[STATEMENT] Reverse SC’s acquittal of Nuguid! Justice for environmental hero, Wilhelm Geertman!

Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK) condemns the recent decision of the Supreme Court (SC), which acquitted Marvin Nuguid, the murderer of one of GBK 2013’s most distinguished Individual Awardees, Wilhelm Geertman. The SC’s reference to “glaring inconsistencies” in witness testimonies not only denies justice for Geertman but also reflects the weakness of the justice system in the Philippines.

In a recent post from KARAPATAN Central Luzon, Au Santiago, Secretary General of BAYAN Central Luzon and Willem’s long-time partner, described the decision as ‘heartbreaking and enraging’. “For years, we have fought for justice, only to be told that our pain and the truth can be set aside with a few legal phrases. Willem devoted his life to the poor and oppressed. This acquittal feels like a second killing—this time of his memory, and of our hope for justice,” Santiago expressed. 

The rights organization also called this decision a further insult, from the robbery-homicide narrative, which downplayed the political nature of Geertman’s murder. 

Despite being born in the Netherlands, Wilhelm dedicated 46 years of his life to serving local communities in the Philippines. He helped people with struggles for land rights, as well as human rights issues, during the Marcos regime and the Arroyo presidency, and served in numerous NGOs like the Alay Bayan-Luson Incorporated, where he served as Executive Director until his murder on July 3, 2012.  

During the time of his killing, he was active in advocating and promoting the rights of peasant workers, as well as campaigning against large-scale mining and other destructive environmental activities. 

GBK calls on the Supreme Court to reverse its decision regarding Nuguid’s acquittal. The practice of overturning just rulings must come to an end. It is not the court’s role to deny justice to victims of human rights violations and crimes. Instead, the court should take the lead in upholding justice, particularly in a country that remains one of the most dangerous in the world for environmental defenders.

Moreover, we also call on the Marcos Jr. government to abolish the Anti-Terror Law and NTF-ELCAC, which continuously red-tag and put environmental defenders and activists’ rights and lives in danger.

GBK stands in solidarity with the family and community of Geertman. As an award-giving body committed to honoring environmental heroes, we will continue to remember him as an extraordinary servant to both the environment and the people. The GBK commits to sharing his legacy and values by upholding his pursuit of justice and beyond.