The Philippines remained the deadliest country in Asia for environmental defenders in 2025, with 12 land and environmental defenders killed, according to a report released Wednesday by climate justice watchdog Global Witness.
In the latest report by Global Witness, the Philippines tied with Honduras for the third-highest number of killings globally, behind Colombia with 39 and Brazil with 26.
The 12 land and environmental defenders killed in the Philippines in 2025, according to Global Witness, were:
- Ali Jejhon Macalintal
- Davie Ugking
- Fernando Promboy
- Hulyo Agtay
- Joan Escuadro
- Juan Sumilhig
- Nickasio Tayas Mindo
- Ramon M. Lupos
- Rico Gonzaga Malubay
- Rudolph Dela Cruz Espe
- Veronico Anterio
- Warlita Jimenez
Six of those killed were Indigenous people, while three were small-scale farmers. The list also included a journalist and two other defenders, according to the report.
Global Witness said five of the 12 killings involved the suspected participation of members of the Philippine military.
Among the cases cited was that of 65-year-old farmer Veronico Anterio, who Global Witness said was allegedly shot dead by soldiers after speaking out against restrictions linked to an increased military presence in Samar.
On September 17, environmental group Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment held a rally outside Camp Crame to denounce attacks and alleged harassment against environmental defenders.
The group called on the government to "end the use of state forces and criminal proceedings to suppress peaceful opposition" and demanded genuine accountability for killings and 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 added.
The watchdog also cited red-tagging, or the labeling of activists as communists or terrorists, as a form of pressure against environmental defenders.
Global Witness documented at least 124 killings of land and environmental defenders in 2025 globally, bringing the total number of killings and long-term disappearances recorded since 2012 to 2,375.
Colombia recorded the highest number of killings with 39, followed by Brazil with 26, while Honduras and the Philippines each recorded 12. Mexico recorded 10 killings.
