By RONALYN V. OLEA
Esmeraldo Bardon, one of the four detained activists, told Bulatlat.com that his incarceration made him more resolute in fighting for the interest of farmers and the Filipino people. “Although we were detained, our principles remain firm. Instead of being cowed in fear, the farmers vigorously campaigned for our release.”
By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL and
RONALYN V. OLEA
How can the government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines claim that it respects human rights when human rights defenders themselves are being the target of attack? How can there be claims of “change” when the lives of the majority remain the same, and even getting worse, and those who defend the rights of the poor and the oppressed are still being treated as “enemies of the state”?
Maricel Delen: A Human Rights Worker, a Widow, Now a Victim of Persecution
Fred Caña: A Human Rights Worker, Marked for Assassination by the Military
Kelly Delgado: Committed to the Defense of Human Rights Amid The Threats
By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com MANILA – Her presence of mind and a tip from a sympathetic journalist enabled Maricel Delen, 34, a staff member of Karapatan-Camarines Norte to elude arrest last November 22. That day, at around 10:30 a.m., combined elements of the Daet Police and the 9th Infantry Division, 902nd Brigade of…