APCHRP Demands Safe Return of Abducted Environmental Activists, Condemns Red-tagging, and Calls for Abolition of NTF-ELCAC and Anti-Terrorism Law
Environmental activists, Francisco “Eco” Dangla III and Axielle “Jak” Tiong, were abducted by individuals in a waiting SUV at 8:00 pm on March 24th in Barangay Polo, San Carlos City, Pangasinan. Before this incident, the two staunch defenders of human rights had already been subjected to relentless red-tagging, surveillance, and various forms of harassment.
From the testimony of the tricycle driver who dropped off Dangla and Tiong, he recalled how their tricycle was flagged down and the driver was forced on the ground by the abductors. The driver was also threatened not to approach law enforcement or media about what had just transpired. Suspiciously, during the police interrogation after the incident, the cops prohibited the relatives of the two abducted activists from hearing the driver’s testimony.
Dangla and Tiong are ardent champions of environmental rights, as they were both convenors of the Pangasinan People’s Strike for the Environment. They worked closely on protecting Lingayen Gulf from black sand mining, opposed the six nuclear plants proposed in Labrador town, campaigned against coal-fired power plants, and proposed waste incinerators for waste-to-energy.
“Through their unwavering dedication to human rights and environmental protection, these individuals have shown a remarkable commitment to safeguarding nature from destructive projects,” says Sr. Patricia Fox. “Authorities must prioritize their safety and collaborate with their families and friends to ensure their safe return.”
Sr. Fox highlighted the escalating human rights violations under the new Marcos regime, referencing the 22 incidents of abductions since the start of the term. Even more alarming, 14 of these cases targeted environmental defenders. These wanton and systematic human rights violations pervading the state of impunity emphasizes the urgent need to combat red-tagging, which endangers the lives of activists and serves as a precursor to extrajudicial killings. It lays the necessity for dismantling the NTF-ELCAC and repealing the Anti-Terrorism Law, which has done nothing but empower the Marcos regime to terrorize its citizens with impunity.
APCHRP vehemently condemns the egregious abduction of Dangla and Tiong and holds the state responsible for these senseless atrocities against environmental defenders. The coalition urgently calls on all peace-loving citizens, environmental activists advocates, and human rights organizations throughout the Asia-Pacific region to rally behind the #SurfaceEcoSurfaceJak movement and ensure their safe return without delay.
You may show your support by signing on to the statement calling for their safe release. The statement can be found below and you may sign on here: https://forms.gle/oaW6ipUy68Bdkg2G7
Surface Eco Dangla and Joxielle Tiong!
Surface all desaparecidos!
Reference: Sr. Patricia Fox APCHRP Spokesperson
Phone: 0423 233 152
Email: apchrp2019@gmail.com
