With the Melo Commission just a phony, the President exonerating the AFP from any involvement in the extra-judicial killings and the CHR in limbo with regards its own investigation, whom will the families of the victims of political murders turn to for justice? By Bobby Tuazon Bulatlat.com Being toothless and seemingly beholden to the President,…
Category: Human Rights
Leyte Mass Graves a Fake – Satur
The Armed Forces of the Philippines claimed to have dug up another mass grave of victims of the Communist Party of the Philippines anti-infiltration campaign in Leyte province. But Bayan Muna party-list Satur Ocampo and Committee DEFEND said the AFP had in the past “faked” other mass graves, and is doing it now to conceal…
Ex-PMA cadet on additional ‘counter-insurgency’ fund: ‘It Might only be Used for Political Killings’
“The budget for counter-insurgency should not be increased, because we are not sure whether the money would indeed be used for counter-insurgency. It might only be used for political killings.” Striking words these – from a young man who had braced himself for a military officer’s career all his life. BY ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO Bulatlat.com…
Solon’s Prolonged Detention Assailed in 2-Day Vigil, Rally
Marking the sixth month of Rep. Crispin Beltran’s illegal detention, the Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM) together with Anakpawis Party List led a two-day vigil and protest rally of labor unions, progressive organizations and Beltran’s supporters demanding the legislator’s immediate release. BY MAUREEN HERMITANIO Bulatlat.com Hundreds of supporters of Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Rep. Crispin Beltran…
Who’s Who in HRV Areas
With the sheer number of killings and abductions and the relative concentration of the occurrences of these heinous crimes in certain areas, it would have not been difficult for the government to know where and whom to investigate. That is, if the Arroyo government is even half that serious in wanting to solve these killings…
Families of Slain Residents Push Criminal Raps vs. Suspended Kalinga PNP Chief
Two victims’ heads run over by PNP jeep, survivors say The families of two Tabuk, Kalinga residents alleged to have been extra-judicially killed upon orders from suspended provincial police chief Preddro Ramos are seeking justice by urging appropriate authorities to file criminal cases against all involved Philippine National Police (PNP) officials and personnel. BY ARTHUR…
EV Groups Slam Task Force Usig Report, Demand Justice for Slain Activists: Ex-PNP chief in EV ‘surprised’ by Task Force Usig findings
“We are appalled by the statement of the Task Force Usig branding the people’s martyrs and heroes, who died protecting and upholding the interests of the masses, as ‘thieves’ only to cover up the inutility of the government to solve these cases of political assassinations in the regions,” said Bayan-Eastern Visayas spokesperson Flor Pong Acbo,…
Oppose Attacks on Democracy and Human Rights in the Philippines
Australia and the rest of the international community have a moral obligation to make sure that democracy in the Philippines does not die. President Arroyo has to act to stop the political persecution and physical attacks upon people who advocate for civil liberties and human rights. I encourage her to continue with her statements and…
Anti-insurgency War and Plunder Hinder Rural Progress – Tagaytay 5
The government-backed anti-insurgency war and the plunder of public funds have worsened poverty and terror among rural folk, said the “Tagaytay 5”, a group of five detained peasant advocates. BY DENNIS ESPADA Bulatlat.com The government-backed anti-insurgency war and the plunder of public funds have worsened poverty and terror among rural folk. This was stated by…
Refugees of an All-out War
Domus Dei (House of God), jointly set up by the Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties (MCCCL)-Bulacan, Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Makataong Karapatan (ALMMA or People’s Alliance for Human Rights), the Religious Inter-faith Dialogue and local government officials in Bulacan – led by the local parish of St. James – has become a…
Scars of an All-Out War
The stories do not end with the deaths and disappearances. Beyond the names and faces of the victims are the equally tragic stories of their families who are left to face not only the loss or absence of their loved ones but also a life permanently scarred and a shattered family longing to be whole…