By RONALYN V. OLEA
Human Rights Watch noted that while the public rhetoric of senior military officers has changed somewhat since Aquino took office, the change in language “has not yet been reflected in action.”
By RONALYN V. OLEA
In her speech after the hearing, Mrs. Erlinda Cadapan called on President Benigno S. Aquino III, the commander in chief of the AFP, to pay attention to the cases of enforced disappearances. “These are serious crimes committed by the armed forces.”
By RONALYN V. OLEA Bulatlat.com MANILA – It has been five years but Wilfredo Ramos could still remember the face of one of those who took Karen Empeño, Sherlyn Cadapan and Manuel Merino on June 26, 2006. During the second hearing of the preliminary investigation on the criminal complaint filed by the mothers of the…
By RONALYN V. OLEA
They were arrested without a warrant and tortured to admit to being members of the Abu Sayyaf. And they have been suffering in jail for years while the wheels of justice move slowly.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“Aquino would know what to do. Now is the opportunity to act on the cases of enforced disappearances. I hope he grants this opportunity to show the world he is sincere in helping victims of human rights violations find justice.” — Mrs. Edita Burgos
By ARTHUR L. ALLAD-IW Northern Dispatch Posted by Bulatlat.com BAGUIO CITY – “Mr. President, James (Balao) is my uncle and I miss him so much. Please help!” The above words were written by Sarah Balao-Strugar on a postcard, which was among the thousand postcards, mailed to President Benigno S. Aquino III. His uncle, James M.…
By ALMA B. SINUMLAG NORDIS (Northern Dispatch) WEEKLY Diaryo ti umili ti amianan PARACELIS, Mt. Province – Women of Banga-banga, Aguinaldo, Ifugao trooped to witness a hearing at the village of Botigue’s Lupon Tagapamayapa on a case they filed against an AFP second lieutenant here. They had hoped to tell the public about the military…
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“The government says without the NPA, there would be peace. That is not true. It is the situation that gives life to the NPA.” – Coni Ledesma-Jalandoni
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
“It’s never right to live in fear. Those who attack the civil, political and human rights of the Filipino people thrive on fear and persist in their attacks because of a culture of impunity. To remain silent is to play along with your own victimization.” -human rights advocate Ma. Isabel Aquino
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com During its 4th International Assembly from July 7-9, the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) renewed its commitment to defend Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights as human rights. In the gathering attended by over 300 representatives of people’s organizations from 40 countries from Asia, the Middle East,…
By RONALYN V. OLEA Bulatlat.com MANILA – Tension filled the room as the Department of Justice (DOJ) started its preliminary investigation on the complaints filed in by the relatives of two missing University of the Philippines (UP) students and a farmer against officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Col. Jovito Palparan Jr. faces…