Surface Orion 2! Defend the Defenders
GABRIELA USA calls to surface the Orion 2 and condemns this blatant attack on women and the environment! On September 2, two environmental activists were abducted in Orion, Bataan, both of whom were young women. Jonila Castro, 21, is a community organizer with AKAP KA Manila Bay, and Jhed Tamano, 22, is a coordinator of the Ecumenical Bishops Forum. Both were deeply involved with protecting the Manila Bay against reclamation projects that threaten the livelihood of the environment and the people.
Reclamation projects in the Manila Bay have been heavily contested between the government, who wants to increase its profits, and the local fisherfolk, peasants and people, whose lives and livelihood are intricately linked with the environment. These projects, also known as “dump-and-fill” projects, include building artificial islands so real estate companies can develop more hotels, casinos and restaurants. These projects could not only devastate the ocean and the life within it, but also ruin natural protections against climate disasters making the surrounding communities even more vulnerable to flooding and typhoons.
Bongbong Marcos Jr. recently halted 21 of these projects for “further investigation” by request of the United States, who raised concern over the presence of Chinese investment in some of the projects. During this suspension, many fisherfolk and activists continue to call for the complete ending of these projects. However, his priorities and loyalty lay with which country will give him the largest payout rather than the very people he is meant to serve.
Marcos’s response to the economic crisis that the people are bearing is not to alleviate their burden, but to silence and commit fascist attacks against those who speak out against his neglect. The Philippines is one of the most deadly countries in the world for environmental defenders. Castro and Tamano are the 12th and 13th forced disappearances since Marcos took office, already surpassing half of the amount of desaparecidos (disappeared) during Duterte’s regime of 20.
GABRIELA USA recognizes the people’s right to defend themselves and their environment. Women like Castro and Tamano are just in their cause to defend the environment, and in turn, they must be defended too!