FREE KASIBU 11! DEFEND KASIBU!

FREE KASIBU 11! DEFEND KASIBU!

A Call for Solidarity from Blue Earth Defense – Global
Blue Earth Defense – Global stands in solidarity with the people of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, and the eleven (11) environmental and human rights defenders who are currently detained following their arrest on August 28, when police attempted to break through a community barricade to facilitate the entry of crude oil for the mining exploration of North Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation (NLMRC).

We strongly condemn the continuing harassment, arrests, and filing of cases against community members who are defending their land, environment, lives, and livelihoods.

The people of Kasibu have the right to organize, to peacefully resist activities that threaten their communities, and to meaningfully participate in decisions affecting their territories. We are particularly concerned by the reported lack of genuine consultation with mining-affected communities.

Blue Earth Defense – Global calls on the Philippine government to:
• Immediately release the Kasibu 11;
• Drop the cases filed against the detained defenders;
• Conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the violent incidents surrounding the arrests; and
• Respect the rights of communities to meaningful consultation, participation, and self-determination over activities affecting their lands and livelihoods.

We call on our networks, allies, and the international community to stand with Kasibu and support their continuing struggle to defend their land, lives, and livelihoods.

The Kasibu 11 also urgently need financial support for their legal defense and the cases they are currently facing. Contributions toward their legal expenses can help provide the legal assistance they need while defending their rights and supporting their families during these proceedings.

FREE KASIBU 11!
DEFEND KASIBU!
SUPPORT THEIR LEGAL DEFENSE!

Blue Earth Defense – Global