By LYN V. RAMO
Why, they asked, are they being made to suffer human rights violations, when they have only been working for the indigenous farmers, laborers, small-scale miners and urban poor and, in the process, traveling long hours to reach far-flung villages, some of which could only be reached on foot?
Tags: Oplan Bantay Laya
Child Soldiers or Victims?
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
The children of political activists and human rights workers who fallen victim to extrajudicial killings are orphaned, their young lives marred and damaged by the experience of losing their parents to state violence. As for the child victims of extrajudicial killings themselves, their brutal killing at the hands of the military prove the extent of the AFP’s impunity—not even the most innocent are spared.
Three Activists Slain, Rights Group Urges Aquino to Stop Killings
By RONALYN V. OLEA
According to Karapatan, there are 37 victims of extrajudicial killings under the Aquino government, at an alarming rate of one victim per week. “As the Aquino government talks peace, his troops are once again on a killing spree,” Karapatan spokesman Roneo Clamor said.
Carol Pagaduan-Araullo | Change: Illusions and Real Prospects
By CAROL PAGADUAN-ARAULLO Streetwise | BusinessWorld Posted by Bulatlat.com The past year seemed to usher marked change with the ending of one of the most despised presidencies since the Marcos dictatorship and the inauguration of one steeped in the rhetoric of reform and aglow with the mystique of the new president’s larger-than-life parents, both of…
[Slideshow] Where’s the Change?: Human Rights Violations Continue Under US-Aquino Regime
Human Rights Under Noynoy
State, Weak Justice System Blamed for Impunity in Killings of Journalists, Activists
By BENJIE OLIVEROS
In media forum to mark anniversary of Ampatuan Massacre, journalists, media experts and human-rights advocates define and dissect impunity, “the dark side of accountability,” as one of them put it.
News in Pictures: Gabriela Slams Aquino for Leading Filipinos Toward ‘Rough Road’, Criticizes Anti-Women Policies
On October 28, members of Gabriela marched in the streets of Davao City during the commemoration of the 27th year of National Day of Protest of Filipino Women, protesting the continuing state violence and oppression against Filipino women under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.
Three Peasant Activists Arrested, Detained in a Military Camp in Laguna
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
“This is an old tune,” Axel Pinpin, secretary general of Kalipunan ng Samahang Magsasaka sa Timog Katagalugan (Kasama-TK), told Bulatlat, referring to the arrest of three peasants in Laguna. He blamed the extended counterinsurgency program Oplan Bantay Laya (OBL).
News in Pictures: Women Peasant Group Gives Aquino ‘Kalabasa’ Award
Amihan, a national federation of peasant women, awarded President Benigno S. Aquino III with a kalabasa, marking his 100th day in office last October 8.
Four Farmers, One Bayan Muna Member Latest Victims of OBL
After the extension of Oplan Bantay Laya last month, four members of the local chapter of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas in Masbate and a member of the local chapter of party-list group Bayan Muna in Mindanao became the latest victims of extrajudicial killings under the Aquino administration.
News in Pictures: On 38th Anniversary of Martial Law Declaration, Davao Progressive Groups Slam OBL Extension, Urge Aquino to Protect Human Rights
Protest actions by progressive groups were held on Tuesday in commemoration of the 38th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in 1972.