We, the undersigned, express our full support for the motion to quash or repeal the warrant of arrest on Angie B. Ipong for the fabricated charge of murder by Judge Lou A. Nueva of Bayugan, Agusan del Sur.

Angie B. Ipong, 75 years old, is a known agroecologist who has been giving seminars and trainings to different groups on how to grow food crops using the organic farming method. In her capacity as having studied agroecology at the Asian Rural Institute in Japan, Angie has extensively promoted organic farming to many areas in Luzon, Mindanao and the Visayas. She has worked closely with government agencies such as the National Anti-Poverty Commission, the Philippine Commission on Women and the Department of Agrarian Reform to promote Philippine agriculture, specifically organic farming as a viable livelihood program, not just for the rural areas but for the cities as well. She has gone the rounds of the state colleges such as Benguet State University, St Louie University, UP Los Banos to encourage young people to nurture the land and develop the country’s economy and resources through organic food production.

From March 11-17, 2018 Ms Ipong represented the Philippines in the United Nation Conference in New York on Rural Women’s Empowerment. That same year on March 15, she was cited by CNN Philippines as “one of four women changing Philippine agriculture.” Earlier, in October 8, 2017, she was also a recipient of the Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda Award given by the Coalition of Services by the Elderly for “selflessly serving others…”

Angie Ipong’s contribution in the field of agroecology cannot be denied nor ignored. Her dedication to teach young people to nurture the soil has been much appreciated, not only towards creating more food and improving the people’s quality of life but it has also been a creative way of weaning away the youth from the drug menace and other anti-social activities.

While suffering from diabetes, arthritis and usual ailments of the elderly, Angie Ipong has tenaciously and consistently did what she calls her “life’s mission.” Her consistent practice of caring for the land and encouraging people to plant has been a source of constant inspiration for all. It would be to society’s advantage if Ms. Ipong could continue her work freely, without the threat of an arrest warrant, outside of prison walls.

We therefore petition the courts and the Duterte administration to quash the fabricated charge against Angie Ipong. The country needs devoted and sincere people like her, whose only fault is to work very hard so the people can have a better life.