“If he died in an encounter, they would not hear anything from us. Our family would just claim his body. But when we learned that he was still alive when he was taken by the soldiers and the police and ended up dead while in their custody, we are determined to fight for justice.” ˆGene Campaner, brother of slain NPA guerrilla
“Legal proceedings are expensive and inaccessible to the poor while constitutional rights have remained ‘paper rights’ and international treaties on human rights as ‘lip service.’ – National Union of People’s Lawyers
Freddie Ligiw was supposed to meet with human rights groups to narrate how he was forcibly used as a guide by soldiers from the 41st IBPA of the AFP when he went missing. The bodies of Freddie, his brother and father were later found in a shallow grave.
“It is image building. The US government is trying to soften its image among Filipinos and also in the international community as it prepares for an increased and permanent presence in the Philippines for its vaunted Asian pivot.”
Randy Vegas and Raul Camposano are organizers of government employees under Courage and yet they are to be charged in court because of accusations that they participated in two ambuscades of the New People’s Army – one in Camarines Norte, in southern part of Luzon island and another in Ifugao at the far north – which allegedly occurred just days apart.
“Unlucky Filipinos who couldn’t get a time slot in the Philippine embassy’s outreach services have to go to Vancouver to simply renew their passports—a process that could cost up to $700 in airfare and accommodations, plus the $69 passport fee.”
“The growing number of undocumented OFWs worldwide is indicative of the ongoing crisis of forced migration and the systemic economic crisis in the country.” – Migrante International
“I thought that our struggle would end when we accepted the offer to relocate. But now I realized that it is not yet over.”
“The appointment of a PC [Philippine Constabulary] relic to head the claims board is not only a grievous insult to the struggle against martial law but is also a shameless denial of the ideals of asserting freedom and democracy that was highlighted during the first Edsa People Power uprising in 1986.” – SELDA
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO Bulatlat.com It has been more than three months ago when I first set foot in Tacloban City. It was unfortunate that the first time I visited the city – referred to as one of the most beautiful in the country – it was during the aftermath of...
On February 14, 2014, women’s rights advocates gathered to rise for One Billion Rising for Justice, a global movement to stop violence against women and children. In the Philippines, women’s group Gabriela and One Billion Rising global director Monique Wilson led the campaign. They slammed the Philippine government for its criminal neglect on the Filipino people.
“Unlike Robin Hood who stole from rich people to give to the poor, the Aquino administration is stealing from the poor for the rich and corrupt government officials.” – Ferdinand Gaite, Courage.
I will only stop (being an activist) when I am already dead.” – Nanay Mameng
“Why should we be surprised that there are still victims of sex trafficking today when justice has yet to be served for these women, who we consider as among the first cases of trafficked women?” – Monique Wilson, performing artist and global director of One Billion Rising
“Majority of Filipino women have no food, no sustainable jobs, no affordable health care, education, housing and other social services. Women are poorer and hungrier under the administration of President Aquino.” – Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Luz Ilagan
“We are here to show you that you are not alone in this violent and sad eviction. We will strive to do what we can for justice, for humaneness and for the fulfillment of God’s will to happen,” Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez said.
“The January 27 demolition of homes of the urban poor in the North Triangle was “the most overkill” in the number of police forces deployed, teargas fired and high-powered rifles displayed.” - CTUHR
Thousands of Yolanda (international name Haiyan) survivors marched along the streets of Tacloban on Jan. 25 to protest the lack of government assistance they are receiving, three months after the supertyphoon hit the province. “This is a people surge -- a swelling...
“The new wave of demolitions along Agham Road in Sitio San Roque, Quezon City, wreaks of violence and wanton disrespect for basic human rights. From the looks of it, not even an iota of humanity was present during the demolition.” – Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon
“The Filipino peasantry has had enough of Aquino’s blatant disregard for the peoples demand for justice and genuine land reform.” – Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas
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