Environmental groups and human rights defenders picketed in front of the Court of Appeals to support Francisco “Eco” Dangla III on January 10, his hearing for the petition for writ of amparo and habeas data and his request for permanent protection. Dangla and his companion Joxelle “Jak” Tiong were abducted by state forces on March 24, 2024 in Barangay Polo, San Carlos City, Pangasinan.

The hearing progressed after the Supreme Court upheld Dangla’s petition in a September 9, 2024 decision publicized on October 30, 2024. The writ of amparo is a protection for individuals or groups whose lives, liberty and safety are threatened by the military, police and state. The habeas data, meanwhile, mandates state agencies to release and destroy all documents or information gathered by the military and police against these groups.

Named in the petition are Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, Brig. Gen. Gulliver Señires as commander of the 702nd IBde, Ilocos Region police chief Police Brig. Gen. Lou Evangelista and Police Col. Jeff Fanged as police chief of Pangasinan.

In the temporary protection granted by the Supreme Court, the mentioned military and police officials and all entities they can mobilize or order were prohibited from approaching Dangla and Tiong and their families up to one kilometer.

The Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (PNE) called on the Court of Appeals to immediately grant permanent protection to Dangla in the name of justice and defense of human rights and environmental advocates.

“The relentless vilification and terror tagging of environmental defenders have fueled a dangerous surge in abductions,” Kalikasan PNE advocacy officer Jonila Castro said. Castro, and her companion Jhed Tamano, were also victims of abduction by state forces in September 2023.

Dangla said his filing of the petition will not only serve as protection for him but for his fellow environmental defenders. “To bring attention to the worsening attacks on environmental defenders nationwide,” he further stated.