CPDG calls out the arrest and detention of anti-mining leader Florentino Daynos II of the Dupax del Norte Environmental Defenders (DDNED). Daynos was arrested and detained at the Malasin Philippine National Police station in Dupax del Norte on charges of grave threats and coercion. According to one of his lawyers, no subpoena was issued before the arrest.
This comes after a series of legal harassment cases against Bishop Elmer Mangalinao, Fr. Christian Dumangeng, and several members of the community who were previously charged with forcible entry, including anti-mining lawyers Atty. Edgardo C. Balgos and Atty. Fidel Santos. Both lawyers are facing cyberlibel complaints filed by North Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation (NLMRC).
CPDG denounces the institutionalization of lawfare through the filing of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation or SLAPPs against environmental and human rights defenders. SLAPPs, as well as the anti-terrorism laws and mechanisms, hinder legitimate struggles of communities against anti-people policies, programs and projects—denying the people their economic, social and cultural rights and the right to genuine participation in development and democratic governance.
While Daynos is out on bail this afternoon of August 4, CPDG urgently calls for the dismissal of all unfounded and retaliatory charges against the anti-mining leader and all land and environmental defenders. We urge an end to the judicial harassment and criminalization of legitimate people’s assertion of their rights.
We urge our legislators and policymakers to prioritize the legislation of the Anti-SLAPP Bill (House Bill 5592), as well as the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill (several versions of the bill have been filed in Congress). #
#DefendTheDefenders #StopCorporatePlunder #AntiSLAPPBill
#AssertCivicSpace #AssertPeoplesRights