PMPI strongly condemns the injunction filed by EMIR Mineral Resources Corporation against members of the Homonhon Environmental Advocates and Rights Defenders (HEARD) and local community leaders. The case targets at least six individuals—Carmi G. Macapagao, Dioniosio Bandoy, Jeremy Padilla, Nelson Badenas, Ruben Badeo, Kerrilyn Rose Hombria—and other unnamed Jane and John Does.
This legal action is the latest in a disturbing pattern of harassment faced by environmental defenders in Homonhon, perpetuated by entities with vested commercial interests in the island’s natural resources.
Carmi, known to her friends and family as a passionate and principled advocate, has been at the forefront of the anti-mining movement in Homonhon. She is especially committed to protecting the island’s dwindling freshwater sources. The case filed against her and fellow defenders is a clear attempt to weaponize the legal system—using it not for justice, but as a tool of intimidation against those who dare to speak truth to power.
This is not merely a legal matter; it is a moral one. It strikes at the heart of democratic expression and the fundamental right to defend our environment. PMPI stands in solidarity with HEARD and all environmental defenders who continue to resist exploitation and uphold the integrity of our ecosystems.
No one should ever be punished for defending their water sources or standing up for the environment. We firmly reject the weaponization of the law against environmental human rights defenders and call for the immediate dismissal of all charges filed against them.
Environmental defenders are not criminals—they are protectors of our ecosystems, guardians of our communities, and stewards of our future. Their work is essential, not only for Homonhon, but for the survival of our planet.
We urge the public and all institutions to see through this unjust case and recognize the critical role that local communities play in safeguarding our natural resources from irreversible harm.
We stand in unwavering solidarity with the environmental defenders of Homonhon. 𝐍𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐘𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞. 𝐘𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞.
