A church worker vowed to continue defending the environment and to uphold the message of ‘Laudato si’ alive, despite the ordeal he had to endure due to an alleged state-sponsored abduction.
“We cannot stop from fighting for the environment and amplifying the voice of the communities affected by destructive projects,” said Francisco “Eco” Dangla III in a press briefing last week.
Dangla recounted the suffering he and fellow activist Joxelle “Jak” Tiaong endured after they were abducted by suspected state agents in San Carlos City, Pangasinan on March 24.
Dangla and Tiong are leaders of the Pangasinan People Strike for the Environment Inc. (PPSEI) and members of the Ecology Ministry of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan.
Throughout their captivity, they were blindfolded, beaten, and interrogated about supposed connections to the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army, according to Dangla.
He said their abductors employed extreme measures such as threatening to bury or burn them alive and making death threats against their families. After three agonizing days, they were released on March 27.
“After our release, I saw the overwhelming support on social media from various groups—the progressive groups, environmental groups, and various churches, including the Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan and Caritas,” he said.
Dangla said his experience made him realize that “despite the strength of our adversary, if we come together… whether it’s against plastic pollution, mining, or in support of environmental defenders, or the church’s care for the oppressed—the impact can be significant.”
He said the solidarity expressed by various organizations gave him the courage to persist in environmental activism, adding, “I may not live to see our efforts fully succeed, but they can inspire others not to be afraid.”
“Future generations will know that there were people who stood up for what is right and for the rights of the citizens. With this in mind, I remain committed to continuing our struggle,” he said.
