Philippines: In the Defense of the Environment: Women Activists on the Front Lines

Mar 8, 2020 | Gaea Katreena Cabico, Phil Star Global
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MANILA, Philippines — Jinky Malibato has been seeking sanctuary in the United Church of Christ in the Philippines in Davao City for five years, the second home of over 500 internally displaced Lumad people.

She and her family fled their community in Kapalong town in Davao del Norte in early 2015 because of attacks by soldiers and paramilitary groups.

But seeking refuge in a place far from home does not mean Malibato is backing down. The 19-year-old Lumad student is leading her fellow youth in standing up for human rights and defending their ancestral lands from mining and other “development” projects.