“These heinous acts constitute a blatant violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and grave child rights violations identified by the United nations (UN) Security Council, affront to the fundamental rights of the children and youth, who deserve protection rather than victimization, especially in times of conflict,” CRC said in a statement.
Lolita Abril urged the CHR to conduct an independent investigation into the killing of her husband Ronel Abril and another coconut farmer Roger Clores last September 26. The two were allegedly killed by elements of the 2nd Infantry Battalion (2nd IB) in an “armed encounter.”
“When the case against us was dismissed, we were elated. The decision is a milestone in defending and fighting for press freedom,” said Sison, also former chairperson of the Masbate chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).
Instead of benefiting from the development projects, farmers could now hardly tend to their fields, afraid that soldiers would harass and brand them as members or supporters of the NPAs.
Members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) marched to Chino Roces (formerly Mendiola) bridge this morning calling on President Benigno S. Aquino III to end extrajudicial killings of activists.
Mark B. Francisco, 27, a public school teacher of San Isidro Elementary School in Palanas, Masbate, and member of ACT Teachers’ Party-list was killed by unidentified gunmen last July 9. Due to continuing threats of violence against teachers, classes have been suspended in 14 schools in Palanas municipality.
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Two teachers, where one is a member of the leftist group Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), were killed in just the first 10 days of the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, bringing the number of extrajudicial killings under his watch to four.
For Melchor Deinla, a 64 year-old farmer, the dream of owning the land they have been tilling was already within their reach when it was placed under CARP. But that was more than 13 years ago. BY DABET CASTAÑEDA Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 49, January 20-26, 2008 Malacanang may have decided in favor of the…