Oyu Tolgoi Watch
  144. Rivers without Boundaries Coalition
  145. Utah Tar Sands Resistance 
  146. Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition
  147. Climate Counsel
  148. AWID
  149. Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice
  150. The United Church of Canada
  151. Steunfonds Filipijnen 
  152. THE CENTER OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW & HUMAN RIGHTS
  153. Centre d’appui aux Philippines / Centre for Philippine Concerns
  154. Interntional Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines
  155. Philippines Australia Union Link
  156. Australian Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines
  157. Kalikasan Solidarity Organization
  158. International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN)
  159. Seoul Diaspora church
  160. Netherlands Philippines Solidarity Movement

(2 requested to remain anonymous)

Individuals

  1. Anya Thomas
  2. Lucky Oraller
  3. Siegfred Severino 
  4. Ian Godfrey Ferrer
  5. Adrian Mendoza
  6. Maurice Gimena
  7. April Lapada
  8. Ava Panopio
  9. Matt Andrei Miclat
  10. Margarette Villegas
  11. Angel Mae Lugasan
  12. Christian Allarey
  13. Caira Figues
  14. Andrea Feliciano
  15. Vera Criste
  16. Mariah Dela Providencia
  17. Ivan Joshua Fuentesfina
  18. Jake Radaza
  19. Haira Dollano
  20. Fiona Tassan
  21. villanueva, nadia
  22. Criz Teves
  23. Jena Escoses
  24. Dharma Capistrano
  25. Althea Zyra C. Flores
  26. Vera Goyena
  27. Clyde Naranjo
  28. Chuwaley Capuyan 
  29. Angelo Padua
  30. Gan, J
  31. Rev. Irma M. Balaba
  32. Jaime Calma
  33. Rebecca, Baliton
  34. Hans Leynard Alarcon 
  35. Isaiah Dalusong
  36. Jeanree Gabaen
  37. Ephraim Joseph Militante 
  38. Beverly L. Longid
  39. Juliana Marie, Roque
  40. Danielle Alyza Uy
  41. Xavier, Plandez
  42. Jeandair Benedicto
  43. Janela Perez
  44. Chezka Mayne Angara
  45. Justine Marie Fuentes 
  46. Ama Suba
  47. Abi Dango
  48. Aaron Arena
  49. Florante Reyes
  50. Nikko Lemon Mariano
  51. Merylene Belen
  52. Kyla Benedicto
  53. Angelene Reyes
  54. Angela Camille Gando
  55. Mafel, Macalanda 
  56. Jhon Daniel, Celebrado
  57. Ire Laurente
  58. Dong Laurente
  59. Normel Bermundo 
  60. MTM Nelmida
  61. Angelo Madarang
  62. Delfin  ,Deo 
  63. Samantha Faye Herbolario
  64. Jonila Castro
  65. Ashley Montenegro
  66. Nohm Diego
  67. Nic Valencia
  68. Luchie Maranan
  69. Kim Cantillas
  70. Kayla Simpao
  71. Hannah Salazar 
  72. Kallista Rivera
  73. Advocate Shahanur Islam
  74. Kissy Tapat
  75. Cullamat. Eufemia Campos
  76. Jainno, Bongon
  77. Addie
  78. Jetlei A. Sibayan
  79. Paolo Tarra
  80. Keith Señido
  81. Sheka Escalante
  82. Katrina Ortiz
  83. Kent Cumpio
  84. Engracion Arias
  85. Dorothy Anne Bueno
  86. Lutero, Jose Lorenzo
  87. Dianeroz Lim
  88. Jessarie Presado
  89. CK Pagtalunan
  90. Rajah Vien Jabolin 
  91. Bernadette Almanzor
  92. Hiedi Veronica Cortejo
  93. Ramir  Corcolon
  94. Paula Acar
  95. Alyza Birad
  96. Dhanica Lumagbas 
  97. Lamar Moises Jeremiah Lioanag
  98. Donsol, Audrey B
  99. Alexis Clarebelle
  100. Ferdinand Gaite
  101. Ric Saturay
  102. Wil Patrick Tubog
  103. Andrea Napal
  104. Sophia Marynelle Tanedo
  105. Francine Barcelon 
  106. Rowena Reyes Boquiren, PhD
  107. Carl van Warmerdam 
  108. Iya, Trinidad
  109. Julliene Bagus
  110. Sukhgerel Dugersuren 
  111. Francia Villar
  112. Kookie Zayco
  113. Irish Roland
  114. Franchette Pabres
  115. Khristian Jeabie, Delirio
  116. Eak Raj Chhatkuli
  117. Reynaldo Alberto 
  118. Lance Trevore L. Cledera
  119. Marie Hannah Alarcon
  120. Blessa Espiritu
  121. Clarence Kim, Crisostomo
  122. Desiree Bustamante
  123. Yuan Ecaruan
  124. Fenna Moscare
  125. John Anthony Platino
  126. Tyler
  127. Ashlley Detablan
  128. Aidan Durias
  129. Reymar Noriel
  130. Ezra Carumba
  131. Mae Fe Templa 
  132. Yllang Montenegro
  133. Rainie Edz Dampitan
  134. Matthew Roble
  135. Eco Dangla
  136. Eugene Velasco
  137. Maria Carmela Bravo
  138. Francis Villabroza
  139. Enrico Almonguerra
  140. Gabrielle Lopez
  141. Flod Castro
  142. Marian Almanzor 
  143. Brex Arevalo
  144. Jacob Olaño
  145. Han Pastores
  146. Paulynn Canceko
  147. Dianne Axalan
  148. Michael Boyland
  149. Kent Benedict Balon
  150. Carla Padilla
  151. Shayne Joy Lo
  152. Khatriz, Lim
  153. Rafael Anton Libunao
  154. Alex Padolina
  155. AJ Dalagan
  156. Trinity Nicole Policarpio
  157. Alphonze Mozo
  158. Pauline Salvania
  159. Lian Cabrera
  160. Isha Millares 
  161. Jelle Tarrobal
  162. Jon Bryx Ayag
  163. Rastelle May Rabe
  164. Maurice Ouma Odhiambo
  165. Anjo Luciano
  166. Nhya Atienza
  167. Sharie Alcantara 
  168. Martha, Medina
  169. Yna Celerio
  170. Glorie ann Climacosa
  171. Jose Enrico, Mendoza 
  172. Luke Henkel
  173. Francelino dos Santos Serra 
  174. Leila Yzabelle Nabiula
  175. Ana Celestial
  176. Mali Kay 
  177. Sam Endrel, Batalon
  178. Julia Jimenez
  179. Lorena Cotza
  180. Wrenz Joshua Sarmiento 
  181. Marco Sebastian Tueres
  182. Maujerie Ann Miranda
  183. Alicia Lucena
  184. Lorraine M.
  185. Danna Lee, Acosta
  186. April Dyan Gumanao
  187. Armand Jake Dayoha
  188. Sean Patrick Abiera
  189. Aprilyn T. Perido
  190. Marie Grace Flores
  191. rose buenconsejo
  192. Iman Fatima Ditchon
  193. Feb
  194. Rosie Lucente
  195. Kristine Joice Leray
  196. Christ Duslty G. Tan
  197. Asel Dunganaeva
  198. Khushi Kabir
  199. J-nelle, Avila
  200. Sunzida Sultana 
  201. LIpi Rahman
  202. Alma Sinumlag
  203. Enrique Vergel
  204. Merel van der Mark
  205. Satoko Itani
  206. Reiko Ogawa
  207. Hisako, Motoyama
  208. Izumi Sakamoto
  209. Rob
  210. Sheril
  211. Michon Eben
  212. Thomas Wiley
  213. Paul Andrade 
  214. John Stuckey
  215. Mark AV Ambay III
  216. Parus, Shah 
  217. Vernie Yocogan-Diano
  218. Chris, Zorn
  219. Valencia, Angel
  220. Tommo Clubley
  221. Janice Kelly
  222. Remalyn Sabido
  223. Mary Cotter
  224. Robert Baker 
  225. Yayoi Okura
  226. Martin Oliver
  227. Michael Bucci
  228. Debanjana 
  229. Kristina Stockwood
  230. Simone Galimberti
  231. Sanam Amin
  232. Alex Eisenberg
  233. Jared Hastings
  234. Jean Reynolds
  235. Lenore Navarro Dowling
  236. Anne Verzijl 
  237. Geraldine Reardon
  238. Mercedita De Jesus
  239. Elizabeth Stevenson
  240. Canon Barry Naylor
  241. Rod Such
  242. David Kim-Cragg
  243. Paul Bloom
  244. pierre goldberger
  245. Ferdinand Gaite
  246. Kent Gibbons
  247. Lilay Saplor
  248. Rev. Sandie
  249. Bruce Van Voorhis
  250. Patricio D. Valenzuela
  251. Rhonda Ramiro 
  252. Sheryl cadman 
  253. Jeanne Manning Stright
  254. Saoirse Cox
  255. Bridge Cosme
  256. Melynn Smith
  257. Dr. Ligaya McGovern
  258. Jinwoo Jeong
  259. Gloria baughman
  260. Lyn

(36 requested to remain anonymous)

(Signatories will be added here periodically)

Sign on to urgently call to immediately and safely surface Rowena Dasig, a dedicated Filipina youth leader and environmental advocate:

https://tinyurl.com/SurfaceRowenaDasig

#SurfaceAllDisappeared #DefendTheDefenders