The testimony of the U.S. based church said their Anglican partners in the Philippines are being included by the military as “terrorists” because of Episcopalian mission work in far-flung villages considered strongholds of the revolutionary Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Since 2001, more than 900 have been victims of extrajudicial killings and 193 victims of enforced disappearances.
The testimony also noted that Balao’s case exemplifies the failure of the writ of amparo that was created by the Philippine Supreme Court as a guarantee of protection against any violation by an unlawful act or omission by a public official or employee. The testimony added that the writ of amparo actually has proven to be “woefully wanting.”
The testimony also cited a Regional Trial Court decision stating that the likely motive for Balao’s disappearance was “his activist/political leanings.”
On December 18, 2008, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal church, the most reverend Katharine Jefferts-Schori wrote to Arroyo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of staff General Alexander Yano and Philippine National Police Chief Director General Jesus Versoza, and said, “Our church and others here in the US, as well as many of our ecumenical colleagues, have been waiting for news from your government concerning this case, to no avail. No word has been given concerning his whereabouts, what possible charges there might be against him, nor even whether he is alive or dead. This is unconscionable.”
The testimony challenged the U.S. government to pressure the Philippine government to successfully implement the recommendations of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the respect of human rights; to prosecute those in the military and others responsible for the human rights violations; and the stop of the imputation of scandalous misbehaviour of military against the legal civil society and organizations.
The testimony also recommended that the U.S. government undertake a thorough investigation as to where and how U.S. military aid to the Philippines is being spent, with particular emphasis on whether these funds are being used in ways that violate the people’s right to life, liberty and security.
“We believe the rights and freedom of the Filipino people, including James Balao, cannot be fully realized until these steps are taken,” the testimony ended.(Bulatlat.com)
