Mongabay · Climate & nature

Philippines Deadliest Asian Nation for Environmental Defenders

A report by Global Witness identifies the Philippines as Asia's most dangerous country for land and environmental defenders for the 13th consecutive year.

In 2025, 12 defenders were killed in the Philippines, representing 12% of verified global killings. While Latin America saw the majority of deaths, the Philippines recorded the highest number outside that region.

The Philippine military is suspected of involvement in five of the 12 killings, linked to counterinsurgency campaigns and resource extraction projects.

Environmental groups state that attacks are embedded in state policies supporting extractive projects, with defenders facing legal harassment and criminalization beyond killings.

In the Philippines, activists are frequently subjected to 'red tagging,' falsely labeling them as insurgents, with 227 activists facing terror charges in 2025.

The current administration has expanded policies allowing foreign access to natural resources and fast-tracking mineral extraction, intensifying conflict for resisting communities.

Advocacy groups call for an end to impunity, repeal of the Anti-Terrorism Act, dismantling of repressive mechanisms, and a review of environmentally damaging projects.

They also urge a shift towards national industrialization and development policies that prioritize Filipino interests over foreign corporate profits.

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