Malacañang on Saturday downplayed a recent report which listed the Philippines as third among the deadliest countries for environmental activists. In a statement, Palace spokesman Ernesto Abella said the government does not condone violence committed against environment defenders in the country. The group branded 2016 as the “deadliest year on record” for environmental activists, with killings that year both “growing and spreading” worldwide. It cites that 200 environmental activists were murdered in 24 countries, higher than the 185 slain in 16 countries in 2015. The Philippines was ranked third among the deadliest countries for environmental activists with at least 28 murders recorded in 2016.

Source: Manila Times July 15, 2017 16:41 UTC