Philippines Remains Asia's Deadliest Country for Environmental Defenders for 13th Straight Year

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines recorded 12 killings of land and environmental defenders in 2025, the highest in Asia, according to a report by watchdog group Global Witness released on Wednesday, September 16. This is the 13th consecutive time the Philippines ranked as the deadliest country for environmental defenders in Asia. These are the environmental defenders identified by Global Witness in its 2025 report: Ali Jejhon Macalintal Davie Ugking Fernando Promboy Hulyo Agtay Joan Escuadro Juan Sumilhig Nickasio Tayas Mindo Ramon Lupos Rico Malubay Rudolph Dela Cruz Espe Veronico Anterio Warlita Jimenez Global Witness said violence against defenders in the Philippines was linked to the government’s counterinsurgency programs and extractive projects. Five of the killings involved the suspected participation of members of the Philippine military, according to the report. Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, in a statement on Thursday, September 17, condemened the attacks against environmental defenders. “The right to defend the land is the right to defend life. The right to protest is a fundamental right, never a crime,” the group said. Kalikasan also accused state institutions, including security and legal agencies, of being used to target communities through what it described as fabricated charges, terrorist accusations, and intimidation. Last September 10, five paralegals were arrested, while dozens were hurt in a protest against Pax Silica. The protest was held outside an event where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was meeting investors for the Luzon development project. Environmental groups have raised concerns over the environmental impacts of Pax Silica in the country. The Global Witness report said at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed globally in 2025, with Colombia remaining the deadliest country with 39 cases, followed by Brazil with 26 cases. The Philippines tied with Honduras at third with 12 cases. – Rappler.com