ALYANSA NG MGA MAMAMAYAN PARA SA PAGTANGGOL SA KABUHAYAN, PANINIRAHAN AT KALIKASAN NG MANILA BAY (AKAP KA MANILA BAY)

AKAP Ka-Manila Bay is an alliance of church members and fisherfolk organizations dedicated to addressing the issues faced by marginalized communities along the Manila Bay area. Their mission is to defend the livelihoods, communities, and environment, particularly the coastal regions of Manila Bay.

For the past six years, AKAP Ka has been at the forefront of the campaign against reclamation in Manila Bay. One of their most significant battles was against the San Miguel Corporation’s New Manila International Airport project, which led to the destruction of lush mangrove forests and the displacement of hundreds of fisherfolk in Bulacan.

Two of their members, Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano, both young activists, courageously defended the coastal communities of Manila Bay despite the risks of being red-tagged. In September 2023, state forces abducted Jhed and Jonila for their work as environmental defenders. At present, Jhed and Jonila continue to endure judicial harassment. Jonila and Jhed, through their unrelenting spirit to fight against reclamation projects in Bataan, have become inspiring figures for the youth who continue to advocate for environmental protection and the rights of fisherfolks and the coastal communities in Manila Bay and across the nation.