HUSTISYA launching Baguio

BAGUIO CITY (Sept 14) — Families and friends of victims of political killings in the Ilocos and Cordillera regions came together this afternoon to launch the local chapter of HUSTISYA (Justice) in an ecumenical service and press conference at the Cathedral of the Resurrection.

Leading the convenors were survivors Dr. Chandu Claver, who lost his wife and was himself badly wounded in an ambush in Tabuk, Kalinga; Elvira Sanchez, Albina Terradaño, and Agustina Bangit, widows of Romy Sanchez, (assassinated in Baguio City), Albert Terradaño (assassinated in Abra), and Markus Bangit (assassinated in Isabela), respectively.

Hustisya “is a nationwide organization that will be formally launched tomorrow in Manila,” said Beverly Longid, vice chairman of the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA), a co-convenor of the local chapter.

“It is the response of the friends and families of the victims to draw support and attention to their particular issues and needs.” Longid said.

Survivors said that this is what they can do to strengthen the nationwide and international campaign against political killings perpetuated throughout the country.

Since GMA assumed the presidency in 2001 up to present, cases of political killings remain unsolved, the convenors said.

“Hustisya will serve as a lobby and campaign body for immediate justice to the victims,” said Sanchez, the widow of Romy. The Philippine National Police (PNP) had earlier announced they had identified Romy’s killer but to this day the suspect remains at large.

The widows of Terradaño and Bangit said there has been no development in the resolution of their cases.

On the other hand, Claver said that PNP Task Force Bulanao investigating the July 31 ambush released the sketches of one of the gunmen and the look-out of the ambushers.

Traumatized families

The families of victims of political killings in Ilocos and Cordillera said they have not yet recovered from the trauma of the loss of their kin.

Since Albert’s killing, Albina observed that their first son is often very irritable. Her Grade 6 daughter who used to rank as sixth honor dropped to 11th, although she slowly recovered to her original rank. Albina added that her daughter was “Daddy’s girl,” and greatly misses her father.

Claver explained that Hustisya will try to initiate this psychological processing. He also hopes that other support groups would help in this process. “It will help the victims’ families to cope and understand why their kin were assassinated,” he added.

Balloons for peace

After the mass for the victims held at the Cathedral of the Resurrection, Hustisya convenors led by Claver released white balloons with the inscription “Justice to Victims of Political Killings.”
No case of political killing in Northern Luzon has yet been solved. # Arthur L. Allad-iw for NORDIS

http://www.nordis.net/blog/?p=146

Photos courtesy of JunJun Guillermo/NORDIS


Participants to the HUSTISYA launching,	(L-R) Dr. Chandu Claver, Elvira Sanchez, Augustina Bangit, and Albina Terredaño - Convenors and wives/husband of victims of extrajudicial killings	Augustina Bangit, widow of Marcus Bangit, breaks down during her speech	Dr. Chandu Claver	Elvira Sanchez, Augustina Bangit and Dr Chandu Claver present the offerings during the ecumenical service.
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Relatives of murdered activists prepare the balloons. They are assisted by a CHRA (Cordillera Human Rights Advocates) staff.

Families, friends launch HUSTISYA for murdered kin Posted by editors under Cordillera , Ilocos , human rights BAGUIO CITY (Sept 14) — Families and friends of victims of political killings in the Ilocos and Cordillera regions came together this afternoon to launch the local chapter of HUSTISYA (Justice) in an ecumenical service and press conference at the Cathedral of the Resurrection. Leading the convenors were survivors Dr. Chandu Claver, who lost his wife and was himself badly wounded in an ambush in Tabuk, Kalinga; Elvira Sanchez, Albina Terradaño, and Agustina Bangit, widows of Romy Sanchez, (assassinated in Baguio City), Albert Terradaño (assassinated in Abra), and Markus Bangit (assassinated in Isabela), respectively. Hustisya “is a nationwide organization that will be formally launched tomorrow in Manila,” said Beverly Longid, vice chairman of the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA), a co-convenor of the local chapter. “It is the response of the friends and families of the victims to draw support and attention to their particular issues and needs.” Longid said. Survivors said that this is what they can do to strengthen the nationwide and international campaign against political killings perpetuated throughout the country. Since GMA assumed the presidency in 2001 up to present, cases of political killings remain unsolved, the convenors said. “Hustisya will serve as a lobby and campaign body for immediate justice to the victims,” said Sanchez, the widow of Romy. The Philippine National Police (PNP) had earlier announced they had identified Romy’s killer but to this day the suspect remains at large. The widows of Terradaño and Bangit said there has been no development in the resolution of their cases. On the other hand, Claver said that PNP Task Force Bulanao investigating the July 31 ambush released the sketches of one of the gunmen and the look-out of the ambushers. Traumatized families The families of victims of political killings in Ilocos and Cordillera said they have not yet recovered from the trauma of the loss of their kin. Since Albert’s killing, Albina observed that their first son is often very irritable. Her Grade 6 daughter who used to rank as sixth honor dropped to 11th, although she slowly recovered to her original rank. Albina added that her daughter was “Daddy’s girl,” and greatly misses her father. Claver explained that Hustisya will try to initiate this psychological processing. He also hopes that other support groups would help in this process. “It will help the victims’ families to cope and understand why their kin were assassinated,” he added. Balloons for peace After the mass for the victims held at the Cathedral of the Resurrection, Hustisya convenors led by Claver released white balloons with the inscription “Justice to Victims of Political Killings.” No case of political killing in Northern Luzon has yet been solved. # Arthur L. Allad-iw for NORDIS http://www.nordis.net/blog/?p=146

Families, friends launch HUSTISYA for murdered kin