Co and his two companions Sofronio Cortez and Julius Borromeo were killed 15 years ago by elements of the 19th Infantry Battallion while conducting field work in Kananga, Leyte. To this day, there is still no resolution on the scientist’s killing, with the most recent hearings on the case occurring last August to September.

Though justice remains elusive, Glenda Co, widow of Leonard Co, said she remains hopeful, in a press briefing. “Si Leonard ay isang tao na—hindi natin matatawaran ang kanyang galing sa botany. Siya po ay hindi lang isang botanist, siya ay tagapagtanggol ng kalikasan,” she added.

In his honor, the Institute of Biology, with Constantino Foundation and Green Convergence, released a new repository of previously unseen fieldwork images taken by Co, to be made public through the UP Data Commons. They also announced the release of two books next month in honor of the late scientist: a children’s book about Co’s life, and the fourth iteration of the Philippine Native Trees series based on his work.

Advocates concluded the press briefing through a tree planting activity near Leonard Co’s memorial site inside the Threatened Species Arboretum.