A high-profile assignment hit my desk in July 2017. I was to fly to Manila and meet the just-fired Philippines Secretary of the Environment, Gina Lopez. She had become a celebrated island warrior after being nominated by President Duarte in 2016, immediately shutting down mining companies who destroyed some of the Philippines’ most beautiful island communities. Despite death threats she remained ruthless. The mining companies had never seen defeat. They were infuriated. They used their political sway to have Lopez ousted by the government.
I joined Gina Lopez for a week in the aftermath. At times it felt dangerous, as we passed mining operations and hid our cameras. At times it was celebratory, as we caravanned through the streets of Manila. At times it was poignant, as Ms. Lopez learned of her cancer spreading. The whole nation seemed to rise in her support while I was there, even while corrupt officials lurked. She brought me into her home as a family member would. I’ll never forget it.
We lost a great one in 2019. May she rest in peace.