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Being falsely accused of terrorism financing, the operations of the civil societies are being paralyzed by the government, denying poor communities of much needed assistance and bringing them farther from the grasp of genuine development.
The composition is the most fundamental defect of the Special Committee, agencies, which civil society organizations said, “not only failed to address the many human rights issues relating to the brutal ‘war on drugs’ and suppression of freedoms and dissent but are, in fact, part of the problem.”
"With her track record of abuse of power and authority, Judge Villavert is unfit to hold any position in the judiciary, let alone be promoted. She is not a person of proven competence, integrity, probity and independence."
The Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle submitted a copy of the findings and verdict of the recently concluded International People's Tribunal on the War Crimes of the U.S.-supported Marcos Jr. and Duterte governments in Brussels on May 17 to 18.
“The IPT belie Marcos Jr.’s posturing that his administration is different, that it has new ways to address the issues facing the country. But until the government changes its programs, rights violations will continue no matter how many foreign trips Marcos Jr. will do."
Just last year, the United Nations (UN) Women - Philippines also recognized the contribution of Ujano in championing human rights. She received a distinction as a Feminist Champion against Gender-Based Violence, along with other long-time women’s rights defenders Aida Santos, former executive director of Women's Educational, Development, Productivity, & Research Org (WeDpro) and Princess Nemenzo, former executive director of WomanHealth.
It has been more than a month since his disappearance but Lariosa remains missing. The effect of his abduction rippled down to other organizers in the Southern Mindanao region. The United Nations (UN) has identified that enforced disappearance is a frequently used strategy to spread terror, not only to the close relatives of the disappeared but also to their communities.
On May 3, Tarra’s parents were again approached by people claiming to be from NTF-ELCAC, including a so-called“supervisor. They showed photos of Tarra participating in various activities and insisted on personally speaking to Tarra out of fear that he might “go to the mountains.” They said that on their next visit, they would like to speak to his parents again with forms and documents for them to sign.
Gloria Almonte, 63, wife of political prisoner Dionisio Almonte, is one of those who experienced the “degrading and traumatic” strip search at the New Bilibid Prison (NPB) when she opted to visit her husband on April 21, around 1:45 pm.
At least 98 activists, humanitarian and church workers are facing Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 charges according to Karapatan. They described these laws as “twin terror laws” that are being used against activists, humanitarian workers and those who serve the welfare of the marginalized.
"At the outset, I must put on record that I am a development worker. I am not hiding in the mountains of the Sierra Madre and I was not, in any way, involved in the alleged encounter between the alleged members of the NPA and the complainants," her counter affidavit read.
“Peaceful and justified,” these are the words of Azrael de Guzman, one of the six arrested youth activists during the May 1 protest, in an open letter to the public, calling for their immediate release.
Jeepney drivers and operators group Piston said that those who refuse to join the unjust public transport modernization program are being "designated as illegal, or colorum, by the very same government entrusted to safeguard the rights of the working class."
Gabriela Secretary General Clarice Palce said, "The police prevent us from getting near the US Embassy but American troops freely occupy our land and seas," she said in Filipino, referring to the Balikatan exercise with the US.
This news comes as a shock, as both individuals were unaware that complaints had been filed against them until a preliminary investigation resolution was released on April 8, recommending criminal charges."
“We will hold them accountable. The sun will rise tomorrow and there is hope. For as long as we are still together, with the families who are also with us, we are very inspired to continue the work.”
“We experienced an unimaginable intimidation and threat to my life through physical and psychological torture. Worse, they threatened the lives of our loved ones, and my family,” Eco Dangla said.
Continuing killings, repression, and the prevailing impunity in the Philippines are among the key findings reported by human rights group Amnesty International (AI)-Philippines.
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