Surigao del Sur, Philippines — The Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), a coalition advocating against destructive mining activities, has strongly condemned the murder of Alberto Cuartero, an anti-mining advocate and barangay captain of Barangay Puyat in Carmen, Surigao del Sur. Cuartero was gunned down alongside another victim, Ronde Arpilleda Asis, on September 22, 2024, by unidentified assailants.
In a statement, Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of ATM, expressed outrage at the killing, noting that Cuartero was only trying to protect his community from the devastating effects of mining operations. “We are enraged that another environmental and human rights defender has been felled and now joins the ranks of hundreds of activists killed in the country,” Garganera said.
Cuartero had been a key figure in opposing large-scale mining in the region, particularly against the Tribu Manobo Mining Corporation (TMMC). He had testified in court, revealing irregularities in the company’s operations, including a fraudulent exploration permit. His advocacy focused on halting what he saw as destructive mining practices that were threatening the environment and livelihoods of local communities.
Mining Devastation in Surigao
Surigao del Sur, along with neighboring provinces in the Caraga region, has long been a hotspot for mining operations. The area is rich in mineral resources, particularly nickel, gold, and chromite. However, the extensive mining activities have led to widespread environmental destruction, including deforestation, soil erosion, and the contamination of water sources. Local communities, many of which are indigenous, have suffered displacement and loss of livelihoods due to mining-related damage.
Illegal mining activities, in particular, have caused significant harm in Surigao, with unregulated operations destroying biodiversity, causing landslides, and polluting rivers. Environmental activists like Cuartero have raised alarms about the long-term consequences of these extractive practices, arguing that the cost to the environment and local communities far outweighs the economic benefits.
The murder of Cuartero highlights the dangerous climate for environmental activists in the Philippines, especially those who stand against powerful corporate interests. Global Witness, an international watchdog, recently reported that the Philippines remains the deadliest country in Asia for environmental defenders, with numerous activists being killed each year in connection with their advocacy against mining, deforestation, and land grabbing.
Calls for Justice and Investigation
ATM has called for a thorough investigation into Cuartero’s death and the prosecution of those responsible. “We demand that police officials undertake all efforts to resolve this brutal killing. We further call on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to investigate the matter,” Garganera said.
The group also highlighted the broader context of violence against environmental defenders in the Philippines. From 2012 to 2023, the country recorded the highest number of killings of environmental defenders in Asia. Many of these cases remain unsolved, and perpetrators often go unpunished.
Cuartero’s death comes as a grim reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by communities standing up to large-scale resource extraction. His advocacy was rooted in the desire to protect his constituents from the social and environmental costs of mining, but it also put him in harm’s way.
Global Call to Protect Environmental Defenders
In recent years, Pope Francis, through his encyclical Laudato Si’, has called for greater protection of the environment and a halt to the exploitation of natural resources. He has also urged governments and citizens to safeguard environmental defenders and indigenous communities, who are often the first line of defense against destructive industries.
Cuartero’s murder adds to the growing list of activists who have paid the ultimate price for defending the environment. The tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for those who risk their lives to advocate for the environment and the rights of indigenous people. As the Philippines continues to grapple with balancing economic growth and environmental preservation, the case of Alberto Cuartero stands as a sobering reminder of the cost of unchecked resource exploitation.
Environmental groups, both local and international, are now calling for greater accountability and an end to the impunity that allows such killings to continue. For many in Surigao and across the Philippines, the fight to protect their land, water, and way of life goes on, despite the increasing risks.
