Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment
Press Release
22 January 2024
Green Group Demands Action from Marcos Jr. as Shear Line Rains Devastate Davao Region
Environmental group Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) condemned the Marcos Jr. administration for its inaction and “willful neglect” in the face of the ongoing shear line disaster that has ravaged the Davao region. With 12 confirmed deaths and over 80,000 families displaced, the group blamed “continued deforestation and mining operations” for exacerbating the impact of this weather event.
“Marcos Jr.’s continued inaction towards resolving climate disasters like this shear line is a stark betrayal of his supposed commitment to environmental protection,” said Jon Bonifacio, National Coordinator of Kalikasan PNE. “His administration’s permissive stance towards big corporations that massacre the environment has demonstrably worsened the impacts of climate change, leading to devastating consequences for the people of Davao.”
The current shear line event wreaked havoc across the region, triggering floods, landslides, and infrastructure damage. According to the latest report from the Office of Civil Defense-Davao Region (OCD-Davao), over 80,000 families have been impacted, with the death toll tragically reaching 12.
Kalikasan PNE contended that rampant deforestation and large-scale mining operations have significantly intensified the impact of the shear line. By stripping away land cover and disrupting natural drainage patterns, these activities exacerbate flooding and landslide risks.
“Giant mining corporations must be held accountable for their role in further damaging Mindanao’s ecosystems,” said Bonifacio. “Furthermore, Marcos Jr. must face consequences for enabling their entry and large-scale operations, which demonstrably contribute to these climate disasters.”
Kalikasan PNE demanded that the Marcos Jr. administration implement immediate and effective disaster response measures, prioritizing the safety and well-being of affected communities. Additionally, the group called for a long-term strategy to address the root causes of climate vulnerability, including stricter environmental regulations, sustainable development practices, and a genuine commitment to protecting Mindanao’s fragile ecosystems.
Kalikasan PNE reiterated its call for the Marcos Jr. administration to “break its silence, acknowledge its role in causing devastation, and finally take concrete steps towards a more sustainable and resilient future for Mindanao and other parts of the country.” #
Contact:
John Carlo Magallon / Communications Officer, Kalikasan PNE
[email protected] / 0955 299 5309
