On the eve of the 27th anniversary of Ninoy's assassination:
DESAPARECIDOS
and HUSTISYA unveil the biggest yellow ribbon
to show their
missing loved ones that they are still waiting for them to come home
Scout Jamboree Circle, QCI
August 20, 2010
Mother and missing daughter
Father and missing daughter
Mother and missing son
On the eve of the 27th Anniversary of the assassination of late Senator
Ninoy Aquino, Families of the Disappeared for Justice (Desaparecidos) and
Victims of Arroyo United for Justice (Hustisya!) tie a long yellow cloth
around Scout Jamboree Circle to signify their continuing search and fight
for justice.
As the two groups unveil the yellow cloth, photos of the disappeared and
other victims of human rights violations unravel with the long cloth
amidst the playing of the song ‘Tie A Yellow. “Like this song by Tony
Orlando, we are tying the biggest yellow ribbon to show our missing loved
ones that we are still waiting for them to come home,” Lorena P. Santos,
deputy Secretary General of Desaparecidos said.
--- fromt the press statement
of DESAPARECIDOS and HUSTISYA
/p
/p
PRESS RELEASE:
August 20, 2010
Reference:
Lorena P. Santos, Deputy Secretary General, Desaparecidos
09175415133/ 434 2837
Evangeline Hernandez, Convenor, HUSTISYA
09158562151/ 4342837
Families of victims of human rights violations to P-Noy: How long shall
we wait for justice?
On the eve of the 27th Anniversary of the assassination of late Senator
Ninoy Aquino, Families of the Disappeared for Justice (Desaparecidos) and
Victims of Arroyo United for Justice (Hustisya!) tie a long yellow cloth
around Scout Jamboree Circle to signify their continuing search and fight
for justice.
As the two groups unveil the yellow cloth, photos of the disappeared and
other victims of human rights violations unravel with the long cloth
amidst the playing of the song ‘Tie A Yellow. “Like this song by Tony
Orlando, we are tying the biggest yellow ribbon to show our missing loved
ones that we are still waiting for them to come home,” Lorena P. Santos,
deputy Secretary General of Desaparecidos said.
“This is also a reminder to our new government that as he, Pres. Benigno
Aquino Jr, commemorates the death of his father, many other Filipinos who
fought for democracy were brutally killed by the Arroyo government but are
still without justice,” Evangeline Hernandez, Convenor of Hustisya! said.
“The president once said, ‘Ang sinumang nagkamali ay kailangang humarap sa
hustisya.’ (Anyone who have done wrong must face justice.) But until when
shall we wait for justice?” Santos of Desaparecidos asks. “Our loved ones
remain missing and their abductors are still free,” she continues.
“Mid-way through the first one hundred days of President Noynoy’s
administration, we are yet to see any concrete steps taken or promised to
be taken by this government. We are concerned on how sincere the President
is in seeking justice for victims of human rights violations.” Santos
says.
The organizations expressed their disapproval on the series of political
decisions that P-Noy has made. “First, the President did not mention
anywhere in his SONA that he will address the human rights violations done
by his predecessor. He goes on by approving the anti-insurgency program
Oplan Bantay Laya’s extension until the end of the year; ignoring the fact
that this program has been responsible in the killing of thousands and the
disappearance of hundreds of Filipinos under the Arroyo Regime.” Santos
declared.
“And to add insult to our injury, he appoints Ms. Etta Rosales as
Chairperson to the Commission on Human Rights.” Hernandez added, “With
nothing much to show for her track record at the House of Representatives
and for her insincere and lack of genuine concern to fellow victims of
human rights violations under the Marcos Regime who, until now are still
fighting to claim justice and indemnification, how can present victims of
human rights violations trust her?” She added.
“As we tie the yellow ribbon with the faces of our loved ones who are
victims of the past regime, we are reminding the public that we will not
let the sacrifices of our missing or killed loved ones be forgotten. Our
quest for justice will continue no matter how long it will take.” Mrs.
Hernandez concluded. ###
Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at para sa Amnestiya
(Society of Ex-Detainees for Liberation against Detention and for Amnesty)
2/F Erythrina Bldg.,No. 1 Maaralin cor. Matatag Street , Brgy. Central,
Diliman, Quezon City 1100 Telefax 4342837 Email: selda_phil@yahoo.com.ph
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
July 25, 2010
It is a travesty of history when one distorts
and denies it. It is doubly insulting when the real and historical role of
the people and martyrs are diluted and denied to suit one’s self-interest
for an appointment for a government position.
The Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa
Detensyon at Para sa Amnestiya (SELDA), the organization of former
political prisoners, would like to re-state and clarify the historical
role of the Filipino people in our struggle for justice and
indemnification for the victims of human rights violations under the
Marcos dictatorship. It is but incumbent for us to speak especially when
we hear and witness the height of distortion of history; when the likes of
former Akbayan Rep. Loretta Ann Rosales, an avid aspirant for the top plum
at the Commission on Human Rights, and Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros peddle
lies such as the claim of Rosales’ alleged leadership role in the struggle
for justice and indemnification of the victims of Martial Law.
In 1984, those who suffered illegal arrest,
torture and detention organized themselves into SELDA to strive for the
freedom of those detained and to work for the achievement of justice.
SELDA was first established by former political detainees, led by Fidel
Agcaoili, with Don Chino Roces as founding chairman and Agcaoili as
founding secretary general. Immediately after People Power I, in its
desire to show the world the systematic and gross human rights violations
unleashed by the dictator on the Filipino people and their courageous
struggle to fight it, SELDA filed a class action suit against the Marcoses
at the US Federal Court System.
At that time, the leaders of SELDA contemplated to institute measures to
remind the nation of Marcoses’ crimes against humanity and hold the
dictator accountable for such as the Cory government did not file any
charges against the dictator. Invoking the Aliens Tort Act with the
assistance of American lawyer Atty. Robert Swift, SELDA filed the case
against Marcos in the US Federal District Court System on April 7, 1986,
which would later be heard at the Federal Court of Hawaii at the sala of
Judge Harry Fong as Marcos lived in that state. The case would prosper as
MDL-840 (Maximo and Celsa Hilao et al vs. the Estate of Ferdinand Marcos)
The Federal District Court of Hawaii dismissed the case, arguing that
Marcos had a privilege of immunity from suits. SELDA appealed the case at
the US Court of Appeals in the Ninth Circuit, which later issued a ruling
favoring the Marcos victims reversing the earlier decision of the Hawaii
Federal Court. From the time of the filing of the suit up to the time of
filing of the claims of members of the class, SELDA, which initiated the
suit, did all the work in looking for the named plaintiffs, helping in the
depositions, getting the materials for the case, and all necessary work
for the lawyers. The organization has consistently been at the forefront
of the struggle for justice of and for the Martial law victims even as
lawyer Robert Swift, the Ramos administration and some individuals had
initiated moves for compromise settlements which aimed to exonerate the
Marcoses from any accountability and guilt for their atrocious acts in
exchange for money.
It was in 1994 when a small group of SELDA and
class members formed a breakaway group and formed Claimants 1081, led by
Rosales. Rosales and Claimants 1081 had ingratiated themselves to Atty.
Swift so that they can form another group which would work for the “early”
resolution of the case to obtain money. It was very clear that they
established themselves only after the Federal Court issued monetary awards
on the case. Through Swift, Rosales and Claimants 1081 sought to collect
membership fees and quarterly fees from the victims in utter violation of
the Federal Court order which prohibited solicitations from the victims.
Further, Rosales, using the reason to obtain “compensation money for the
claimants right away” has adhered and agreed with Swift with regard to the
various compromise settlements entered into by the American lawyer with
the Marcoses, without consulting the victims, and even without a final,
executory Court ruling.
Thus, with Rosales’ record and her subsequent
distortion of history, we are raising serious questions and objections to
Ms. Rosales’ rumored appointment to the Chairperson position of the
Commission on Human Rights. As victims of human rights violations during
Martial Law, we demand a transparent and democratic process of selection
of public officials at the CHR, where we can actively participate in and
where we can look at the integrity and sense of historical delicadeza as
among other standards for good and democratic governance, of those who are
being considered for the position.
(sgd) Marie Hilao Enriquez
Secretary General, SELDA
(Parents and sibling are among the named plaintiffs in the Marcos class
action suit in Hawaii)
xKARAPATAN-CENTRAL VISAYAS
Door 2-Annex bldg., UCCP-CENDET Compound.
#85 osmena blvd., cebu city 6000 philippines
PRESS STATEMENT -- 10 July 2010
Reference: Dennis Abarrientos, Secretay-General
Contact Nos.: (+63 32) 255-5549
JUSTICE NOW!
It has been two weeks since the brutal murder of peasant activist Fernando
Bejino in Siaton, Negros Oriental, but until now, no action has been taken
by authorities to zero in on the murderers. After almost two weeks, no
assistance and relief has been extended to his bereaved family by any
government agency.
Fernando Bejino, 45, was an active member of the Casalaan Farmers
Association and an ardent oppositionist to the operation and planned
expansion of the environmentally-destructive and economically-disruptive
jathropa plantation in their locality. For this, he and his group earned
the ire of members of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) who guard the
plantation and arm local thugs in harassing activists. He has been warned
by 79th IB troops and their vigilantes to “surrender” and stop criticizing
government programs, particularly the bio-fuel project in the Tamlang
Valley, Negros Oriental.
On 27, June, 2010, 1PM, as P.Noy was busy sorting out his attire for his
inauguration, Bejino was brutally murdered inside a passenger jeep. He was
on his way home, with his wife and his mother, when a fellow passenger
with a military physique, disembarked near a jathropa processing plant,
pulled out a pistol, aimed this at the passengers and ordered that those
who are not “involved” should leave. As if on cue, another passenger who
was seating right across Bejino, pulled out his own pistol and shot Bejino
pointblank.
Bejino died on the spot. He sustained five gunshot wounds from a .45-cal.
pistol.
Two weeks before the incident, KARAPATAN member Benjamin Bayles, 49, was
peppered with 15 gunshot wounds from same kind of pistol by two soldiers
of the 61st IB in Himamaylan, Negros Occidental. The local police arrested
the suspects and identified them as Roger M. Bahon and Ronnie L. Caurino,
who both confessed to being “organic” members of the 61st IB. The
following day, however, the police retracted its statement.
Indeed, these acts have not ended with the formal lifting of martial law.
An undeclared military rule continues to hang over the country with the
unabated killings and enforced disappearances of activists, human rights
defenders and media practitioners.
As we condemn these acts, let’s do our share in working for justice. We
could start by urging P.Noy to send direct assistance to the victims, and
to suspend military commanders in whose areas of responsibility these
atrocities were committed.ÿ
for Human Rights updates in Central Visayas, visit: http://hrdefenders.wordpress.com/
--
Alliance for the Advancement of People's Rights
2nd Flr. Erythrina Bldg., #1 Maaralin corner Matatag Sts., Central
District
Diliman, Quezon City, PHILIPPINES 1101
Telefax: (+63 2) 4354146
Web: http://www.karapatan.org
KARAPATAN is an alliance of human rights organizations and programs, human
rights desks and committees of people’s organizations, and individual
advocates committed to the defense and promotion of people’s rights and
civil liberties. It monitors and documents cases of human rights
violations, assists and defends victims and conducts education, training
and campaign. It was established in 1995.
--
KARAPATAN Alliance for the Advancement of People's Rights
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "KARAPATAN Human Rights Update" group.
To post to this group, send email to karapatan-updates@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
karapatan-updates+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/karapatan-updates?hl=en?hl=en
▼ Some of the
hundreds of desaparecidos ▼
MEDIA RELEASE – 16 August 2010
Reference: Marie Hilao-Enriquez, Chairperson
Mobile No. 0917-561-6800
On the AFP Extension of Oplan Bantay Laya II
“Not in the name of human rights, not one day more!” – Karapatan
The human rights alliance Karapatan assailed the extension of Oplan Bantay
Laya II announced by Armed Forces Chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo David last
Sunday.
Karapatan Chairperson Marie Hilao Enriquez
scored the AFP for claiming that they would “emphasize the respect and
upholding of human rights,” for it is one of the thrusts of President
Benigno Aquino III. “This is the height of deception and distortion by the
AFP and the President to lull the people into accepting this abominable
counter-insurgency strategy which was already found by both local and
international bodies to be one of the reasons for the series of killings
and enforced disappearances committed against activists and critics of the
US-Arroyo regime. It is now becoming clear that this Aquino II regime is
nothing but a continuation of its predecessor in terms of human rights,’’
Enriquez declares.
The Aquino II administration must stop
deceiving the people. “Not in the name of human rights,” Enriquez said.
“The bloody record of Oplan Bantay Laya has shown the AFP’s total
disregard for human rights. Its mercenary tradition has shown not even a
modicum of respect but rather total contempt of human rights,” she added.
“This is proven in the series of cruel
military operations now being undertaken in the hinterlands of Negros
island province, Samar, the Bicol provinces, Davao and Compostela Valley
and other parts of the land wreaking havoc on the lives of poor farmers’
communities and rendering them more vulnerable to human rights violations.
Extending Oplan Bantay Laya means extending massive militarization
campaigns and displacement of entire communities at the mercy of the
military, paramilitary and armies of poltical warlords and big business
interests,” Enriquez stated.
“If President Aquino really wants peace based
on justice, he should address the fundamental causes of the armed
conflicts rooted in the system dominated by the US and local ruling elite
of big landlords and businessmen. He can start with the land distribution
of the Hacienda Luisita,” Enriquez further explained.
“The ultimate solution to the armed conflict
is on socio-economic reforms and social justice,” KARAPATAN asserts as it
holds its National Council meeting and assess the damage done by the Oplan
Bantay Laya counter-insurgency program that victimized thousands of
activists during the US-Arroyo regime. ###
URGENT APPEAL!URGENT APPEAL!
Peasant activist shot dead in Siaton, Negros Oriental, Philippines
We are gravely concerned over the continued inaction of government
authorities in Negros Oriental over the execution of a peasant activist in
Siaton town of the said province on 27 June, 2010.
In a preliminary investigation launched by KARAPATAN, it was found out
that the police still has to take action on the case in spite of a
complaint earlier filed at the municipal police station. No relief has
also been extended to the bereaved family by any government agency.
THE INCIDENT: SUMMARY EXECUTION
VICTIM : Fernando Bejino, 45, married, of So.Casayan, Brgy. Casalaan,
Siaton, Negros Oriental; active member of Casayan Farmers Association and
most vocal oppositionist to the operation and planned expansion of a
jathropa plantation, which is being guarded by soldiers of the 79th
Infantry Battalion-302nd IBrigade of the Philippine Army and vigilantes
SUSPECTED
PERPETRATORS: agents of the 79th Infantry Battalion-302nd Infantry Brigade
MOTIVE : to silence local opposition to the operation and planned
expansion of a jathropa plantation
PLACE : the junction of Lamtoc, Casalaan, near the jathropa processing
plant
DATE : 27 June 2010
ACCOUNTS : At around 1PM of 27 June 2010, the victim, along with his wife
and mother, took a ride aboard a passenger “Canter” jeep on their way home
from Poblacion, Siaton.
Thirty minutes later, upon reaching the junction of Lamtoc and Casalaan,
near the jathropa processing plant that 79th IB soldiers guarded, a man
with his cap on disembarked. The man then pulled out a pistol and ordered
the passengers to “pahawa ang way labot!” (Leave, those who are not
involved!) At that point, the triggerman, who was sitting just across the
victim, aimed his own pistol at the victim and fired pointblank.
The victim sustained five gunshot wounds at the neck and collarbone from a
.45-caliber pistol. He died on the spot.
The two assailants vanished in the commotion, which curiously did not
attract response from soldiers stationed at the nearby plant.
Prior to his death, the victim was harassed by the vigilantes created by
the military assigned in the detachment inside the jathropa processing
plant. He was pressured to admit his alleged involvement with the
underground movement and to surrender to “clear his name” and “earn
money.” He was visited in his house right after the UDHR commemoration
rally on December 10, 2009.
RESPONSE NEEDED
For a start, please send notices of concern
demanding that the Philippine government 1) ensure an impartial
investigation on the extra-judicial killing of Fernando Bejino; 2)
demilitarize the area pending investigation and disarm military-backed
vigilantes and goons; 3) extend protection and assistance to the family of
the Fernando Bejino; and, 4) review the government's counter-insurgency
program as per recommendation of UN rapporteur Philip Alston. Please send
to the following:
H.E. Benigno C. Aquino III
President of the Republic of the Philippines
Malacañang Palace,
JP Laurel St., San Miguel
Manila, Philippines
Voice: (+632) 564 1451 to 80
Fax: (+632) 742-1641 / 929-3968
E-mail:
Sec. Teresita Quintos-Deles
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP)
7th Floor Agustin Building I
Emerald Avenue
Pasig City 1605
Voice:+63 (2) 636 0701 to 066
Fax:+63 (2) 638 2216
E-Mail Address: osec@opapp.gov.ph
Ret. Lt. Gen. Voltaire T. Gazmin
Secretary, Department of National Defense
Room 301 DND Building, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo,
E. de los Santos Avenue, Quezon City
Voice:+63(2) 911-9281 / 911-0488
Fax:+63(2) 911 6213
Email: osnd@philonline.com
Atty. Leila De Lima
Secretary, Department of Justice
Padre Faura St., Manila
Direct Line 521-8344; 5213721
Trunkline 523-84-81 loc.214
Fax: (+632) 521-1614
Email: soj@doj.gov.ph
Officer-In-Charge Cecilia Rachel V. Quisumbing
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., UP Complex
Commonwealth Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Voice: (+632) 928-5655, 926-6188
Fax: (+632) 929 0102
Email: coco.chrp@gmail.com,
Hon. Navanethem Pillay
UN High Commisssioner of Human Rights
OHCHR address:
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Palais Wilson
52 rue des Pâquis
CH-1201 Geneva, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 917 90 00
Email: InfoDesk@ohchr.org
Hon. Agustin Perdices
Office of the Governor
Province of Negros Oriental
Tel.No.: (035)225-2848
Fax.No.:(035)225-4835
Email: ec.macias@negor.gov.ph
Hon.George P. Arnaiz
Representative, Second District
Provincial Capitol, Dumaguete City,
Negros Oriental 6200
Tel.No.: (035)225-2848
Fax.No.:(035)225-4835
=
==
PRESS RELEASE
July 6, 2010
Reference: Roy Morilla, KMP Public Information Officer (0907-418-0098)
Aquino mute and deaf on extra-judicial
killings against militants
The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP, Peasant Movement of
the Philippines) and Tanggol Magsasaka (Peasant Network for Land, Justice
and Human Rights) condemned the first case of extra-judicial killing (EJK)
under the Aquino government, victimizing Lezo town councilor Fernando
Baldomero, Bayan Muna and Makabayan coalition provincial coordinator of
Aklan. Baldomero is also a member of SELDA (ex-martial law detainees
group) and the municipal coordinator of Liberal Party. He was killed
morning of July 5 in Bgy. Sta. Cruz Bigaa, said town by 2 motor-cycle
riding men believed to be military agents.
“This is the very reason we set-up our 100-day camp-out, to call for
genuine land reform and justice for victims of human rights abuses under
the Arroyo government. But Aquino is mute and deaf as he continues to
ignore us, worse, we were violently dispersed and killings continue until
now,” said Antonio Flores, KMP Spokesperson and Tanggol Magsasaka co-convenor.
“Ka Fernando fought for genuine land reform, justice and democracy since
Marcos’ times, a defender of peasant rights, thus, he was targeted by
fascist forces of the state and was not spared though he was a member of
Aquino’s Liberal Party,” Flores added.
KMP with Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (KASAMA-TK,
KMP Southern Tagalog) and Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL,
KMP Central Luzon) have set-up their 100-day camp-out at Mendiola last
June 30 to push President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to implement genuine
land reform and serve justice for victims of human rights abuses. But
after 3 days, July 3 about 3:30pm, more than 200 elements of Manila police
violently dispersed the farmers and demolished their make-shift shelters.
The incident resulted into 11 wounded and 42 farmers and supporters
arrested. The groups file complaints at the Commission on Human Rights
yesterday morning. They are now staying at the compound of Caritas Manila
near Nagtahan.
Tanggol Magsasaka said that KMP has the most number of member-victims of
EJK by the Arroyo government reaching to 561 of the 1,190 victims
documented by Karapatan human rights group. The group said that EJK
victimized 119 KMP leaders including Eddie Gumanoy of KASAMA-TK (KMP
Southern Tagalog), Renato Pacaide of KMP Far Southern Mindanao Region,
Arthur Orpilla and Dionisio Battad of DANGGAYAN – CV (KMP Cagayan Valley),
Marcelino Beltran of AMT (KMP Tarlac), Fermin Lorico of KAUGMAON (KMP
Negros Oriental), Celso Pojas of FADC (KMP Davao City) and more. In
addition, there are 129 peasants and organizers who were victimized by
enforced disappearances including Nilo Arado of PAMANGGAS – Panay and
Jonas Burgos of AMB (KMP Bulacan).
KMP and Tanggol Magsasaka said that Aquino is inclined to implement the
same or worse oppressive measure as Oplan Bantay Laya (OBL), the
counter-insurgency program of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“During the campaign period, he disapproved of disarming the CAFGUs and
para-military groups, issued statements exclusive on media killings prior
his inaugural and attended military rites where AFP Chief of Staff Ricardo
David imposed a deadline of 3 years to end insurgency, to add, there were
no release of political prisoners, no signs of resumption of peace talks
between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the
government,” Flores said.
The groups said Aquino kept quiet on the killings of activists, thus,
sending no deterrent on the perpetrators. They added that Aquino has done
nothing so far to put down the culture of impunity in the country.
“The Aquino government with all its machinery and influence is helpless of
stopping the killings. The mere inaction of Aquino is the very promotion
of killings in the country,” said Flores.
“The Aquino government is hopeless this early and it is clear that change
could only be from the people struggling for democratic rights and
fundamental reforms. We now declare Aquino and Arroyo are synonymous, we
expect nothing from him but more killings, more human rights abuses, more
terror and fascism. We call on all sectors to rise up against the
oppression as the Aquino government is pathetic to protect and promote our
basic rights,” Flores called. #
NEWS RELEASE
2 July 2010
KMU condemns murder of another labor leader, presses Aquino to probe
AFP’s hand
Workers wary of Aquino’s full support for military
Militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno slammed the murder of another
labor leader in Negros Occidental by alleged members of the Philippine
Army, calling it as ex-President Gloria Arroyo’s “bloody parting shot on
government critics” and as added pressure for the Aquino administration to
look into the role of military on countless cases of political killings.
Sugar worker Benjamin “Benjie” Bayles was with his friend waiting for
public transport in Sitio Antipolo, Brgy. Buenavista at around 4:30 pm on
June 14 when two motorcycle-riding men stopped in front of him and shot
him with a .45 caliber pistol. Bayles, an organizer of the National
Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW), actively took part in the struggle for
genuine land reform.
KMU said army soldiers belonging to the 61st Infantry Batallion (61st IB)
who are encamped at the barangay center in Brgy. Buenavista, had been
asking the whereabouts and other related information about Bayles.
Bayles is the 11th NFSW member killed since 2001 and the second labor
leader murdered after the May 10 elections. Last June 3, union president
Edward Panganiban was killed in Sta. Rosa, Laguna by alleged members of
the military. Since 2001, 98 labor leaders and organizers have been
killed.
“Bayles’s murder, along with the murder of thousands more, should put more
pressure on President Noynoy Aquino to be tougher on his promise to
prosecute Arroyo and the perpetrators of these atrocities. This should
also push him to junk his predecessor’s counterinsurgency plan of the
military that spawned extra-judicial killings, abductions and other forms
of gross human rights violations,” KMU executive vice chairman Joselito
“Lito” Ustarez said.
Full support for AFP?
KMU issued this statement as Aquino formally welcomed today new Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Ricardo David Jr. The group said
workers are wary of Aquino’s full support of the military in light of
AFP’s record of brutally suppressing unarmed civilians.
“President Aquino’s failure to mention his plans on Arroyo’s
counterinsurgency program, Oplan Bantay Laya 1 and 2, makes workers and
people cautious of his avowed full support of the military. Will he
continue Arroyo’s killing spree? Will he lay down a new security plan
directed against government critics and vocal opposition to US-dictated
policies? The people are waiting for Aquino’s answers to these questions,”
Labog said.
KMU said AFP Chief of Staff David’s vow to keep the military a
“responsible institution subservient to the civilian community” will
remain a lie unless the military’s hand on extrajudicial killings will be
investigated. The group also noted that David, former Northern Luzon
Command (NolCom) chief, has responsibility with the persistent
militarization and harassment of farmers in the Cojuangco-owned Hacienda
Luisita in Tarlac.
“David’s stint as NolCom chief constrasts his pronouncements on civilian
supremacy. For the longest time, NolCom has kept Luisita highly
militarized and dangerous to those vocal against the abusive schemes by
the Cojuangco-Aquino family,” Ustarez said.
KMU also cited the findings of international bodies indicting the previous
regime and the military on the bloody campaign against activists,
including the initial report of the International Labor Organization last
year.
Negros Farm Worker Murdered. Victims of EJK from NSFW now 11.
Negros Occidental -- Another labor leader, Benjamin Bayker, 44, was
murdered last June 14, 2010 by alleged members of 61st Infantry Batallion
Philippines Army.
At around 4:30 pm, Bayles was with his friend waiting for public transport
near the waiting shed in Sitio Antolo Bgy. Buenavista when a couple of
unidentified men riding a Honda motorcycle stopped in front of the victim
and using a .45 caliber pistol shot Bayles, the other man driving the
vehicle also fixed shots at the victim.
On April 2010, Army soldiers belonging to the 11th IBPA encamped at the
barangay center of Bgy. Buenavista. Witnesses say that since the last week
of April, army soldiers had been asking the whereabouts and other
pertinent information about Bayles.
Fighting for Land, Survival and Human Rights
Bayles, also known as Ka Benjie, became an organizer of National
Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) beginning 2002. He took part in the
long and arduous struggle for land and survival of the peasants and farm
workers of Himamaylan City in Negros. Bayles is also an active human
rights defender and facilitates campaigns of Karapatan Negros. He is also
the treasurer of a local chapter of Bayan Muna.
The NFSW is an organization of farm workers established in 1971 to counter
the many “yellow” farm organizations and create a force that will
genuinely forward the interests of the toiling class.
Negros Peasant-Worker Leaders Under Attack
Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) Executive Director Daisy
Arago points out that Baylen’s assassination demonstrate the relentless
attack on Negros peasant and labor leaders as well as the entire movement
in Negros pushing for genuine agrarian reform and social justice.
Baylen is the 11th NFSW who became victim of extrajudicial killings since
2001. “Clearly there is a an overt campaign against organizations and
sectors that uphold and fight true land reform,” Arago expressed.
Other than the killings, NFSW members also faced a slew of criminal
charges. More than 300 criminal cases were filed against NFSW members
while 83 warrants of arrests have been issued against the farm workers
that came from various haciendas.
“This criminalization of Negros [farm] workers,” Arago added, “is also
part of the large scheme of deterring people’s organizations who has
legitimate demands from the government and the landowners. It is still
part of the legal offensives against purported communists and the
notorious anti-insurgency program, Oplan Bantay Laya or OBL.”
“But what must be clearly understood is that victims [of EJKs and
criminalization] are not mere political activists in the sense that they
adhere to certain political or ideoligical beliefs. Organizations such as
NFSW fight for their right to own and till the land. Land dispute and
economic injustice is the fundamental issue here. And this should not be
addressed by the government not by annihilating the people who seek to
live decently but by providing the needed reforms to end social
injustice,” Arago furthers.
Poverty and Struggle
Negros is an island known for it vast lands dominated mostly
sugar-producing haciendas whose history dates back in the era of Spaniards
colonization. To date, the island despite its rich and fertile land is
considered one of the poorest in the Philippines. Extreme poverty and high
incidents of malnutritution is largely attribute to the sacada system of
farming. The average family income is of P73 923 per annum (2000 data).
Even the urban centers such as Bacolod City face the problem of ballooning
informal settlers and unemployment. About 70% of the population are either
unemployed or have no stable jobs.
Farm workers from NFSW however have learned to struggle their way to
survive and resist continued oppression. They launched the land
cultivation campaign wherein farmers tilled the land which were supposedly
subjected to land distribution. Hacienderos continue to question the
decision to distribute the land and in past prevent the farmers from
planting crops in contested areas. In order to deter the farmers from
their successful land cultivation campaign, they slapped the peasants
mostly from NSFW with the trumped-up criminal cases.#
Reference: Daisy Arago, Executive Director CTUHR, 0910.380.1897
▼ Some of those
who died in connection with the Hacienda Luisita dispute
▼
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Negros Farm Worker Murdered. Victims of EJK from NSFW now 11.
Negros Occidental -- Another labor leader, Benjamin Bayker, 44, was
murdered last June 14, 2010 by alleged members of 61st Infantry Batallion
Philippines Army.
At around 4:30 pm, Bayles was with his friend waiting for public transport
near the waiting shed in Sitio Antolo Bgy. Buenavista when a couple of
unidentified men riding a Honda motorcycle stopped in front of the victim
and using a .45 caliber pistol shot Bayles, the other man driving the
vehicle also fixed shots at the victim.
On April 2010, Army soldiers belonging to the 11th IBPA encamped at the
barangay center of Bgy. Buenavista. Witnesses say that since the last week
of April, army soldiers had been asking the whereabouts and other
pertinent information about Bayles.
Fighting for Land and Survival
Bayles, also known as Benjie, became an organizer of National Federation
of Sugar Workers (NFSW) beginning 2002. He took part in the long and
arduous struggle for land and survival of the peasants and farm workers of
Himamaylan City in Negros. Bayles is also an active human rights defender
and facilitates campaigns of Karapatan Negros. He is also the treasurer of
a local chapter of Bayan Muna.
The NFSW is an organization of farm workers established in 1971 to counter
the many “yellow” farm organizations and create a force that will
genuinely forward the interests of the toiling class.
Negros Peasant-Worker Leaders Under Attack
Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) Executive Director Daisy
Arago points out that Baylen’s assassination demonstrate the relentless
attack on Negros peasant and labor leaders as well as the entire movement
in Negros pushing for genuine agrarian reform and social justice.
Baylen is the 11th NFSW who became victim of extrajudicial killings since
2001. “Clearly there is a an overt campaign against organizations and
sectors that uphold and fight true land reform,” Arago expressed.
Other than the killings, NFSW members also faced a slew of criminal
charges. More than 300 criminal cases were filed against NFSW members
while 83 warrants of arrests have been issued against the farm workers
that came from various haciendas.
“This criminalization of Negros [farm] workers,” Arago added, “is also
part of the large scheme of deterring people’s organizations who has
legitimate demands from the government and the landowners. It is still
part of the legal offensives against purported communists and the
notorious anti-insurgency program, Oplan Bantay Laya or OBL.”
“But what must be clearly understood is that victims [of EJKs and
criminalization] are not mere political activists in the sense that they
adhere to certain political or ideoligical beliefs. Organizations such as
NFSW fight for their right to own and till the land. Land dispute and
economic injustice is the fundamental issue here. And this should not be
addressed by the government not by annihilating the people who seek to
live decently but by providing the needed reforms to end social
injustice,” Arago furthers.
Poverty and Struggle
Negros is an island known for it vast lands dominated mostly
sugar-producing haciendas whose history dates back in the era of Spaniards
colonization. To date, the island despite its rich and fertile land is
considered one of the poorest in the Philippines. Extreme poverty and high
incidents of malnutritution is largely attribute to the sacada system of
farming. The average family income is of P73 923 per annum (2000 data).
Even the urban centers such as Bacolod City face the problem of ballooning
informal settlers and unemployment. About 70% of the population are either
unemployed or have no stable jobs.
Farm workers from NFSW however have learned to struggle their way to
survive and resist continued oppression. They launched the land
cultivation campaign wherein farmers tilled the land which were supposedly
subjected to land distribution. Hacienderos continue to question the
decision to distribute the land and in past prevent the farmers from
planting crops in contested areas. In order to deter the farmers from
their successful land cultivation campaign, they slapped the peasants
mostly from NSFW with the trumped-up criminal cases.#
Reference: Daisy Arago, Executive Director CTUHR, 0910.380.1897
KARAPATAN-Davao del Sur
karapatandds@yahoo.com.ph
Press Statement
July 30, 2010
Where is my Husband?
Last July 01, 2010 Mr. Beño O. Caray member of LUMAKAS, and indigenous
people’s organization, walking for about 4 hours going to Sitio Maligui,
Barangay Little Baguio, Malita, Davao del Sur carrying his product abaca
to sell and grab the opportunity for high price as compared to Sarangani
Province. When he come back to his way home accompanied 4 others
approaching to Sitio Lagumit, Upper Suyan, Sarangani Province they met the
39th Infantry Battalion along the way but unfortunately only Beño was
illegally arrested and hit in different parts of his body.
Until at present, almost a month or 29 days after the enforced
disappearance, the families are anxious as to where is the innocent
indigenous people farmer, beloved husband and good father. The wife of
Beño O. Caray are very much affected of the incident since he has 4
children waiting for him, if doesn’t surface, how they live without Beño.
The 4 children could not help his wife because the eldest is only 4 years
old.
Meanwhile, the unparalleled as it covertly targeted leaders and members of
legal, democratic organizations, including those from the media and the
political opposition as well as ordinary, unarmed civilians labeled as
“NPA sympathizers” for “neutralization” in its counter-insurgency military
operations . As the government rushed to achieve its self-imposed deadline
to defeat the CPP-NPA, those branded by the AFP as "enemies of the state,"
whether combatants or non-combatants are "neutralized" through physical
elimination. These attacks continue with impunity. Victims and their
relatives are denied justice. And Beño is in line with series of victims
it should be stop by the new administration of President Noynoy Aquino and
prosecute the perpetrators.
Right now, the family is appealing to the 39th Infantry Battalion to
immediately surface him since he is innocent civilian, to the church
people, media, local government units, human rights advocates and
concerned individuals to help them locate their family member and assist
them to achieve justice.
MANILA, PhilippinesTo
remember their disappeared loved ones, relatives of missing human
rights victims tied a long yellow ribbon at a monument in Quezon
City Friday morning, taking a cue from the famous song.
