“Malungkot na araw… Patay na po ‘yung tatlong kababayan natin,” Vice President Binay said in an interview with media.
We extend our condolence to the relatives and friends of Sally Ordinario-Villanueva and Ramon Credo and Elizabeth Batain.
Sana matigil na ang mga pagparusa ng kamatayan sa lahat ng bansa!
At sa nagbabalak magbalik ng parusang bitay sa bansa,
We say NO TO DEATH PENALTY!
{Blog about torture, enforced disappearance, EJK and human rights}
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Congress urged to swiftly pass Anti-Enforced Disappearance Bill
by Jerbert Briola
The Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND) urged Congress to pass a bill that would punish those responsible for enforced disappearances.
“We hope that through this, justice will be served to the families of disappeared,” FIND Secretary General Wilma Q. Tizon said, as the group welcomed the support of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago for the enactment of anti-enforced disappearance law.
Stressing the urgency of having a national law that would make enforced or involuntary disappearance a criminal offense, Defensor-Santiago filed Senate Bill No. 1455 entitled “An Act Defining and Penalizing Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance”. http://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/89517494!.pdf
Libya: wave of enforced disappearances may amount to a crime against humanity, warns UN expert body
“Enforced disappearances may amount to a crime against humanity when perpetrated in certain circumstances,” warned the UN body recalling its general comment on the issue.
The Working Group is concerned that, according to the information received, hundreds of persons have been taken to undisclosed locations where they might have been submitted to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatments or executed. In most of the cases reported, the fate and the whereabouts of these persons are still unknown.
U.N. Rights Group Calls on China to Release Lawyer - THE NEW YORK TIMES
By EDWARD WONG
Published: March 28, 2011
BEIJING — A United Nations human rights agency has demanded that the Chinese government immediately release a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer who has been detained for nearly a year, according to a statement released on Monday by an advocacy group. The lawyer, Gao Zhisheng, had said he was tortured during previous rounds of detention.
to read more please visit http://www.nytimes.com
Published: March 28, 2011
BEIJING — A United Nations human rights agency has demanded that the Chinese government immediately release a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer who has been detained for nearly a year, according to a statement released on Monday by an advocacy group. The lawyer, Gao Zhisheng, had said he was tortured during previous rounds of detention.
to read more please visit http://www.nytimes.com
Monday, March 28, 2011
Army probes torture video | Home Other Sections Breaking News
Army probes torture video | Home Other Sections Breaking News
Source: (philstar.com) Updated March 27, 2011 05:56 PM Comments (0) View comments
MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Army has expanded its revisiting of a three-year-old video, which was posted on the internet and showed soldiers torturing people seeking enlistment to the military in the Bicol region, a military official said today.
Col. Domingo Tutaan, Human Rights Office chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said the Army is now conducting two parallel investigations to ensure that no whitewash occur in the probe of the incident which was recently exposed through the video-sharing site Youtube.com.
Officials earlier announced that the incident was being looked into by the Army headquarters. The video showed the trainees grimacing in pain while being hit with ropes and sticks.
Source: (philstar.com) Updated March 27, 2011 05:56 PM Comments (0) View comments
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| source Arkibongbayan.org |
Col. Domingo Tutaan, Human Rights Office chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said the Army is now conducting two parallel investigations to ensure that no whitewash occur in the probe of the incident which was recently exposed through the video-sharing site Youtube.com.
Officials earlier announced that the incident was being looked into by the Army headquarters. The video showed the trainees grimacing in pain while being hit with ropes and sticks.
Statement of Edita T. Burgos, Mother of missing activist Jonas Burgos on the CHR report/Recommendation-freejonasburgosmovement.blogspot.com
Source: http://freejonasburgosmovement.blogspot.com/
After almost four years of waiting we see a glimmer of hope. The report of the Commission of Human Rights is now in the hands of the Supreme Court. Our theory has been right all along. The evidence gathered by the CHR confirms our family’s theory that the Philippine Army is involved in the abduction of my son and elements of the police and military are covering up to hide the identity of the abductors and those involved. We believe, however, that 1st Lt. Harry Baliaga will not act without orders from higher authorities.
We laud the brave investigators of the Commission led by Commissioner Jose Manuel Mamauag for their exhaustive investigation.
We laud the brave investigators of the Commission led by Commissioner Jose Manuel Mamauag for their exhaustive investigation.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
CHR statement on AFP torture caught on video and posted on youtube- Commission on Human Rights
A few weeks ago, the CHR received reports of hazing being practiced on police recruits in Camp Eldridge in Laguna. The PNP has promised to investigate, root out the practice and sanction those responsible.
Under the new administration of President Aquino, with its avowed intention of achieving a paradigm shift in internal peace and security towards human rights-based policing, law enforcement and military actions, the CHR is optimistic that the perpetrators of the dastardly acts would be punished.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Martial Law victims claim indemnification
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| related images www.tfdp.net |
By Mai Gevera
DAVAO CITY, March 23 (PIA) – Arcadio Vitor, 80, read the newspaper everyday hoping to find a piece of good news about the class suit filed against human rights violations during the Marcos regime.
That was everyday until his sight surrendered, but not his heart. He knew that one day justice will be given to his son who was killed right in front of their house during the Martial Law days.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Protection and promotion of the rights of human rights defenders in the Philippines
(HRD-Pilipinas or HRDP)
By Renato Mabunga
Human Rights Defenders – Pilipinas or HRD-Pilipinas is a non-stock, non-profit organization duly registered under the Philippines’ Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It is a membership organization of individuals actively engaging in the promotion, defense, protection and fulfillment of “human rights for all” in the Philippines on various issues be it in civil, political, economic, social, cultural spheres or in the field of development and peace.
Human Rights Defenders-Pilipinas was born-out from the series of campaigns of civil society organizations against the rising phenomenon of extra-judicial killings of human rights workers and activists in Philippines in 2006. This was highlighted with the official visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on Summary Execution Prof. Phillip Alston in March 2007; and, its subsequent report and recommendations on the Philippines at the UN Human Rights Council.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Massacre prosecutors’ row worries victims’ kin - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
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| Atty. Harry Roque Photo: http://humanrightshouse.org |
By Marlon Ramos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:31:00 03/24/2011
Filed Under: Maguindanao Massacre, Crime and Law and Justice, Legal issues, Ampatuan Trial
MANILA, Philippines—The sudden resignation of the state prosecutors handling the multiple murder case against the Ampatuan clan has caused anxiety among families of some of the journalists killed in the Maguindanao massacre, their lawyer said Wednesday.
Human Rights Online Philippines
Visit Human Rights Online Philippines (HRonlinePH) and send your articles, press releases, statements and blogs on human rights
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| HRonlinePH |
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Military officer in Burgos kidnap relieved - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
Military officer in Burgos kidnap relieved - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
Military officer in Burgos kidnap relieved
By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:32:00 03/23/2011
Filed Under: Human Rights, Justice & Rights, Military, Kidnapping, Missing Persons, Crime
MANILA, Philippines—Armed Forces Chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. has recalled from his post an Army major implicated in the April 2007 abduction of missing activist Jonas Burgos in anticipation of a criminal investigation.
Maj. Harry Baliaga was relieved of his duties at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City and was ordered to report to the Fort Bonifacio Army headquarters, as instructed by Oban, according to AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr.
By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:32:00 03/23/2011
Filed Under: Human Rights, Justice & Rights, Military, Kidnapping, Missing Persons, Crime
MANILA, Philippines—Armed Forces Chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. has recalled from his post an Army major implicated in the April 2007 abduction of missing activist Jonas Burgos in anticipation of a criminal investigation.
Maj. Harry Baliaga was relieved of his duties at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City and was ordered to report to the Fort Bonifacio Army headquarters, as instructed by Oban, according to AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr.
Trained for torture - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
Trained for torture - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
WHAT’S GALLING about several videos circulating on the Internet showing military officers beating up trainees is that they seem to have been taken by the delighted torturers themselves, perhaps as a twisted way of showing off their filmmaking skills. Or since these are terrible times for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, what with corruption reaching up to the comptrollership and the top brass, could the videos be perhaps the best way of marketing the AFP and getting recruits? If its image has hit rock-bottom, surely the videos wouldn’t anymore taint the scandal-prone AFP.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Among Ed leads human rights group - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
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| Photo by Borj Meneses Flickr |
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Philippines— Fr. Eddie Panlilio, former governor of Pampanga, now heads a group of human rights defenders in Central Luzon.
UN human rights experts study more than 200 cases of forced disappearances
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| Jeremy Sarkin, chairman of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances [photo http://www.un.org] |
21 March 2011 – The United Nations human rights experts tasked with assisting families determine the fate or whereabouts of disappeared relatives examined over 200 cases during its recent session held in Mexico City, and is now conducting a mission to learn about Mexico’s efforts in dealing with the issue.
Bigger fish behind Burgos disappearance, says CHR - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
Bigger fish behind Burgos disappearance, says CHR - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
By Leila B. Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:20:00 03/22/2011
MANILA, Philippines—An Army lieutenant has been implicated in the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos but bigger and more powerful personalities are likely involved, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chair Loretta Rosales said Monday.
Rosales told the Inquirer in an interview that she had reason to believe that Burgos’ disappearance was not a simple kidnapping committee done by some members of the military but was part of the counter-insurgency program of the Arroyo administration.
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| http://www.allvoices.com |
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:20:00 03/22/2011
MANILA, Philippines—An Army lieutenant has been implicated in the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos but bigger and more powerful personalities are likely involved, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chair Loretta Rosales said Monday.
Rosales told the Inquirer in an interview that she had reason to believe that Burgos’ disappearance was not a simple kidnapping committee done by some members of the military but was part of the counter-insurgency program of the Arroyo administration.
De Lima sees closure in Burgos case - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
De Lima sees closure in Burgos case - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
De Lima sees closure in Burgos case
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| http://pinoyweekly.org |
MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila de Lima Sunday expressed optimism the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) report finding some military officers liable in the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos may lead to closure in the controversial case.
Justice secretary condemns torture in military recruits’ training - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
Justice secretary condemns torture in military recruits’ training - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
Justice secretary condemns torture in military recruits’ training
Justice secretary condemns torture in military recruits’ training
MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) should not invoke military training to justify the use of torture and other forms of physical abuses on its recruits, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima stressed on Sunday.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
2011 IRCT Micro Film Competition
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| http://www.irct.org/Default.aspx?ID=5436 |
The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) invites you to submit a short film to mark the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture – 26th June 2011.
The winning film will be featured on the IRCT website and will be shown by IRCT member centres around the globe on the 26th June.
to read more please follow the link: http://www.irct.org/
CHR asks SC to hold AFP accountable in Burgos case | The Philippine Star News Headlines
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| http://fjordz-hiraya.blogspot.com |
CHR asks SC to hold AFP accountable in Burgos case
By Edu Punay (The Philippine Star) Updated March 19, 2011 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged the Supreme Court (SC) to grant the petition seeking to hold the military accountable for the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos nearly four years ago.
In a 49-page report following its investigation as ordered by the SC last year, the CHR recommended the issuance of a writ of amparo ordering the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to produce the body of Burgos before the court.
Burgos, son of the late press freedom fighter Joe Burgos, went missing on April 28, 2007 after several gunmen dragged him to a waiting Toyota Revo van whose license plates were traced to another vehicle earlier impounded by the military in Bulacan.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
AFAD Statement on 7th Anniversary of the Disappearance of Somchai Neelapaijit
12 March, 2011
Until justice is rightly served
Seven years have passed since the enforced disappearance of Atty. Somchai Neelapaijit but the Thai government has still failed to render justice for him and his family.
Atty. Somchai Neelapaijit, a well-known human rights lawyer and defender, was made to disappear on 12 March 2004 in Bangkok, where he was last seen being dragged into a car by a group of armed men. His disappearance happened at the time when he was representing Muslim Thais in the southern provinces of Thailand who were accused of gun robbery but tortured by the police while in custody to extract forced confessions.
An International Court of Justice
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| Philippine Senator Loren Legarda welcomes Judge Sang-Hyun Song, President of the International Criminal Court, who was at the Senate for a briefing on the Rome Statute.Photo; senate.gov.ph |
(Fr. Shay's columns are published in The Manila Times,
in publications in Ireland, the UK, Hong Kong, and on-line.)
http://www.preda.org/main/archives/2011/r11030901.html
The Philippines urgently needs to ratify the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court (ICC). President Noynoy Aquino is on the edge of history as he is urged to submit the ratification bill at once and certify it as urgent and persuade the Philippine Senate to act on that bill without delay.
The Philippines is a signatory to the treaty but has not ratified it. That's why no Filipino tyrant or military accused of war crimes or crimes against humanity has been investigated and brought before the court in The Hague.
Aquino signs Rome statute of the Int’l Criminal Court - Nation - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News
Aquino signs Rome statute of the Int’l Criminal Court - Nation - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News
Aquino signs Rome statute of the Int’l Criminal Court
AMITA O. LEGASPI, GMA News
03/06/2011 | 08:15 PM
President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has signed the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and sent it to the Senate for concurrence.
In a press statement, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said the President signed last Feb. 28 the Instrument of Ratification of the treaty providing for the establishment of the ICC.
Aquino signs Rome statute of the Int’l Criminal Court
AMITA O. LEGASPI, GMA News
03/06/2011 | 08:15 PM
President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has signed the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and sent it to the Senate for concurrence.
In a press statement, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said the President signed last Feb. 28 the Instrument of Ratification of the treaty providing for the establishment of the ICC.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Pelosi urges China to release Tibetan political prisoners
Pelosi urges China to release Tibetan political prisoners
Source: http://news.in.msn.com
Lalit K Jha
Washington, Mar 11 (PTI) Nancy Pelosi, top Democratic leader and former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, has asked China to release all Tibetan political prisoners.
"It is a tribute to his extraordinary commitment to democracy that His Holiness the Dalai Lama recently announced that he will voluntarily hand over his last governmental responsibilities to the democratically-elected leadership of the Tibetan Government In Exile," Pelosi said in a statement on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising day.
"The bond between the Dalai Lama and Tibetans is unbreakable, and attempts by the Chinese government to dictate Tibetan Buddhist teachings and drive a wedge between the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people will continue to be counterproductive," Pelosi said.
She said she honoured brave Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom.
"We remember the Tibetan people who peacefully assembled to call for an end to harsh Chinese rule � and we recall the ensuing crackdown that devastated Tibet and forced His Holiness the Dalai Lama into exile," she said.
Pelosi said the Tibetan people have accumulated legitimate grievances from decades of heavy-handed Chinese government policies in Tibet.
Source: http://news.in.msn.com
Lalit K Jha
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| http://www.rushane.com/Photo/reportage/reportage.html |
"It is a tribute to his extraordinary commitment to democracy that His Holiness the Dalai Lama recently announced that he will voluntarily hand over his last governmental responsibilities to the democratically-elected leadership of the Tibetan Government In Exile," Pelosi said in a statement on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising day.
"The bond between the Dalai Lama and Tibetans is unbreakable, and attempts by the Chinese government to dictate Tibetan Buddhist teachings and drive a wedge between the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people will continue to be counterproductive," Pelosi said.
She said she honoured brave Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom.
"We remember the Tibetan people who peacefully assembled to call for an end to harsh Chinese rule � and we recall the ensuing crackdown that devastated Tibet and forced His Holiness the Dalai Lama into exile," she said.
Pelosi said the Tibetan people have accumulated legitimate grievances from decades of heavy-handed Chinese government policies in Tibet.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Human rights victims target $10-B Marcos wealth | The Philippine Star News Headlines
Human rights victims target $10-B Marcos wealth | The Philippine Star News Headlines
Human rights victims target $10-B Marcos wealth
By Perseus Echeminada (The Philippine Star) Updated March 05, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (11) View comments
MANILA, Philippines - After initially receiving $1,000 as compensation, human rights victims are now looking into the full enforcement of the $10-billion compensation award granted by a US District court.
Rod Domingo, a lawyer representing some 7,500 victims of the Marcos regime, said they would focus their attention on the full enforcement of the ruling of US District court Judge Manuel Real.
Human rights victims target $10-B Marcos wealth
By Perseus Echeminada (The Philippine Star) Updated March 05, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (11) View comments
MANILA, Philippines - After initially receiving $1,000 as compensation, human rights victims are now looking into the full enforcement of the $10-billion compensation award granted by a US District court.
Rod Domingo, a lawyer representing some 7,500 victims of the Marcos regime, said they would focus their attention on the full enforcement of the ruling of US District court Judge Manuel Real.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
UN to receive Philippine human rights situation report | Sun.Star
UN to receive Philippine human rights situation report | Sun.Star
A GROUP of human rights advocates will visit the Switzerland-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) next week to reveal the ongoing rights violations under the Aquino administration.
Represented by the Ecumenical Voice for Peace and Human Rights in the Philippines (Ecumenical Voice), the seven-man delegation will also notify the council of cases of threats and attacks against human rights defenders, internally displaced persons, among others.
“The continuing violation of the rights of the Filipino people by state agents is a reason for us to be alarmed,” Karapatan chairperson Marie Hilao-Enriquez said in a statement.
“Until now, many of the recommendations of former UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, Prof. Philip Alston have not and are not being implemented, and impunity still prevails in the country,” she added.
Since President Benigno Aquino III’s ascent to power last year, Karapatan has documented 40 victims of extrajudicial killings.
A GROUP of human rights advocates will visit the Switzerland-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) next week to reveal the ongoing rights violations under the Aquino administration.
Represented by the Ecumenical Voice for Peace and Human Rights in the Philippines (Ecumenical Voice), the seven-man delegation will also notify the council of cases of threats and attacks against human rights defenders, internally displaced persons, among others.
“The continuing violation of the rights of the Filipino people by state agents is a reason for us to be alarmed,” Karapatan chairperson Marie Hilao-Enriquez said in a statement.
“Until now, many of the recommendations of former UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, Prof. Philip Alston have not and are not being implemented, and impunity still prevails in the country,” she added.
Since President Benigno Aquino III’s ascent to power last year, Karapatan has documented 40 victims of extrajudicial killings.
PNoy urged to sign covenant vs enforced disappearance
Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=20592
PIA Press Release
Saturday, March 05, 2011
PNoy urged to sign covenant vs enforced disappearance
by Aileen Refuerzo
BAGUIO CITY, Mar 5 (PIA) – City aldermen here are urging President Benigno S. Aquino III to sign the International Convention for the protection of all persons from enforced disappearance and to certify the same to the Senate for ratification.
The body approved a resolution authored by Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president Councilor Karminn Cheryl Dinney Yangot.
In her measure, Yangot said the United Nations International Convention for the Protection of All Persons From Enforced Disappearance entered into force in December last year and the said Convention calls on States parties to investigate acts of enforced disappearance and make accountable those who are responsible, to criminalize enforced disappearance of a person, and to guarantee that victims of enforced disappearance or those directly affected by it will have the right to compensation and other forms of reparation.
PIA Press Release
Saturday, March 05, 2011
PNoy urged to sign covenant vs enforced disappearance
by Aileen Refuerzo
BAGUIO CITY, Mar 5 (PIA) – City aldermen here are urging President Benigno S. Aquino III to sign the International Convention for the protection of all persons from enforced disappearance and to certify the same to the Senate for ratification.
The body approved a resolution authored by Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president Councilor Karminn Cheryl Dinney Yangot.
In her measure, Yangot said the United Nations International Convention for the Protection of All Persons From Enforced Disappearance entered into force in December last year and the said Convention calls on States parties to investigate acts of enforced disappearance and make accountable those who are responsible, to criminalize enforced disappearance of a person, and to guarantee that victims of enforced disappearance or those directly affected by it will have the right to compensation and other forms of reparation.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Video of Soldiers Torturing Captives Riles Filipinos on Facebook - Bulatlat
Video of Soldiers Torturing Captives Riles Filipinos on Facebook - Bulatlat
After watching the video, which was widely circulated on Facebook, many expressed shock and outrage, denouncing the Armed Forces of the Philippines as human-rights violators, while others simply commented how difficult it is to look at the video and not cry with anger.
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — A week ago, a video showing members of the military torturing what appeared to be civilians hogtied and blindfolded shocked the Facebook community in the Philippines. Four civilians were shown curled in fetal position on open, grassy ground strewn with coconut husks.
Lasting one minute and 53 seconds, the video showed soldiers in full uniform and bearing long firearms alternately kicking and stomping on the civilians’ abdomens and backs as they lay curled on the ground. The civilians could be heard moaning as blows landed on their bodies and the soldiers cursed at them. One of the civilians was hauled upright, and perhaps because of the pain he suffered from the blows, was unable to stand up straight. His inability to obey the soldier’s exhortations that he stand up prompted the soldiers to punch him repeatedly.
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| The video shows members of the military torturing civilians who were hogtied and blindfolded. (Video grabs by Bulatlat.com) |
After watching the video, which was widely circulated on Facebook, many expressed shock and outrage, denouncing the Armed Forces of the Philippines as human-rights violators, while others simply commented how difficult it is to look at the video and not cry with anger.
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — A week ago, a video showing members of the military torturing what appeared to be civilians hogtied and blindfolded shocked the Facebook community in the Philippines. Four civilians were shown curled in fetal position on open, grassy ground strewn with coconut husks.
Lasting one minute and 53 seconds, the video showed soldiers in full uniform and bearing long firearms alternately kicking and stomping on the civilians’ abdomens and backs as they lay curled on the ground. The civilians could be heard moaning as blows landed on their bodies and the soldiers cursed at them. One of the civilians was hauled upright, and perhaps because of the pain he suffered from the blows, was unable to stand up straight. His inability to obey the soldier’s exhortations that he stand up prompted the soldiers to punch him repeatedly.
Martial Law Victims Insulted by Exclusion from List of Compensation Claimants - Bulatlat
Martial Law Victims Insulted by Exclusion from List of Compensation Claimants - Bulatlat
Out of the 9,539 original complainants in a class action suit filed against the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, only 7,526 victims would receive compensation. “Are they telling us that we are not genuine victims? Where is justice for us?” said martial-law victim Carlos Bolito, 60, after learning he was not included in the list of claimants.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — Jose “Bong” Barsoles, 59, who was tortured and detained during martial law, went to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) compound in Quezon City on March 1 to get his share of the compensation awarded by the Federal District Court of Hawaii to the victims of martial law who filed a class action suit against the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos.
But after patiently waiting for his turn, Barsoles was told that he is not included in the master list of claimants. Surprised, he told the person issuing the claims that he was among the original petitioners in the class suit. He was then asked to fill out a form and was told to wait for further notice.
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| Martial-law victims and families of those slain during the Marcos dictatorship wait for their turn to get compensation. Others, including those who joined the class suit, were not in the list. (Photo by Ronalyn V. Olea / bulatlat.com) |
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — Jose “Bong” Barsoles, 59, who was tortured and detained during martial law, went to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) compound in Quezon City on March 1 to get his share of the compensation awarded by the Federal District Court of Hawaii to the victims of martial law who filed a class action suit against the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos.
But after patiently waiting for his turn, Barsoles was told that he is not included in the master list of claimants. Surprised, he told the person issuing the claims that he was among the original petitioners in the class suit. He was then asked to fill out a form and was told to wait for further notice.
FINAL DISTRIBUTION SITES FOR CLASS SUIT CLAIMANTS OF THE MARCOS HUMAN RIGHTS VICTIMS
For information please visit this link: http://www.chr.gov.ph/MAIN%20PAGES/services/FinalDistribution.htm
Concern about the enforced disappearance of a Human Rights Defender
Concern about the enforced disappearance of a Human Rights Defender
| Thursday, 03 March 2011 07:55 | ||
Dear Inspector General of Police, SRI LANKA: Disappearance of FORUM-ASIA Executive Committee Member Pattani Razeek - prime suspect has not been arrested Name of the Victim: Mr. Pattani Razeek of No. 70, Sameeragama, Kottantivu, Puttalam, Sri Lanka Alleged Perpetrators: Mr. Shabdeen Nowshadh Date of latest incident: 11 February, 2010 Place of incident: Polonnaruwa North Central Province. I would like to raise my serious concerns on the further information that I have received in the case of Mr. Pattani Razeek of No. 70, Sameeragama, Kottantivu, Puttalam. Mr. Razeek was a well known human rights defender in Sri Lanka and Asia. At the time of his alleged disappearance, he was the Managing Trustee of the Community Trust Fund (CTF) and was an Executive Committee Member of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA). Mr. Razeek has been missing since he was apparently abducted on 11 February 2010 in the town of Polonnaruwa, North Central Province in Sri Lanka. He may have been the victim of an enforced disappearance. The state authorities have not shown any interest in either investigating or arresting the main suspect in the case despite credible evidence being provided by the relatives. It is believed that this failure is due to the influence of powerful politician in the area. |
Extra legal killings, enforced disappearances rampant | Sun.Star
Extra legal killings, enforced disappearances rampant | Sun.Star
EXTRA legal killings and enforced disappearances are rampant and remain unsolved in Eastern Visayas, according to a federation of human rights organizations working directly on the issue of involuntary disappearances in Asia.
Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (Afad) research and documentation officer Darwin B. Mendiola said Thursday that from November 1985 to September 2010, at least 118 victims of extra legal killings and enforced disappearances have been documented in the region.
“The real number of extra-legal killings in the region and in other parts of the country escapes exact determination. Regardless, however, of the true body count, the mere fact that there are so many extra legal killings is by itself a cause for alarm,” Mendiola said in a forum sponsored by the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College (UPVTC) in partnership with the Ateneo Human Rights Center.
Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (Afad) research and documentation officer Darwin B. Mendiola said Thursday that from November 1985 to September 2010, at least 118 victims of extra legal killings and enforced disappearances have been documented in the region.
“The real number of extra-legal killings in the region and in other parts of the country escapes exact determination. Regardless, however, of the true body count, the mere fact that there are so many extra legal killings is by itself a cause for alarm,” Mendiola said in a forum sponsored by the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College (UPVTC) in partnership with the Ateneo Human Rights Center.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
BusinessWorld Online Edition |Human rights abuse victims finally receive compensation
BusinessWorld Online Edition |Human rights abuse victims finally receive compensation
Source: http://www.bworldonline.com
Posted on February 28, 2011 10:19:21 PM
Human rights abuse victims finally receive compensation
VICTIMS OF human rights abuses during the Marcos regime yesterday started receiving compensation from a case won in the United States, the Commission on Human Rights said yesterday.
An initial 12 beneficiaries from over 7,500 eligible claimants each received checks worth P43,200 in ceremonies at Club Filipino in San Juan City, Metro Manila.
The legal victory for human rights victims at the US District Court of Hawaii was a consolidated class action suit for torture, summary execution and enforced disappearances of individuals during Martial Law.
It is the first time the victims will receive compensation since 1986 when they filed the class suit in a Hawaii court.
Source: http://www.bworldonline.com
Posted on February 28, 2011 10:19:21 PM
Human rights abuse victims finally receive compensation
VICTIMS OF human rights abuses during the Marcos regime yesterday started receiving compensation from a case won in the United States, the Commission on Human Rights said yesterday.
An initial 12 beneficiaries from over 7,500 eligible claimants each received checks worth P43,200 in ceremonies at Club Filipino in San Juan City, Metro Manila.
The legal victory for human rights victims at the US District Court of Hawaii was a consolidated class action suit for torture, summary execution and enforced disappearances of individuals during Martial Law.
It is the first time the victims will receive compensation since 1986 when they filed the class suit in a Hawaii court.
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