Three years have passed since a chilling disappearance in one of the world's most remote regions sent shockwaves across the globe. British journalist Dom Phillips and Brazilian indigenous defender Bruno Pereira went missing during a reporting trip near the Javari valley in the Brazilian Amazon.
A Fateful Journey into the Remote Amazon
The pair vanished without a trace on 5th June 2022. They were in a profoundly isolated area of western Brazil, close to the border with Peru. Dom Phillips, a respected freelance reporter who regularly contributed to The Guardian, was researching a book about conservation efforts in the region. He was accompanied by Bruno Pereira, an expert on isolated indigenous tribes and a former official with Brazil's indigenous affairs agency, Funai. Pereira was acting as a guide and facilitator for the project, leveraging his deep knowledge of the treacherous and lawless territory.
The Guardian's Investigative Podcast Series Launches
Now, The Guardian's Latin America correspondent, Tom Phillips, is leading a major investigation into their fate. The findings form the basis of a compelling new six-part podcast series titled 'Full Story'. The first episode, released this week, marks the beginning of a detailed auditory exploration into the circumstances leading up to and following their disappearance.
The Javari valley is known for its exceptional biodiversity and is home to the world's highest concentration of uncontacted indigenous peoples. However, it is also a region plagued by illegal activities, including poaching, fishing, logging, and drug trafficking. These criminal enterprises often bring perpetrators into violent conflict with environmental protectors and indigenous communities defending their land.
Seeking Answers and Justice
The case sparked international outrage and placed intense pressure on the Brazilian authorities under the then-government of Jair Bolsonaro. After a massive search operation, the remains of both men were later recovered. Several suspects were arrested and confessed to the crime, with trials ongoing. The murders are widely believed to be linked to the pair's work exposing the illicit networks operating with impunity in the protected area.
This investigative podcast series promises to piece together the final days of Phillips and Pereira, examine the dangerous environment they were working in, and highlight the broader, ongoing struggle to protect the Amazon and its defenders. The first episode sets the scene for a deep dive into a tragedy that underscores the extreme risks faced by journalists and environmental activists in Brazil.
