NZPA STORY IN NZ HERALD ARTICLE FROM TODAY

Philippines president faces protests in Wellington
5:00PM Monday May 28, 2007
'Free Ka Bel' spokesperson Dennis Maga protests in a cage outside Parliament in Wellington. Photo / NZPA

New Zealand will help the Philippines boost its poor human rights record, following a wave of extra-judicial killings and questionable political detentions in that country.

Prime Minister Helen Clark announced the help -- as well as police and environment agreements -- today during a state-visit by Philippines President Gloria Arroyo.

But while Miss Clark and Mrs Arroyo were giving a joint Beehive press conference, Filipino unionist Dennis Maga stood outside in a cage to protest the execution-style killing of an estimated 800 left-wing activists and journalists since 2001.

Mr Maga also called for the release of prominent left-wing lawmaker Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran who has been in custody on what his supporters say are spurious coup plotting charges for over a year.

Inside, Miss Clark refused to condemn Mrs Arroyo's record, but said the Government was committed to providing help.

Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan had spoken with her Philippines counterpart and the pair were looking at what form help could take.
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