NOBEL laureate Amnesty International-Philippines has appointed Ritz Lee Santos III as its new Section Director, effective Nov. 1, following the passing of former director Butch Olano, who led the organization from 2016 until 2024.
The appointment marks the first time in the organization’s history that a leadership transition comes amid the loss of a sitting director.
“This transition demanded transparency and a strong reaffirmation of shared values,” said outgoing Board of Trustees Chair Veronica Cabe.
Santos, a longtime human rights advocate based in Cagayan de Oro, brings decades of experience in advocacy, community development, and people’s engagement. He has previously served as chairperson and member of the Board of Trustees and sat on Amnesty International’s global board, earning a reputation as a strategic leader and steadfast defender of human rights.
“We remain fearless, principled, and people-centered—grounded in credible research and grassroots realities, capable of mobilizing nationwide pressure for truth, justice, and accountability,” Santos said.
Under his leadership, Amnesty Philippines is moving toward a style that emphasizes strategy, results, and shared accountability. Santos said he intends to build on the team’s collective expertise.
“I will always trust the expertise of the Amnesty Philippines team,” he said.
Santos said his first year will focus on strengthening Amnesty’s participation in national human rights networks, expanding the organization’s presence in Visayas and Mindanao, and amplifying its voice in national accountability processes.
“Looking ahead to 2026, we will work for stronger grassroots membership infrastructure, broader empowerment of local members, and proactive campaigning on the most urgent threats to human rights,” he said.
Alongside Santos’ appointment, Amnesty International Philippines also introduced its newly elected Board of Trustees for 2025–2027, composed of leaders from various advocacy and governance backgrounds — including child rights, LGBTQI advocacy, data analytics, finance, and social development.
“The incoming BoT is composed of advocates deeply involved in inclusive, intersectional community initiatives,” Cabe said.
Cabe added that the organization also has governance and HR leaders who have spent decades in social development work, leading CSR teams, managing performance systems, and actively participating in campaigns for land rights, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and environmental protection.
“We have inherited a legacy of courage, and it is our responsibility to carry it forward — clearer and stronger, with full empathy,” Santos said.
