“We condemn in the strongest terms the brutal assassination in Tagbilaran, Bohol, last February 15, of Atty. Mia Manuelita Cumba Mascariñas-Green, a staunch environmental lawyer and defender of women’s and children’s rights. Greenpeace calls on the authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Those who cause environmental destruction are resorting to savage measures and deplorable acts to stop communities and people who are standing up to protect our imperiled environment and the very ecosystems that support the lives and livelihoods of our people. Since 2010, the number of environmental defenders who have been killed is nearing a hundred. Thirty-three were killed in 2015 alone.* We cannot allow this to go on!”
“It is our duty as Filipinos to fight against this culture of impunity. We must stand up against injustice, savagery, and the use of violence to silence those who are working to make this world a better place. Let our grief and our outrage at such horrifying acts be heard. Let our actions and people’s movements spur our society towards a green and peaceful future. We demand justice for Mia.”
Note to Editors:
*https://www.globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/environmental-activists/dangerous-ground/
Media Inquiries:
Yeb Saño, Executive Director, Greenpeace Southeast Asia
+639985623578 |
[email protected]
JP Agcaoili, Communications Manager, Greenpeace Southeast Asia – Philippines
+639498891334 | [email protected]