By RONALYN V. OLEA Bulatlat.com MANILA – One of the security escorts of retired Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. denied any involvement in the abduction of University of the Philippines (UP) students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan and farmer Manuel Merino. In his counter-affidavit submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) panel, August 31, Staff Sgt.…
Tags: NUPL
Group salutes human rights lawyer Reynaldo Cortes
By KIMBERLIE NGABIT-QUITASOL Northern Dispatch LAGAWE, Ifugao – A human rights group expressed its highest recognition and deepest gratitude to lawyer Reynaldo Cortes for his staunch and unwavering commitment to the defense and advancement of human rights. In a surprise and simple ceremony during the first day of their third congress on July 28, the…
Rights violations victims file urgent motion before new Ombudsman
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“However long this takes, we will never give up. What is important is we get justice for what was done to us. We urge newly-appointed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to act on the cases we filed that aim to seek justice for victims of human rights violations.”
– Raymond Manalo, victim of torture and arbitrary detention
Supreme Court directs AFP to produce Jonas Burgos
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
Rights groups criticize Aquino gov’t for continuing violations, failure to act on calls for justice
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“The Aquino administration has been contented in being a passive spectator, leaving the victims, relatives, human rights defenders and their lawyers on their own.” – National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers
SC: Military officials liable for abduction of UP students
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“It’s good news but it [the decision] took so long. Unfortunately, the decisions of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court have not resulted in the surfacing of the disappeared.” – Mrs. Concepcion Empeño, mother of missing UP student Karen Empeño
Farmers groups file ‘fertilizer scam’ charges vs Merci
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
“The thieves who raided the nation’s coffers cannot be allowed to escape punishment. President Aquino should take a cue from actions such as this filing of criminal charges against Gutierrez and put meat into his words that he is an enemy of the corrupt.” – lawyers’ group
Lawyers group Join Farmers Groups in filing criminal charges against former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez at the DOJ today
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), joined militant peasant and fisherfolk organizations in filing criminal charges against resigned Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez at the Department of Justice today. In the complaint affidavit they presented to DOJ Secretary Leila De Lima, Anakpawis Partylist Representative Rafael V. Mariano, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Pambansang Lakas ng…
Mothers of missing UP students file charges against notorious Army general
By SHARMAINE ANNE B. VILLANUEVA and RONALYN V. OLEA
“We will not stop seeking for justice. We will not stop until the perpetrators are punished. I cannot settle with the fact that I can only embrace my daughter in my dreams,” Erlinda Cadapan, mother of Sherlyn, said.
Sidebar: Rights groups, Justice Secretary push for bill to criminalize enforced disappearance
Watch video of the press conference held after the filing here.
Arroyo, Former Top Defense, Military Officials Sued For Damages By Morong 43
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“We have decided to file for moral and exemplary damages against former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her security officials for violation of our rights. This is but a small step to end impunity in our country. Yet, this a step forward in our long march for justice,” Gary Liberal, spokesman of the Morong 43, said.
Victims Insulted By Proposed Hero’s Burial for Marcos
By RONALYN V. OLEA Bulatlat.com MANILA – Survivors of martial law criticized a House resolution seeking to bury former president Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. The Samahan ng mga Ex-detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (Selda), an organization of former political prisoners, said the resolution authored by Sorsogon Representative Salvador Escudero and…