PNP takes exception to Global Witness report

July 31, 2019

The head of the Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Wednesday said the London-based watchdog Global Witness may have missed a point after labeling the country as “deadliest” place for environmental defenders.

In a statement, Police General Oscar Albayalde said they take strong exception to the labeling of the organization.

“Land dispute has always been a perennial source of conflict among people, and this has been among several motives behind some homicides investigated by the PNP,” he said.

Albayalde said the reality is the activities of the local communist movement in the countryside are also a factor in armed conflicts over land rights.

“And many tribal leaders, community officials and government security forces have died protecting land rights against insurgents who want to place these communities under their control,” he said.

“Global Witness may have missed this point in its survey,” he said.

Albayalde assured the public that every incident of violence stemming from whatever motive is promptly investigated by police.

In their 2018 report, Global Witness said the Philippines has replaced Brazil as the deadliest country for environmental defenders after they have documented 30 deaths, including the nine farmers killed in Sagay, Negros Occidental. Ella Dionisio/DMS