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In memory of

Romel "Mel (Ikabod)" de Vera

Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
January 12, 1971 - August 28, 2024
Jan 12, 1971 - Aug 28, 2024
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Protection International Work…
2023, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Protection International Workshop that Mel was part of
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I’ve known Mel when he was coordinating Friends of the Earth Asia Pacific (APac) region’s Environmental Human Rights Defenders project, a pilot project that evolved to today’s Internationalist Solidarity System of the Federation - ISS. I was then his contact person to the APac Majelis. 

Through him I’ve learned the hard reality of threats to their lives and those of their families that our comrades and communities face everyday under increasingly authoritarian far-right governments in the region. Mel had deep understanding of those dangers from his own experiences. He built a network of organizations and solidarity tools, run workshops in multiple countries multiple times in the region to help as many communities as possible to learn how to defend themselves and their loved ones and to reach outside assistance. He did that for several years with care and dedication that I’ve never seen in one person.

Still, if he was with us today, he would ask us not to stay sad, but would say to us, move forward, carry on with what he has started, would want us to do. 

Deep love with deepest condolences to his families, Yuri Onodera, FoE Japan

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I met Mel very briefly in Zan…
"The body leaves, but the love remains"
I met Mel very briefly in Zanzibar in 2023, but it was enough to see what a loving and committed sould he was. Sending lots of love and strength to his family and fiends.
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Camiguin Paradise
2019, Camiguin Island, Camiguin, Philippines
Camiguin Paradise
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Camiguin Paradise
2019, Camiguin Island, Camiguin, Philippines
Camiguin Paradise
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Camiguin Paradise
2019, Camiguin Island, Camiguin, Philippines
Camiguin Paradise
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Mel living life as always ❤️
2019, Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Mel living life as always ❤️
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Camiguin Paradise with Mel
2019, Camiguin Island, Camiguin, Philippines
Camiguin Paradise with Mel
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Camiguin Paradise with Mel
2019, Camiguin Island, Camiguin, Philippines
Camiguin Paradise with Mel
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Camiguin Paradise with Mel
2019, Camiguin Island, Camiguin, Philippines
Camiguin Paradise with Mel
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Romel, Nat & family
2019, Cagayan de Oro
Romel, Nat & family
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2023, Washington D.C., DC, USA
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2023, Washington D.C., DC, USA
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2010, Malaysia
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Romel was (still is to me) a truly a kind-hearted, fun and loving human being. Before I moved to Amsterdam we had reunited in Washington, D.C. We had such a nice time, going to friends' concerts together. He was inspired by their music and drew some great art inspired in it. He had this child-like contagious energy, always a smile on his face. I had the chance to meet his daughter in DC. I'm sending my deepest condolences to her and all the family.  You are truly missed, Romel, but you'll be forever in our hearts and minds. 
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First time meeting dinner wit…
2023, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
First time meeting dinner with Mel. Enjoying Philippino food. We will enjoy more food at the other side with HRDs, please rest in peace for now. I really appreciate your work with PI. My deepest condolences. — with Mel de Vera and Mae Ocampo
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Mel blessed my wife's belly d…
2024, Tarragona, Spain
Mel blessed my wife's belly during her pregnancy, and here is the happy result. A future human rights defender, who will continue the same battles that Mel and all of us are in. Thank you Mel, an incomparable teacher, an example of perseverance and joy, an incomparable friend. — with Pau
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Wonderfully drawn by Mel, his…
Wonderfully drawn by Mel, his artwork captures his essence of kindness and humility. Paalam tol/Sir/ka-komiks/kainuman/kaibigan at higit sa lahat, Kasama. I won't forget that you were the second (next to Michelle) who reached out to me when my Nanay died. You said, "Dito lang ako tol, when you need someone na kausap, I share your grief." You will be deeply missed, but the joy you brought to everyone will live on through your art and the memories you've shared with us na mga kasama't kaibigan.
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Created with love by M-ae Ocampo (Romel's friend).
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Romel "Mel (Ikabod)" de Vera