‘Comfort Women’ Still Fight for Justice
Category: Top Stories
CHR’s de Lima to Personally Lead Probe of Military Abuses Vs Lumads in Surigao
The CHR fact-finding mission is in response to a resolution approved by the provincial government of Surigao del Sur asking the CHR to look into the alleged abuses by the military against Lumads. Progressive groups will hold a parallel solidarity mission to the province.
US Troops in Philippines: America Pursues Expansionism, Protects Economic Interests
By ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO
In her revelations of the violations committed by US troops while on Philippine soil, former Navy officer Nancy Gadian also affirmed what has always been the core of US expansionism: using its military power to exploit the wealth and resources of another country. This was the core strategy in practically all the wars America had fought. Its so-called “war on terror” in the Philippines is no exception.
As Wyeth-Pfizer Merger Looms, Workers in Philippines Fret Over Their Jobs
By MARYA SALAMAT
Hundreds of workers at Wyeth, the pharmaceutical giant, have been holding protest pickets to seek guarantees for their jobs and the survival of their 50-year-old union as the company sets to merge with Pfizer.
Court Affirms Melissa Roxas’s Abduction, Torture Claim But Clears Arroyo, Military
By RONALYN V. OLEA
The Court of Appeals has granted the Filipino-American activist’s amparo and habeas data petitions, saying that Melissa Roxas’s story was credible. But it also pointed out that Roxas failed to show that the military was behind her abduction and torture, hence President Arroyo and elements of the armed forces cannot be made respondents in the case.
Overpriced Shampoo, Needles, Otoscopes: DepEd Faces New Set of Corruption Scandals
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Progressive lawmakers want to investigate how the DepEd is spending its large annual budget, given that the department has been hounded with an endless stream of corruption allegations.
Under the Gun: Lumad School Rises Amid Conflict, Military Atrocities
Special Report | Last of Three Parts Even in times of crisis and conflict, Alcadev, the nonformal school for tribal children in Surigao del Sur, carries on with its mission. Indeed, the recent militarization in Surigao that resulted in massive displacements of Lumad residents proved to be quite a learning experience for the students, if only it weren’t so traumatic.
American Troops in Philippines Involved in Combat Operations – Ex-Navy Officer
In a press conference in Quezon City on Wednesday, former Lt. Senior Grade Mary Nancy Gadian said US troops gather intelligence information – through the use of special intelligence equipment – and participate in the planning of combat operations.
Groups, DepEd Worried Over Militarization of Lumad School; Congress Probe Sought
The occupation by the military of a nonformal school for tribal children in Surigao del Sur has raised concern among officials, with the Department of Education suggesting this week that those threatened by the presence of the soldiers should seek the court’s protection through the writ of amparo.
Under the Gun: School Helps Build Lumad Communities — to Military’s Consternation
Special Report | Second of Three Parts A significant impact of an Alcadev education is that it “bridges the knowledge between students and parents.” It thus helps the development of Lumad communities. But the military is suspicious, branding the school and what it does as communist, harassing not just the teachers and students but its foreign supporters and visitors as well.
Get Out of Our Communities, Lumads Tell Military
The living conditions of the Lumad in the evacuation center make them, especially the infants and children, vulnerable to illnesses resulting from lack of food, water and facilities for sanitation. “Their daily lives, work and schools have sadly become “collateral damage to the Arroyo’s counterinsurgency campaign,” says Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan.