Ilocos green group condemns killing of environmental advocate

VIGAN CITY, Philippines — Environmental group Defend-Ilocos has condemned the killing of former broadcaster Mario Contaoi, who was gunned down last week in Vigan City.

Sherwin de Vera, regional coordinator of Defend-Ilocos said Contaoi was also an environmental advocate on issues in the Ilocos region.

"We grieve with his family, friends and colleagues," de Vera said, adding, "we are appalled that despite the promise of change by this administration, murder with impunity remains to be a trend."

De Vera, though, acknowledged that while the assailant’s motive remains unclear, "the authorities must not discount his previous stint as radio commentator and his sharp commentaries on environmental issues as possible reasons for his murder."

De Vera said that during the victim's stint as announcer of DZNS Radyo Totoo Vigan City, "Contaoi's program regularly [echoed] our statements and analysis regarding ecological concerns and the involvement of local officials for the destruction of the environment." 

He added that Cantaoi "is fast and sharp voicing his disapproval, sometimes even naming authorities, for their failure to curb and address transgressions committed against nature."

De Vera added that the last time that Contaoi invited them to speak on his radio program last June, he asked straightforward questions on a eucalyptus plantation in Sta. Cruz and mining in Quirino town.

Probing deeper, de Vera added, "he asked about the relationship between the heavy military deployment in the area and the possible involvement of local officials on the said issues."

With his death, Defend-Ilocos said, "we and the people lost another ally against the plunderers of natural resources. But we will not be cowed nor silenced."