A Cebu-based labor alliance condemned on Friday the arrest of four environmental activists from Greenpeace Southeast Asia during a protest held alongside the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu.
AMA Sugbo-KMU said the activists were peacefully calling on Southeast Asian leaders to address the region’s worsening plastic and waste crisis when authorities detained them on May 8, 2026.
The group said the demonstration focused on environmental concerns including landfill failures, toxic fires, polluted air, and growing plastic pollution affecting communities across Southeast Asia.
“We at AMA Sugbo-KMU condemn the arrest of four environmental activists from Greenpeace Southeast Asia earlier today, May 8, 2026, while they were peacefully staging a protest calling on ASEAN leaders to address the worsening plastic and waste crisis,” the group said in a statement.
The labor alliance linked the incident to what it described as a continuing pattern of harassment against activists and critics of government and corporate policies.
It also recalled its past collaboration with Greenpeace during the aftermath of the Binaliw landfill tragedy, which killed 39 waste workers in Cebu. The group said joint fact-finding missions led to findings of alleged labor violations and environmental neglect involving Prime Waste Solutions Cebu and concerned agencies.
The alliance said these efforts later contributed to the formation of the Justice for Prime Waste 39 Network, which pushed for accountability for affected workers and residents.
The group also raised concerns over earlier cases involving its leaders, claiming they were subjected to legal and political pressure linked to protest actions in recent years.
AMA Sugbo-KMU accused authorities of using security measures during the ASEAN Summit to suppress dissent, including restrictions in designated areas and tighter controls on public demonstrations.
It also criticized broader government policies on mining and fisheries, arguing these favor corporate interests at the expense of environmental protection.
Meanwhile, police authorities defended security protocols implemented around summit venues, saying restrictions are necessary to ensure the safety of delegates and the orderly conduct of the international event.
The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office warned that unauthorized rallies and disruptions within restricted areas are prohibited during the summit period and will be dealt with under existing laws.
Police urged the public to coordinate with authorities and report security concerns through proper channels, including emergency hotlines.
AMA Sugbo-KMU called for the immediate release of the detained activists and urged authorities to respect the right to peaceful protest. (LLP)
Photo courtesy of Greenpeace Philippines
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