Drilled How the U.S. Got the World to View Environmentalists as "Terrorists"
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May 7, 2025 Wendell Bulingot, Chairperson of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance and indigenous Igorot activist, shares his harrowing experiences with state oppression and being labeled a terrorist for defending ancestral lands. Joined by Jason Lamcheck, a research fellow focusing on human rights, they discuss the alarming trend of criminalizing environmental protests post-9/11. The duo explores how U.S. imperialism and counterterrorism policies have merged, endangering activists globally. Their candid insights highlight the resilience of those fighting for environmental justice amid relentless repression.
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U.S. Role in Global Crackdown
- The U.S. military and national security agencies play a significant role in criminalizing environmental protests worldwide.
- The Philippines exemplifies how anti-terror laws, backed by the U.S., target indigenous environmental defenders.
Wendell's Early Life and Values
- Wendell Bulingot, an indigenous leader, grew up amid conflict and military occupation in his community.
- He learned early that land is life, inspiring his lifelong defense of indigenous environmental rights.
Philippines' Conflict and Red Tagging
- The Philippines has a long civil conflict rooted in dictatorship and U.S. Cold War alliances.
- Environmental activists have consistently been labeled as communists or terrorists to undermine their movements.