Killing of anti-mining advocate Al Cuartero condemned

ATM Statement | September 25, 2024

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) strongly condemns the killing of anti-mining advocate Al Cuartero, a Barangay Captain of Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur.

Cuartero, together with another victim, Ronde Arpilleda Asis, were gunned down last September 22 by an unidentified assailant.

Cuartero has firmly and consistently opposed mining in Carmen. He was one of the witnesses who testified in court and exposed the falsified exploration permit of Tribu Manobo Mining Corporation (TMMC).

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.

Just recently, international watchdog Global Witness reported that the Philippines remains the “most dangerous country” in Asia for environmental activists.  From 2012 to 2023, the country has had the highest number of advocates killed in the region.  

We call on government authorities to conduct a serious investigation on the murder of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice. We demand that police officials undertake all efforts to resolve this brutal killing.

We further call on the Department of Local Government (DILG) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to investigate the matter.

No to Impunity! Justice for Al Cuartero!