Dropping of charges against Greenpeace activists sought

CEBU, Philippines — Environmental groups are calling for the immediate dismissal of charges against four Greenpeace Southeast Asia activists from the Philippines who were arrested during a peaceful protest at the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Lapu-Lapu City.

The activists were detained on Friday, May 8, after staging a demonstration urging ASEAN leaders to take stronger action against plastic pollution and to shift away from fossil fuels.

They were later released on bail on May 9, but are now facing charges for alleged violation of Batas Pambansa Bilang 880 or the Public Assembly Act of 1985.

The four environmental groups pushing for the dismissal of charges are Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS); EcoWaste Coalition; Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment, and Sustainable Economy (GCSFHE); and Green Party of the Philippines (GPP).

IDIS defended the activists, saying the protest was peaceful and aimed at raising attention to the worsening plastic pollution crisis.

IDIS Executive Director Atty. Mark Peñalver said the action should be supported rather than suppressed.

The EcoWaste Coalition said the charges have no place in a democratic society where freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are protected under the Constitution.

Environmental lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos also said the arrests contradict ASEAN’s commitment to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

Meanwhile, GCSFHE stressed that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and said environmental advocates should be heard rather than silenced.

The GPP also condemned the arrests, saying they reflect disregard for legitimate environmental concerns raised by activists.

Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Mariann Ledesma added that the real threat in Southeast Asia is not activism but the continued failure of governments to address climate change, plastic pollution, and inequality.

Further, the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) said the filing of charges reflects continued concerns over the treatment of peaceful assemblies and civic actions.

PAHRA Secretary General Egay Cabalitan said the use of BP 880 has long been associated with arrests and harassment of activists, undermining basic freedoms and human rights. — /MRM (FREEMAN)