Category Archives: Urgent Appeals

[Urgent Appeal] Judicial harassment of Windel Bolinget -Front Line Defenders

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#HumanRights #Harassment

15 January 2021

Philippines: Judicial harassment of Windel Bolinget

Since late December, there has been intensified targeting of human rights defender, Windel Bolinget, in relation to a trumped-up murder case filed against him in August 2020. The case filed by the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Taguma City, Davao del Norte, names Windel Bolinget and ten other individuals. The defender was only informed of the warrant for his arrest in the last week of December. Since then, there has been constant police surveillance of his office and locality and police have been harassing his family and friends for information on his whereabouts.

Windel Bolinget is an indigenous rights defender and the Chairperson of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA), an alliance of over 300 indigenous people’s organisations in the Cordillera region of the Philippines. The human rights defender has been leading many of CPA’s campaigns against human rights violations such as extrajudicial killings, trumped-up cases, enforced disappearance, harassment, and intimidation of Cordillera indigenous peoples. He has also been at the forefront of local movements against large-scale mining projects, mega-dams and other projects that pose a threat to the environment.

On 6 August 2020, a criminal case was filed at Davao del Norte, against ten individuals, including indigenous rights defender Windel Bolinget, for their alleged involvement in the murder of Garito Malibato, a member of a local indigenous peoples organisation called Karadyawan, on 21 March 2018. On 25 September 2020, the Regional Trial Court in Tagum City issued a warrant of arrest for murder against the individuals. However, the CAP and Windel Bolinget were only made aware of the arrest warrant in the last week of December 2020.

The murder charges brought against the defender appear to be completely fabricated. Windel Bolinget has never been to Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, where Garito Malibato was murdered. Following the murder, local indigenous organisations pointed to a paramilitary group as the perpetrators. Further, a relative of the victim also expressed that Malibato had received several death threats from the same paramilitary group before he was killed.

With the defender yet to be arrested, police intelligence agents have regularly been approaching relatives, friends and colleagues of the human rights defender, interrogating them for information on his whereabouts. There has also been heavy physical surveillance, with men, believed to be members and assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police, walking around Windel Bolinget’s house and also the regional secretariat of the CPA, in search for the defender.Windel Bolinget’s family and colleagues fear that, if the defender is arrested, he may be subjected to the “tokhang”-style execution (extrajudicial killing under the pretext of “resisting arrest” or “nanlaban/fought back”), which is a common occurrence in the country.

This is not the first time that the defender has been targeted for his peaceful human rights work. In 2006, Windel Bolinget was included in a military hit list, along with other leaders of the CPA. In February 2018, the Department of Justice’s terrorist proscription list included the defender’s name and that of former CPA leaders. Their names were eventually dropped from the list due to lack of proof. Since mid 2020, the targeting of the defender has intensified, with many pages on social media branding him, his family and his colleagues as terrorists. On 10 December 2020, flyers with a photo of the defender and text calling him immoral and recruiter of the armed revolutionary group, New Peoples Army, were scattered along the road 80 from his house in La Trinidad, Benguet to Baguio City.

Front Line Defenders recognises the importance of investigating and elucidating all the facts about the murder of Garito Malibato. Nevertheless, it believes that this latest warrant of arrest forms part of a wider pattern by the military to intimidate and vilify human rights defenders by linking them to crimes they did not commit or had no involvement in. Over the past years, several human rights defenders, including several peasant leaders of the CPA have been killed in this manner, after they were red-tagged and judicially harassed.

Front Line Defenders is deeply concerned by the increasingly hostile environment for human rights defenders in the Philippines. Front Line Defenders condemns the judicial harassment of Windel Bolinget and the fabricated charges brought against him, as it believes he is being targeted for his legitimate and peaceful work for the protection of human rights.

Front Line Defenders urges the authorities in the Philippines to:

Immediately cease the investigation and drop all charges against Windel Bolinget, as Front Line Defenders believes that he is being targeted solely as a result of his legitimate and peaceful work in the defence of human rights;

Immediately cease the ongoing harassment and surveillance on the family and colleagues of the human rights defender;

Cease targeting all human rights defenders in the Philippines and guarantee in all circumstances that they are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions including judicial harassment.

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[Urgent Appeal] 17 NutriAsia Workers Illegally Arrested, Falsely Charged and Jailed for Exercising Right to Strike -CTUHR

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The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) seeks for your solidarity and support in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of 17 workers of local condiment company, NutriAsia Inc. arrested and detained more than a month ago.

More than a year after the workers’ strike in Nutri Asia-Marilao, Bulacan, the workers of NutriAsia in Light Industry and Science Park (LISP), Cabuyao, Laguna, led by KASAPINA-OLALIA-KMU, also launched a strike on July 6, 2019, at around 5:00 in the morning. Workers complained against the following unfair labor practices of the company: (1) labor-only contracting, (2) illegal deduction of wages, (3) forced overtime, (4) underpayment of overtime pay and (5) harassment and fabrication of cases filed versus especially union members.

The strike came two (2) years after the Department of Labor and Employment Region IV A (DOLE IV-A) issued a decision in 2017 ordering NutriAsia to recognize as regular employees the 714 contractual workers at the time employed by ANR, B-Mirk at Serbiz agencies. The latter, according to the Order are engaged in prohibited practice of Labor Only Contracting (LOC), thus, the workers they hired and deployed in NutriAsia are deemed to be regular workers of NutriAsia. NutriAsia and its strings of manpower agencies however, defied the order and workers remained contractual.

Few hours after the strike commenced on July 6, at about 9:30am, while they were cooking breakfast, combined forces of Philippine National Police (PNP) Laguna, NutriaAsia security guards and hired goons attacked the strikers. The goons and security guards used a bulldozer to forcibly open the gate of the plant and threw stones against the workers who held their strike inside the plant. The police, headed by PNP- Laguna Chief Colonel Eleazar Mata and PNP Cabuyao OIC Zeric Soriano, used their batons and shields against the workers. In the middle of the commotion, the police arrested 17 striking workers (14 male, 3 female) were taken. There were also reports of sexual harassment, wherein some of the arresting cops and security guards touched the breasts of an arrested woman striker. The violent dispersal also left scores of workers injured.

All the 17 arrested striking workers of Nutriasia were brought to Cabuyao police station and were later charged with Arson,Serious and Slight Illegal Detention, Malicious Mischief, Robbery, Grave Coercion and Theft following complaints filed by police and company guards.

The arrested workers are the following:

1. Reyniero Maarat (Union President, KASAPINA-OLALIA-KMU)

2. Jennifer Lagaya (Vice President of Education, KASAPINA)

3. Marnie Varona

4. Romar Varona

5. Joanne Galang

6. Emaylene Galang

7. Jonathan Francsico

8. Kenny Baguio

9. Junar Porte

10. Joselito Enate

11. Christopher Delmo

12. Lemuel Lalong-Isip

13. Joemar Arancel

14. Erickson Aliling

15. Christopher Azores

16. Antonio Montimor Jr.

17. Dindo Ocaya

A week later, they were transferred, even without court order to the Provincial Jail under the Bureau of Jail Management Penology. Circular No.15 series of 1982 Circular No 9 of 1982 enjoin government prosecutors to first secure clearance from DOLE and/or office of the President before taking cognizance of complaints for preliminary investigations and filing in the court of corresponding information of cases arising out of or related to a labor dispute.

This law was not observed in the case of the NutriAsia17 and still violated after nearly two months in jail. At the hearing, the judge recommended more than P700,000 (US$13,592) bail for their temporary liberty. The union however, is unable to pay.

It could be recalled that the workers in the NutriAsia plant in Marilao, Bulacan also faced similar incidents last 2018. They launched a strike due to same demands and complaints and were confronted with violence, harassment and illegal arrests. More than a year later, those issues have not been resolved, workers lost their jobs and NutriAsia and its owner, Joselito D. Campos, Jr.have not been held accountable for their labor and human rights violations.

Mr. Campos is an Executive Director of Del Monte Pacific Ltd. and the Vice Chairman of Del Monte Foods, Inc, Del Monte Pacific Ltd US subsidiary.He is also a Director of Field Fresh Foods Private Ltd., a joint venture of the Company with the Bharti Group of India. He was the former Chairman and CEO of United Laboratories, Inc. and its regional subsidiaries and affiliates. Unilab is the Philippines’ largest pharmaceutical company with substantial operations in the Asian region.

NutriAsia Incorporated prides itself for being the leading producer and distributor of sauces and condiments in the country. After all it has done to its workers to whom it owes its success, it is now known to Filipinos and the international community as a notorious labor and human rights violator that commits violations with impunity. It should be held accountable at the soonest possible time.

Recommended Actions:

Please support the workers and the union in calling the attention of NutriAsia Inc. and Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the PNP Laguna to demand the following:

1. Immediate and unconditional release of the 17 workers and unionists arrested last July 6, 2019

2. Full Compliance to the Philippine labor laws by immediately regularizing the 714 contractual workers ordered by the DOLE in July 2017, to be promoted as permanent employees, and stop the illegal practice of using Labor Only Contractors

3. Reinstatement of union members and all illegally dismissed workers and provision of all back wages in compliance with existing laws.

4. Stop busting the union and start the negotiation for Collective Bargaining agreement.

5. Stop all forms of harassment, intimidation and other discriminating practices against the workers and their supporters, regardless of employment status

6. Hold the dispersal team led by Cabuyao City PNP Chief Zeric Soriano and PNP Laguna Provincial Director Eleazar Matta accountable for the violent strike dispersal.

Please send your communication to the following:

H.E. Rodrigo Roa Duterte
President, Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace, JP Laurel St., San Miguel Manila Philippines
Telephone: (632) 736-8645
Voice: (+632) 564 1451 to 80
Fax: (+632) 742-1641 / 929-3968
E-mail:op@president.gov.phor send message through http://op-proper.gov.ph/contact-us/

Hon. Silvestre H. Bello
Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines
Telephone: (632) 526-6976
Email:secshb3@dole.gov.ph, osec@dole.gov.ph

Mr. Menardo Guevarra
Secretary, Department of Justice
Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila
Direct Line: 521-1908; 526-5462
Trunkline: 523-84-81 loc. 211/214
Telefax: (+632) 523-9548
Email: osecmig@gmail.com, osec@doj.gov.ph, communications@doj.gov.ph

Mr. Jose Luis Martin Gascon
Chairperson, Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., UP Complex, Commonwealth Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Voice: (+632) 928 5655, 926 6188, 920 9510
Telefax: (+632) 929 0102
Email: chairgascon.chr@gmail.com

Gen. Oscar Albayalde
Director General
Philippine National Police (PNP)
Tel No.: (+632) 726 4361 0998 8698 888
Send message thru website: http://www.pnp.gov.ph

Mr. Joselito Campos Jr
JY Campos Centre
9TH Ave., Taguig, 1634
Metro Manila
Philippines
Tel- (02) 662 2888
Email:hello@nutriasia.com

Please send a copy of your solidarity statements or any communication to ctuhr.pie@gmail.com.

Thank you very much for your support and solidarity!

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Include your full name, e-mail address, and contact number.

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[Urgent Appeal] (PHILIPPINES) Torture of Indigenous People -TFDP

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URGENT APPEAL
July 9, 2018
(PHILIPPINES) Torture of Indigenous People
ISSUES: Assertion of right to life; freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
______________________________________________________
Dear friends,
The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) is forwarding to you an appeal regarding the torture of four indigenous people in Upi, Maguindanao.
If you wish to make any inquiries please contact the Research, Documentation and Information Program of TFDP, kindly send email to tfdp.1974@gmail.com or call +632 4378054.
______________________________________________________
Title: Cornelio, et al TOR
Case: Torture
Victims: Jeffrey Dodoy Cornelio, 26 years old
Rizaldo Gante Usman, 20 years old
Rogelio Dodoy Usman, 35 years old
Rodne Timway Labe, 40 years old
Date of Incident: May 5, 2018; 6:00 A.M.
Place of Incident: Sitio Lenilitan, Barangay Borongotan, Upi, Maguindanao
Alleged Perpetrators: Members of Upi Municipal Police, identified as Police Officers Ramon Endrina, Joel Baring, Vincent Gamino, and a certain Castro
Motive: Suspected Cattle Rustlers; suspected members of BIFF
Rights Violated: Freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; Right to Life
________________________________________________________________
Account of the incident:
On May 5, 2018 around 6:00 a.m., in Sitio Lenilitan, Barangay Borongotan, Upi, Maguindanao, four men belonging to the Teduray tribe were allegedly arrested and tortured by members of the Upi Municipal Police. The victims were identified as Jeffrey Dodoy Cornelio, aka Longkoy, 26 years old; Rizaldo Gante Usman, aka Ijeng, 20 years old; Rogelio Dodoy Usman, aka Michael, 35 years old; and Rodney Timway Labe, aka Yad, 40 years old.
Cornelio narrated that he was on his way to his farm when he met Police Officer Ramon Endrina. Endrina allegedly pointed his long firearm at Cornelio and ordered him to throw away his machete. He was told to call all the men in their neighborhood and to gather at the basketball court. There were about 15 males who responded to the call.
Police Officer Joel Bareng was talking with someone on his cellular phone when he asked Cornelio if he knew someone named Longkoy. Cornelio replied that it was his nickname. Bareng then told him not to leave. He was also asked if he knew Michael Usman. Cornelio pointed to Rogelio Dodoy Usman, aka Michael, who at that time was in his house having coffee. Cornelio said that there were about ten police officers who surrounded them. All of them had long firearms. Bareng then asked Cornelio again if he knew a certain Yad Usman. Cornelio said that he knew someone named Yad, but his surname was Labe, not Usman.
Rodney Labe, also known as Yad in their community, was at his house meters away from the basketball court. He was about to go to the rice field when he met along the way around 12 police officers, including Endrina and Baring. Cornelio was forced to walk with them going to the basketball court. He did not want to go with them, but Endrina struck his back four times with the butt of the rifle.
Michael said that when the police saw him having coffee, they scolded him and called him a thief. After having coffee, he went to the basketball court and waited for Labe to arrive.
Cornelio saw an unidentified man who was pulled out by the police officers from their mobile vehicle. The man was wearing a face mask and baseball cap. One of the police officers placed his arm around the man’s shoulders and commanded him to point to Cornelio, Labe, and Michael. The three were surprised when the man pointed at them. They were ordered to stand up. Then they were called thieves and “luko-luko”. They denied the allegation and insisted that they are innocent farmers.
As they were going to the vehicle, Labe tried to resist. A police officer punched his stomach twice.
While inside the police vehicle, Endrina confiscated Michael’s voter’s and indigenous peoples’ identification cards. Michael also saw Endrina and Baring punch Ijeng’s side as he was dragged to the police vehicle.
Ijeng recounted that he was at his yard, having coffee while feeding their chickens, when he saw Baring and Endrina running towards their house. When the two arrived, they asked Ijeng if he knew Jing-jing Usman. He replied that his nickname is Ijeng and not Jing-jing. Quickly, Endrina grabbed his shoulder and told him not to move. Baring hurriedly went inside the house and ordered the men in the household to get out and bring with them their firearms if they had any.
Ijeng’s mother was about to go out when he met Baring at the door. He pushed her to the other side of the door and threw the glass she was holding. Ijeng’s younger brother, who was still sleeping inside the mosquito net was awakened. Baring lifted the mosquito net with the tip of his rifle and pointed to Ijeng’s younger brother. Ijeng’s mother and younger brother were shocked.
Ijeng’s father pleaded with the police not to harm Ijeng. The police assured his father that Ijeng would only be investigated at the police station and that the will return home in the afternoon.
Ijeng was then brought to the road crossing where he saw Cornelio, Labe, and Michael inside the police vehicle. As Ijeng was about to board the vehicle, Endrina told him that he was a liar and punched his side.
As they were on their way to the municipal police station, they passed Borongotan School. The police told them that they may have been the ones who placed the improvised explosive device (IED) in the school. They vehemently denied the allegation and told the police that they do not have the capacity to do it.
At around 10:00 a.m., they arrived at the municipal police station in Nuro, Upi. As they alighted the vehicle, each of them was told to close his eyes. Each of them was punched on the stomach. It took them a while to recover from the blow.
They were padlocked in the municipal police station. Michael said that 15 minutes after they arrived, they saw the police buy bottles of Red Horse beer. The police had a drinking session inside the police station.
At around 11:00 a.m., Police Officers Baring, Endrina, and Vincent Gamino went inside the jail. Labe said that he was punched around nine times on his body. Cornelio, Ijeng, and Michael were also beaten. They were called horse thieves. The officers said that they were the ones whom they were after in the early morning. The four denied the accusation and said that they were sleeping at that time.
They were instructed to lay face down. Their feet were beaten using a round 2×2 wooden stick. They shouted in pain. The officers told them not to make noise or else, more harm would be inflicted on them. Minutes after, they were instructed to stand up and form a line. They were told to show their hands and hold their fingers together. When they did so, their hands and fingers were struck with a round wooden stick and bullet magazine of .45 caliber pistol. They were forced to admit to the crime, but they denied the accusation.
The police went out of the detention cell and continued their drinking session. At around 2:00 p.m., the police were already drunk and went inside again. The four were punched multiple times on their bodies. Their hands and feet were again beaten with a round wooden stick. They were again forced to admit that they were thieves, but they denied the accusation.
The police also gave them Red Horse beer to drink but they refused to accept it because they feared that something may have been placed in the drink to drug them.
According to Michael, the beating continued during midnight. Water was thrown at them to wake them up. They were asked if there was someone who can help them with their case. They answered that they did not know anyone.
The beating resumed in the evening of May 6. They were also forced to admit to being members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). They told the police that they are all innocent of the crime being accused of them. They reasoned that they are ordinary farmers and members of the Teduray tribe.
Edison Dodoy Edas, also a Teduray detainee and Cornelio’s second cousin, defended them by telling the police that they indeed are true Tedurays and not BIFF members.
Edas confessed to them that he was the one who mentioned their names to the police which was why they were arrested. Edas apologized to them. He further explained that he was forced by the police to mention the names of his cousin and relatives. He was also beaten by the police and Leo Baybayan, the owner of the two horses. Edas feared for his life, which was why he mentioned their names. He admitted that he regretted his action. He did not think that his relatives would be accused as horse thieves.
They said that among the other detainees in the municipal jail, the Tedurays were the only ones being beaten by the police. They felt discriminated against because they were Tedurays. The police did not hurt the non-indigenous peoples and Moro.
On May 15 around 12:00 noon, they were told to form a line. Police Officer Castro went inside the detention cell and asked how many were detained. They replied that they were eight in all. Castro said that the four will be taken out soon. They felt terrified and thought that they would be salvaged.
At around 1:00 p.m., Police Officer Gamino went inside the detention cell and instructed them to show their respect by saluting him. They followed the order, but Gamino got angry and told them to lay face down for they did not salute correctly. They were again beaten with a wooden stick.
On the same date, the municipal police of Upi had their operation against BIFF members in Sitio Kapalit, Barangay Blensong. When the police returned to their station, they told the four that their BIFF companions fired shots at them. Endrina, Baring, and Castro went inside the jail, threw water at them, and pointed their guns at them. Endrina threatened them that if someone would take a picture of video of him and expose what he was doing, they will be made to answer to him. The four were again beaten with the round wooden stick as they were forced to admit to being horse thieves.
When the police officers grew tired of beating the four, they instructed a detainee known as Bad Boy to beat the four. Bad Boy is a not a Teduray.
Later, the four learned that two horses have gone missing in Sitio Kapalit. At the time of their arrest, while they were on their way to the municipal police station, one of the horses was returned to the police station by an unidentified man.
On June 8, they posted a cash bond worth 78,000 pesos for the case of Cattle Rustling at RTC Branch 27 in Cotabato City.
They said that what happened to them was harassment and intimidation to the tribe members. They reiterated that they did not commit the crime accused of them. They said that they are victims of injustice and maltreatment done by the members of Upi municipal police.
REQUESTED ACTION:
Please write a letter to the authorities, calling on them to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation on the torture done by Police Officers Ramon Endrina, Joel Baring, Vincent Gamino, and a certain Castro, and all members of the Upi Municipal Police in Upi, Maguindanao. Please urge concerned agencies to immediately resolve the case and give justice to the victims.
Thank you.
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear ____________,
I am writing to draw your attention to the case of torture committed against four indigenous people in Upi, Maguindanao.
I have learned that on May 5, 2018 around 6:00 a.m., in Sitio Lenilitan, Barangay Borongotan, Upi, Maguindanao, four men belonging to the Teduray tribe were arrested and allegedly tortured by the members of the Upi Municipal Police.
The victims were identified as Jeffrey Dodoy Cornelio, aka Longkoy, 26 years old; Rizaldo Gante Usman, aka Ijeng, 20; Rogelio Dodoy Usman, aka Michael, 35; and Rodney Timway Labe, aka Yad, 40.
I was informed that during the arrest of Ijeng and Labe, they were punched on their bodies as they resisted in going with the police.
I learned that the four were padlocked in the municipal police station and 15 minutes after they were brought there, they saw that the police bought bottles of Red Horse beer. The police had a drinking session in the police station. The police also gave them beer to drink but they refused to accept for fear that something may have been placed in the beer to drug them.
That around 11:00 a.m., Police Officers Baring, Endrina, and Vincent Gamino went inside the jail, beat them up, and called them horse thieves. They were instructed to lay face down and their feet were beaten with a round 2×2 wooden stick. Minutes after, they were ordered to stand and form a line. They were told to show their hands and hold their fingers together. When they did as told, their hands and fingers were struck with a round wooden stick and bullet magazine of .45 caliber pistol. They were forced to admit to the crime.
The beatings lasted until May 15. They were also forced to admit to being members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), when in fact they are Tedurays.
I have known that Police Officer Gamino went inside their detention cell and instructed them to show their respect by saluting him. When they did so, Gamino got angry and told them to lay face down for they did not salute correctly. They were again beaten using a wooden stick.
The municipal police of Upi had their operation against BIFF members in Sitio Kapalit, Barangay Blensong. When they went back to the police station, the police told the four that their BIFF companions fired shots at them. Endrina, Baring, and Castro went inside the jail, threw water at them, and pointed their guns to them. Endrina threatened them that if someone would have a picture or videos of him exposing what he was doing to them, they will be made to answer to him. They were again beaten with the round wooden stick as they were forced to admit to being horse thieves.
When the officers grew tired of beating the four, they ordered a detainee to beat them.
Philippine Republic Act 9745 Section 2(b) provides that, “…the human rights of all persons, including suspects, detainees and prisoners are respected at all times; and that no person placed under investigation or held in custody of any person in authority or, agent of a person authority shall be subjected to physical, psychological or mental harm, force, violence, threat or intimidation or any act that impairs his/her free will or in any manner demeans or degrades human dignity.”
With this, I urge the Philippine authorities to promptly and impartially investigate this case and ensure that the perpetrators will be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law and that justice will be served for the torture committed against Cornelio, Labe, Michael, and Ijeng.
I look forward to you urgent action.
Respectfully yours,
_______________________
Please send your letters to:
1. His Excellency Rodrigo Roa Duterte
President, Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel,
Manila, Philippines
Tel: +63 2 736 8645, +63 2 736 8603, +63 2 736 8606, +63 2 736 8629
Fax: +63 2 736 8621
Email: pace_op@malacanang.gov.ph
2. Gen. Oscar D. Albayalde
Police Director General
National Headquarters, Camp Crame,
Quezon City, Philippines
Tel/Fax: +63 2 726 4361; +63 2 899 7504
Website: http://www.pnp.gov.ph/gallery
3. Hon. Jose Luis Martin Gascon
Chairperson, Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City, Philippines
Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188
Fax: +63 2 929 0102
Email Address: chairgascon.chr@gmail.com
4. Sec. Menardo I. Guevarra
Secretary, Department of Justice (DOJ)
Padre Faura Street, Ermita,
Manila, Philippines
Tel: +63 2 521 1908, +63 2 526 5462
Fax: +63 2 523 9548
Email Address: communications@doj.gov.ph
5. Atty. Leonor T. Oralde-Quintayo
Chairperson, (NCIP)
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
2nd Floor N. dela Merced Building, Cor. West and Quezon Avenues, Quezon City
Tel: +63 2 373 9787, +63 2 373 9534
Email: chairpersonsoffice@gmail.com

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Include your full name, e-mail address and contact number.

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[Urgent Appeal] Korean’ high-end sporting and athletic goods manufacturer fires all union members -CTUHR

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Urgent Appeal
Philippines

07 March 2018

Korean’ high-end sporting and athletic goods manufacturer fires all union members, defies government order to regularize 646 out of 1,200 workers

​[Fight Unfair Labor Practices/ Oppose Union Busting..]

The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) seeks ​ your solidarity and support in calling for the immediate reinstatement of 132 workers and trade unionists dismissed by a Korean-owned Dong-In Entech K1 factory located at the Authority of Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), Mariveles, Philippines. The workers who were first laid off indefinitely and cried union busting, were dismissed at once citing decrease in market order, while increasing production in its seven other plants also in AFAB. At the same time, Dong-in Entech K1, defy the Labour Department Order to promote to regular status the 646 contractual workers who had served the company for as long as 17 years but remained as contract workers. Thus, it is able to control the union growth by keeping its majority workers on repeated short term contracts under manpower agencies, which the law prohibits.

Dong-In Entech K1 was established in 1996 in Bataan Export Processing Zone (BEPZ), the first manufacturing plant of the Dong-In Entech Group of Companies (formerly Gosrak Corp) led by Mr. In Soo Jung Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In its 22 years of operation Dong-In Entech Group has now eight (8) factories and offices in the Philippines located in AFAB (formerly Bataan Export Processing Zone), one (1) in Vietnam, builts it head office and another factory in Korea. It employs 8,141 workers (2016 data), 60% of whom are women . Dong-In Entech group manufactures and supplies outdoor gears and equipment for leading global outdoor companies and brands such as Mountain Hardwear, Mammut, Kelty, Camelbak, Black Diamond, Gregory, Arc’teryx, Mont.bell Japan that are sold in Europe and other parts of the world. It also supplies military backpacks and mountain gears. In 2015, its actual exports amounted $112,940,000 and in 2016, recognized by the National Tax Service Commission in Korea as exemplary. In the same year, Dong-in Entech was also given National Brand Award in Korea.

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[Urgent Appeal] Military hounds trade unionists in Mindanao, forcing them to surrender as rebel supporters -CTUHR

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Military hounds trade unionists in Mindanao, forcing them to surrender as rebel supporters

On February 13, CTUHR was asked to join a fact-finding mission in Compostela, Compostela Valley (Mindanao) organized by Nonoy Librado Development Foundation, Inc (NLDFI), Kilusang Mayo Uno concerning reports of military asking local trade unionists to surrender as New Peoples Army (NPA) rebel supporters and government crackdown on labour organizations in Compostela, Valley On February 15-19, CTUHR visited Davao city and Compostela Valley and together with local volunteers in the area talked and visited the workers and trade unionists in the area to ascertain the report.

CTUHR is deeply concerned that the military operations which began intensively on January 22, 2018, under the pretext of Martial Law are now directed at workers and trade unionists in the vast foreign- owned banana plantations in Compostela Valley, Southern Mindanao. The military has tagged the unionists and their family members as New Peoples Army (NPA) rebel supporters and asks them to surrender at the military camp of 66th Infantry Battallion- Philippine Army to clear their names. Trade unionists were threatened that if they don’t surrender, the military will file charges against them or run the risk of getting killed. Members of local trade unions from Sumitomo Fruits or SUMIFRU, Shin Sun Tropical Fruits and Freshmax banana plantations are all affiliated with the progressive Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU-May First Movement). President Duterte labelled KMU as one of the communist fronts, and tagged the communists as terrorists and now are targets of the government’s anti-terrorism and countger insurgency campaign.

CTUHR thus appeal for your support and solidarity in calling for an immediate end to these military operations that bring the lives and limbs of workers and their families to constant danger and cause them fear and mental anguish. These constant threat against trade unionists not only violates their right to freedom of association, of collective bargaining, of assembly and of expression but also exacerbated the workers’ economic hardships as they are displaced from their jobs and livelihood. In addition, CTUHR also call for support in urging President Duterte to recant or withdraw all statements and orders maligning the trade unions and other progressive organizations lumping them together with communists, terrorists and criminals. The statements as proven to what is happening today, not only in Mindanao but in various parts of the country are being used to `justify’ the harshest persecution, from harassments to extrajudicial killings of those exercising their legitimate rights. To date, 23 workers and trade union organizers were extrajudicially killed in various campaigns of the Duterte administration.

Facts of Incidents; House to house visits, village meetings and orders to surrender

Residents of Brgy San Miguel, Compostela, Compostela Valley recalled that since January 22, 2018, elements from the Bravo Company of 66th IB Philippine Army based in Compostela Valley (Mindanao) went-house to house looking for union members of KMU local union affiliates. Soldiers began conducting area (locally called purok) meetings and asks the trade unionists to present themselves to the Army detachment in the same barangay . The local unions of these plantations are all affiliated with Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)- a militant and progressive labour center.

Residents and members of the trade unions from Sumitomo Fruits Co, Shin Sun Tropical Fruits and Freshmax banana plantations told CTUHR that elements of Bravo Company told them to call out their relatives to surrender, clear their names or get liquidated as they possess a list of NPA supporters in the area. The 66th IBPA alleged that they got the list from members of the NPA during an encounter with the state troops.

However, Mr Lito Catap, a Brgy San Miguel elected village council member assailed the so-called list, when he saw his name and the name of a long-dead relative. He said that they, and his villagemates are now worried as they don’t know who else are included in the list.

Interviewed workers narrated that at the house to house visits and meetings, the military underscored that they are implementing the President (PDuterte) order’s to hunt the communist rebels and supporters as well as their front organizations and KMU is one of the identified fronts of communists. `As you are a member of KMU affiliated union , you are also considered as NPA supporters. And if you gave even a grain of salt or MSG to them (NPA), then you are an NPA sympathizer or supporter.

Welma Pana, 50, a union member working at SUMIFRU’s Packing Plant 250, in Marapat, Compostela Valley for example testified that on January 22, 2018, around 1.30 in the afternoon, five (5) soldiers from the Bravo Company ng 66th IB of Phil. Army barged into her house. One of the soldiers she was able to identify, a certain Pfc Paulino asked her to go to their camp in San Miguel to surrender because they (the workers) have union. Another soldier, whom she was not able to identify asked her why she joined the union and Pana replied that they want to protect themselves and their job. The military told her that she has to come to the camp on January 23 scheduled meeting to surrender. Then the soldier left the house.

Pana did not report to the camp the following day. She knows that she did nothing wrong and nothing to be fearful about being in the workers’ union. She and her family however, is worried about their safety.

Similarly, Melfer Amolian, 32 years old, Union Member, Shin Sun Workers Union (SSWU-NAFLU-KMU) narrated that on January 28, about 6:00 in the morning, his brother in law on order of the village chief Harry Cabiling, reported to the Bravo company of the 66th IB PA in San Miguel, Compostela, Compostela Valley to surrender and clear his name. He then followed to the detachment 30 minutes later, and a soldier on civilian clothes who did not say his name asked him why did he join the union and what is the money that they are collecting for, if they are for the NPA? Marvin responded that the money is for the union and for the ongoing union strike. He also saw the list of names that the soldiers want them to surrender. The soldier pressed him about the activities he joined which he admitted to having participated in the march and workers’ camp-out in Manila last year, and then asked for the whereabouts of Arman Blasé. Blasé is a full-time NAFLU union organizer, Amolian said, he does not know where Blasé is. The soldiers coaxed him that it is really better to surrender, to clear his name and asked him to sign a logbook. He was not sure of what kind of logbook was that but sure that he is listed as rebel surrenderee.

The same situation also happened to other union members from Freshmax, a sister company of Shin Sun Tropical Fruits.

It can be recalled that on June 2, 2017, more than a week after Martial Law was declared in Mindanao, the military violently dispersed the striking Shin Sun Tropical Fruits workers protesting illegal dismissal, underpayment, violations of other labor standards and contractualization. At the dispersal the military was caught saying that `this is Martial Law and we don’t honor the Labor Code in local language’ when workers asserted that the military has no right to intervene in the labour dispute. At the dispersal, eight (8) men and women workers including a child were arrested. A Korean owner of Shin Sun Tropical Fruits ran away to escape from her legal obligations to the workers. The case is still pending at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

There are other workers who have given their testimonies and complained that they are all worrying about their safety and security. Out of fear, they present themselves to the military camp, but they worry further that they are now listed as rebel surenderees.

In other parts of Mindanao, repression of people’s rights is also raging. On September 28, 2017, Reneboy Magayano, 50, an agricultural worker and chairperson of Maragusan Workers Association was extrajudicially killed by suspected agents of 66th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army (IBPA) on his way to Maragusan Public Market in Compostela Valley to buy fish. On November 29, 2017, Lando Moreno, an oil palm worker in Filipinas Palm Plantation in Agusan del Sur, was also killed by combined company suspected goons and guards, and the police who was nearby the area was not able to apprehend the assailant.

The FFM team visited the military camp, accompanied by the Brgy Capt (village chair) Harry Cabiling to hold a dialogue but they were not entertained. Cabiling was summoned inside the camp. The village chair was left inside the camp until the Team left the camp an hour later. The residents noted that the village chair was also sending his council members to summon residents to voluntarily present themselves to the military at the camp.

Recommendations:

Please send letters, emails or fax messages of concerns calling for:

1. An end to the targeting, harassment, and intimidation of unionists, labor rights defenders, development workers, human rights defenders, and members and leaders of progressive organizations;

2. An immediate withdrawal of President Duterte’s statements labeling KMU and other progressive organizations as enemies of the state which encourages State security forces to threaten, harass, arbitrarily and illegally arrest or suspected kill the targets;

3. Relocation of the detachment of 66th IB-PA of AFP away from the civilian populace.

4. The Philippine Government to adhere and uphold the ILO Convention 87 (Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize and ILO Convention 98 (Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining) to adhere and respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all major Human Rights instruments to which the Philippines is a signatory. 5. Resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front and work towards the advancement of socio-economic reforms that include both labour and land issues of workers and farmers;

You may send your communications to:

H.E. Rodrigo Duterte
President of the Republic
Malacañang Palace,
JP Laurel St., San Miguel
Manila Philippines
Voice: (+632) 564 1451 to 80
Fax: (+632) 742-1641 / 929-3968
E-mail: op@president.gov.ph or send message through
http://president.gov.ph/contact-us/

Ret. Maj. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana
Secretary, Department of National Defense
Room 301 DND Building, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo,
E. de los Santos Avenue, Quezon City
Voice:+63(2) 911-6193 / 911-0488 / 982-5600
Fax:+63(2) 982-5600
Email: info@dnd.gov.ph, webmaster@dnd.gov.ph

Hon. Vitaliano Aguirre
Secretary, Department of Justice
Padre Faura St., Manila
Direct Line 521-8344; 5213721
Trunkline: 523-84-81 loc.214
Fax: (+632) 521-1614
Email: communications@doj.gov.ph

Hon. Jose Luis Martin Gascon
Chairperson, 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: chairgascon.chr@gmail.com

Hon. Jesus Dureza
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
Email: stqd.papp@opapp.gov.ph, feedback@opapp.net

Hon. Silvestre Bello III
Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment
7th Floor, DOLE Building, Intramuros, Manila
Direct Line: (+632) 527-5523. 527-2121
Fax No: (+632) 527-3494.
Email: secshb3@dole.gov.ph, osec@dole.gov.ph.

Please send us a copy to:
Center for Trade Union and Human Rights, Inc (CTUHR)
702 Culmat Bldg, 127 E Rodriguez Sr Avenue
Quezon city Philippines
Telefax: (+632) 4110256
Email: ctuhr.pilipinas@gmail.com
Website: http://www.ctuhr.org
Fb: ctuhr.manila

http://ctuhr.org/urgent-appeals-military-hounds-trade-unionists-in-mindanao-forcing-them-to-surrender-as-rebel-supporters/

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Include your full name, e-mail address and contact number.

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[Urgent Appeal] Human rights defender arrested in rebellion case -Front Line Defenders

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Human rights defender arrested in rebellion case
18 December 2017

On 12 December 2017, human rights defender and environmentalist Sherwin De Vera was arrested in Northern Luzon, in Ilocos Sur province.

Sherwin De Vera is the coordinator of Defend Ilocos, a regional environmental network in North Western Philippines affiliated with Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment. Defend Ilocos played a key role in leading the Save the Abra River Movement (STARM), which led protests against the detrimental effects of the continued operations of the Lepanto Mining Company on the local communities’ right to a safe and healthy environment in Ilocos Sur. Defend Ilocos is also involved in mobilizing and organizing against the proposed setting up of a coal-fired power plant in Luna, La Union. The human rights defender is also a former worker of Filipino human rights NGO Karapatan.

On December 12, around 6.30pm, Sherwin De Vera was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) when he was on board a bus to his home in Bantay, Ilocos Sur. The PNP stopped the vehicle at a checkpoint, found Sherwin De Vera, and informed him that he was being arrested. The police failed to produce a warrant when Sherwin De Vera demanded to see a copy. He was verbally informed that a rebellion case had been filed against him. He was shown a copy of the complaint, Case no 2014-155., allegedly filed in the Province of Abra on 4 September 2014, when he was brought to the PNP office. Since then, three additional cases have been opened against Sherwin De Vera. In the four cases he being charged with one count of rebellion, one count of attempted murder, 28 counts of attempted murder, and 20 counts of attempted murder. All the incidents he is allegedly chargeed with are from 2014, when Sherwin De Vera took over the coordination of Defend Ilocos. He is currently detained in Abra Provincial Jail.

Previously, on 18 July 2017, Sherwin de Vera was followed by men in military uniforms in Vigan City. The following day, he learned that army personnel had enquired about his activities at the city’s university after he visited their campus.

Environmental, land and indigenous rights defenders have been increasingly targeted in Philippines with threats, attacks, intimidation and harassment from military agents as part of a larger crackdown on civil society. The use of trumped-up charges to jail human rights defenders through perjured testimonies, defective warrants, and false charges is becoming more frequent.

Front Line Defenders strongly condemns the arrest of, and charges against, human rights defender Sherwin De Vera, which it believes are solely motivated by his peaceful and legitimate human rights work.

Front Line Defenders urges the authorities in the Philippines to:

1. Immediately and unconditionally release Sherwin De Vera as Front Line Defenders believes that he is being held solely as a result of his legitimate and peaceful work in the defence of human rights;

2. Immediately ensure that all charges against him are dropped, that the cases are closed, and that there be no further forms of harassment against Sherwin De Vera as it is believed that this pressure is not only related to his legitimate human rights activities but, furthermore, constitute a direct transgression of the rights of the human rights defender;

3. Cease targeting all human rights defenders in the Philippines and guarantee in all circumstances that they are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions, including judicial harassment.

Follow Front Line defenders @

Website: http://www.frontlinedefenders.org
Facebook: @frontlinedefenders
Twitter: @frontlineHRD

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[Urgent Appeal] Enforced Disappearance of Phillip Bacudo, 19 years old in General Santos City, Mindanao, Philippines. -TFDP

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URGENT APPEAL
December 11, 2017

(PHILIPPINES) Enforced Disappearance of Phillip Bacudo, 19 years old in General Santos City, Mindanao, Philippines.
__________

Dear friends,

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) writes to inform you about the enforced disappearance of Phillip Espiritu Bacudo, 19 years old, in General Santos City, Mindanao, Philippines.

If you wish to make any inquiries please contact the Research, Documentation and Information Program of TFDP, kindly send email to tfdp.1974@gmail.com or call +632 4378054.
__________

Title: Bacudo DIS
Case: Enforced Disappearance
Victim: Phillip Espiritu Bacudo, 19 years old
Date of Incident: November 10, 2017; 2:00 A.M.
Place of Incident: Near Velox Energy Gasoline Station, Mabuhay Road, Barangay City Heights, General Santos City
Alleged Perpetrators: Unknown masked man in motorcycle and members of the Philippine National Police of Police Station 4, General Santos City  Motive: suspected petty criminal
Rights Violated: Freedom of movement; Right to safety and security of person; Right not to be disappeared; Right to life
_____________________________________________________________________________
Account of the incident:

On November 10, 2017 around 2:00 a.m., Phillip Espiritu Bacudo, 19 years old was forcibly arrested by an unknown motorcycle-riding masked man and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

According to Ian Jay Donayre, 17 years old, on November 9, around 10:00 p.m., he and his companions Phillip Imperial, 17, and Jhun Kenneth Lorenzo, together with Bacudo, decided to go for a drink at Fastlane Bar located near Bulaong Terminal, Barangay North. At about 1:00 a.m., they decided to go home in a blue tricycle that Lorenzo drove. When they reached the national highway near Jollibee, they encountered a motorcycle-riding man who hissed and pointed his finger at them. Donayre and his friends were alarmed when the man made a U-turn and chased them. The man pulled out a gun from his side and fired a warning shot. Because of fright, Donayre and his friends dropped from their seats. Lorenzo revved up the motorcycle. Imperial looked back and saw the motorcycle-riding man followed by a police patrol car with blinking colored lights. The motorcycle and the patrol car chased after them.

Lorenzo decided to turn to Mabuhay road and saw a dark alley near Velox Energy Gasoline Station. The tricycle rammed the rope of the gasoline station and went straight to the dark alley. Donayre decided to jump out of the motorcycle and landed on a grassy area. He hid and saw the motorcycle and the patrol car follow the tricycle to the interior of the dark alley. Donayre decided to leave after the two vehicles passed by. He went home aboard a hired motorcycle. Imperial, who also jumped off the motorcycle ran towards a place where there were houses. He then went home leaving his pair of slippers behind.

Dominador Parayag Pulido, Jr., 29 years old, a security guard of Velox Energy Gasoline Station, was on duty when he noticed a blue tricycle in full speed pass by the gasoline station. He saw the tricycle ram the rope of the cordoned gasoline station then proceeded to the interior road leading to the back portion of the gasoline station. The tricycle was chased by a black XRM motorcycle driven by a person wearing a bonnet, bull cap and jacket. A police patrol car also followed the two vehicles. Minutes after, Pulido bumped into Donayre who was running from the interior road. After a while, Pulido saw the police patrol car pulling the blue tricycle with a rope. The tricycle was driven by a policeman in blue uniform. The man aboard the XRM motorcycle also came out from the interior road and parked his motorcycle beside the gasoline station. The rider alighted from his motorcycle and went to the back portion of the gasoline station. Later, he emerged holding a crying young man. The man approached Pulido and told him to hold the young man while he gets his motorcycle. Pulido agreed and the man left. Pulido asked the young man where he was from. The young man replied that he is a resident of Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City.

The rider then returned with his motorcycle. He tied the hands of the young man with a belt. The young man was made to sit in front of the motorcycle while the rider maneuvered it and followed the police patrol car which was pulling the blue motorcycle.

Bernard Capote Bacudo and Susana Espiritu Bacudo noticed that their son, Phillip was not able to come home in the evening of November 9. They thought that their son slept at his work place since he was just hired as a welder at the GPH Company.

At the early morning of November 11, Bernard decided to look for his son. He went to the house of Lorenzo and was able to talk with his mother. She told him that they have a big problem since the motorcycle of Lorenzo’s brother-in-law is in the custody of the police. Bernard did not pay much attention to her story since he was more focused on finding his son.

Lorenzo later faced Bernard and told him what happened at the dawn of November 10. After learning what happened, Bernard returned home and told his wife about it. The Bacudo couple went to the houses of Donayre and Imperial. The two confirmed Lorenzo’s story. They said that they did not know that Phillip was not able to go home.

The Bacudo couple, together with Lorenzo and his mother, Donayre, and Imperial went to place where the incident happened. Bernard was able to talk to one of the residents in the area. The man told him that he saw the police chasing the tricycle and there was one man who was arrested. They then concluded that it was Phillip. Lorenzo told them that the tricycle that he was driving during the incident is at the police compound of police station 4. The group decided to go to the police station.

When they arrived at the police station, they saw the tricycle parked in the compound. Bernard talked to the Assistant Station Commander of Police Station 4, Police Senior Inspector (PSI) Lemuel Enrijo. Bernard asked the police where his son was. Enrijo replied that he did know Phillip’s whereabouts. Enrijo turned to Donayre, Imperial and Lorenzo and told them to answer Bernard’s question as they were with him that day. He even added that Phillip and his friends might have had plans to steal that time because the plate number of the tricycle they used was covered with mud and there was a bamboo stick inside the tricycle that may be used as a ladder. Enrijo also said that the tricycle was abandoned when they recovered it and they just brought it to the police station compound for custody. Bernard was told to blotter the disappearance of his son at Police Station 5 for they are residents of Barangay Calumpang. He was also instructed to name Donayre, Imperial, and Lorenzo as the persons responsible for the disappearance of Phillip for they were his companions when the incident happened.

One of the police at Police Station 4 forced Donayre to admit his crime of stealing. He was accused of being the leader of the group notorious in the city for stealing. Donayre denied the allegation. The police told him not to answer back or else, he will be knocked on the head.

According to Donayre, the reason why the plate number was covered with mud was because the tricycle went out of balance and fell to the muddy area. He further explained that the bamboo inside the tricycle came from a side street near plaza heneral. He pulled it to be used to defend themselves from unidentified men who were throwing stones at them. They were able to escape before the unidentified men reached them.

Bernard went to Police Station 5 to report his son’s disappearance. He said he did not implicate Donayre, Imperial, and Lorenzo, but only mentioned that they were the companions of his son before he disappeared.

The group then went back to Velox Energy Gasoline Station to inquire further about the incident. Bernard learned from the gasoline pump girl that the security guard on duty that time was Jack Jack and he witnessed the incident. The group waited for him until 6:00 p.m. Dominador Parayag Pulido, Jr., a.k.a. Jack Jack, recounted to them the incident. He also told them that he was sure that the incident was recorded in the gasoline station’s CCTV camera for he saw it blinking during the time of the incident.

Bernard convinced Pulido to come with him to the media and tell the story of his son’s disappearance. After they talked, Bernard and his companions went to Brigada TV, to a radio station, and ABS-CBN to ask for help, but they were not entertained for they were already closed and the media men already went home. Bernard went back to Velox Energy Gasoline Station and urged Pulido to help him find his son.

At around 8:00 p.m., someone called Bernard on his phone and told him to go and look for his son at Compact Police Station. The police station was located at Mabuhay Diversion Road. When the group went there, they were not able to find Phillip. The Bacudo couple then decided to go to Camp Fermin Lira, the General Santos City Police Office, to look for their son, but they did not find him.

While at Camp Fermin Lira, the policemen advised the couple to go to Police Station 4 to get the names of the desk officer and the police officers who were on patrol duty during the time that their son disappeared.

The couple then went to Police Station 4 and were able to get the names of the officers on duty. They were identified as PO2 Tribunalo and PO2 Alpad.

The following day, Bernard went to Bombo Radyo to ask for help. He was told that they do not have a lawyer who can help him. Instead, he was advised to go to the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).

Bernard also went to the ABS-CBN TV station. He was instructed to get the extract blotter of the incident so that his case will be entertained by the news reporter. Bernard went to Police Station 4, but the investigator was not around at that time. He decided to go to Police Station 5 to get the extract of the blotter.

Upon arrival, the investigator told him to bring Donayre, Imperial and Lorenzo for investigation. Bernard went to the houses of the three, but they were not around. He went back to the police station and told the investigator to interview Pulido who witnessed what happened to Phillip.

The police investigator, together with three other police officers and Bernard went to Pulido’s house at Saeg, Barangay Calumpang. Pulido narrated to them what he saw.

The police investigator of Police Station 5 who interviewed Pulido went to Police Station 4 for the blotter. Bernard said that they later found out that there was a different narrative of the story in the police blotter than what actually happened.

On Monday, November 13, Bernard brought to the ABS-CBN station the extract blotter that he got from Police Station 5. He met one of the news reporters and he was advised to meet with Ben Sumog-oy of iDefend General Santos.

Bernard, together with Sumog-oy and the ABS-CBN news crew went to Police Station 4. They were met by PSI Enrijo. He blocked the camera man and told the news crew that they were not allowed to take any footage. Sumog-oy asked Enrijo about the whereabouts of Phillip and how the investigation of his case was being conducted. Enrijo replied that he did not know about Phillip, and if they want, they can file a complaint against them.

Bernard said that he also received information that the CCTV camera records of Velox Energy Gasoline Station was retrieved by the police in the early morning of November 10.

He also recalled that on the night of November 10, there was a black van parked outside the internet shop where Phillip and his friends were regular customers. When the van arrived, there were men who alighted and opened wide the van’s door. The back door was also opened. Bernard believed that his son was inside the vehicle and may have been asked if Donayre, Imperial and Lorenzo were at the internet shop. The three were not around that time.

Bernard further said that after the incident, he noticed that there were two motorcycles with unidentified riders who kept on roving around their place. Donayre and Imperial also noticed this and felt scared.

Through the help of Sumog-oy and iDefend Gensan, Bernard and his family were able to file a petition for Writ of Amparo with Interim Relief of Temporary Protection which was filed by Atty. Mary Ann Arnado last November 20. On November 21, the Writ of Amparo was approved by Judge Lorna Santiago-Avila of RTC Branch 36 in General Santos City.

To date, Bernard and his family have been provided with four policemen to guard them. Bernard said that he also wanted the court to grant protection order for the witnesses of his son’s case. He said that as of this time, Donayre and Imperial are in his custody for their safety. Both parents of the young men support them in seeking justice for Phillip. Lorenzo, on the other hand, refused to cooperate. Pulido has stopped working at the gasoline station. Bernard currently supports him and his family in their daily needs.

Phillip remains missing.

REQUESTED ACTION:

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO IMMEDIATELY SURFACE PHILLIP ESPIRITU BACUDO AND BRING TO JUSTICE THE PERPETRATORS OF HIS ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE, AND ENSURE AND GUARANTEE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF HIS FAMILY AND THE WITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT.

Thank you.

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear _________________,

Greetings.

This is to express my grave concern regarding the enforced disappearance of Phillip Espiritu Bacudo, 19 years old in General Santos City, Mindanao, Philippines
On November 10, 2017, around 2:00 a.m., Bacudo was riding in a blue tricycle with three companions along the national highway. They were on their way home from a drinking session at one of the bars near Bulaong terminal.
I have learned that while they were traversing the national highway near Jollibee, they encountered a rider who was pointing his finger and hissing at them. The said rider then made a U-turn and chased them. He also pulled out a gun and fired a warning shot at the group in the tricycle.
The victim and his companions were chased by the unidentified motorcycle rider, who was being followed by a police patrol car until they reached a dark alley beside Velox Energy Gasoline Station at Mabuhay Road.
While the victim’s companions were able to escape, Bacudo was accosted by the motorcycle rider who was wearing a face mask, bull cap, and jacket. Bacudo’s hands were tied and was made to ride the motorcycle with the unidentified man. The motorcycle was followed by the police patrol car, who in turn, was pulling the tricycle where Bacudo’s group rode in.
I express grave concern that after the incident, Bacudo has not been found. His family and companions looked for him in police stations, including the police compound in Camp Fermin Lira, and detention cells, but they were not able to locate him.

Therefore I recommend:

1. That the police immediately surface Phillip Espiritu Bacudo and release him from detention;
2. That government agencies, particularly the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), conduct an impartial investigation on the case of Bacudo;
3. That the perpetrators of Bacudo’s disappearance be held accountable;
4. That the safety and security of Bacudo’s family, friends, and witnesses to the incident are ensured and guaranteed.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,
_______________________

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO:

1.His Excellency Rodrigo Roa Duterte
President, Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel,
Manila, Philippines
Tel: +63 2 736 8645, +63 2 736 8603, +63 2 736 8606, +63 2 736 8629
Fax: +63 2 736 8621
Email: pace_op@malacanang.gov.ph

2.Gen. Ronald M. Dela Rosa
Police Director General
National Headquarters, Camp Crame,
Quezon City, Philippines
Tel/Fax: +63 2 726 4361; +63 2 899 7504
Website: http://www.pnp.gov.ph/gallery

3.Hon. Jose Luis Martin Gascon
Chairperson, Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City, Philippines
Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188
Fax: +63 2 929 0102
Email Address: chairgascon.chr@gmail.com

4.Sec. Vitaliano N. Aguirre II
Secretary, Department of Justice (DOJ)
Padre Faura Street, Ermita,
Manila, Philippines
Tel: +63 2 521 1908, +63 2 526 5462
Fax: +63 2 523 9548
Email Address: vnaguirre@doj.gov.ph

 

Website: tfdp.net
Facebook: @TaskForceDetainees
Twitter: @TFDPupdates

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[Urgent Appeal] Torture and Killing of Indigenous People -TFDP

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URGENT APPEAL
April 13, 2016
(PHILIPPINES) Torture and Killing of Indigenous People

ISSUES: Assertion of right to life; freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
______________________________________________________________________________

Dear friends,

TFDP logo smallThe Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) is forwarding to you an appeal regarding the torture and killing of three indigenous people.

If you wish to make any inquiries please contact the Research, Documentation and Information Program of TFDP, kindly send email to tfdp.1974@gmail.com.
______________________________________________________________________________

Title: Kipad, Oto, and Mopak TOR, EJK
Case: Torture and Extra-Judicial Killing
Victims: Ruel Falito Kipad, 39 years old
Tono Silongan Oto, 39 years old
Martinez Lagay Mopak, 26 years old
Date of Incident: February 12, 2016; 2:00 A.M.
Place of Incident: Sitio Kuhan, Barangay Upper Sepaka, Surallah, South Cotabato
Alleged Perpetrators:Composite members of Regional Public Safety Battalion, Special Investigation and Detection Team and Special Action Force of Region 12
Motive: Suspected Drug Pushers
Rights Violated: Right to be free from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and right to life
______________________________________________________________________
Account of the incident:

On February 12, 2016 around 2:00 a.m., a composite team composed of members of the Regional Public Safety Battalion, the Special Investigation and Detection Team, and the Special Action Force of Region 12 raided five houses of T’boli-B’laan tribe members in Sitio Kuhan, Barangay Upper Sepaka, Surallah, South Cotabato. The raid resulted in the death of Ruel Kipad, 39 years old, Tono Oto, 39, and Martinez Mopak, 26.

According to Angelita Kipad, she and her husband Ruel were awakened by gun shots and loud bangs on their door. When they asked who were outside, they were ordered to get out of their house. When they opened the door, they saw armed men in seven-color uniforms without name tags wearing bonnets. The couple asked the men who they were but they did not receive any reply. They went out of the house while guns were pointed at them.

Ruel raised both hands. He was ordered to kneel on the ground. He was then handcuffed behind his back. Angelita embraced her husband and told the armed men not to kill him. She also asked what his husband’s offense was.

The men asked Ruel about the group he belonged to. He answered that he is a member of the Guardians International–Surallah Chapter. He added that he was a barangay health worker for twelve years and he is now working as a motorcycle driver transporting charcoal. The police told Ruel that he is a liar because he is armed and a member of a bandit who sells drugs. He denied the allegations.

The couple again asked the men who they were. The men replied that they are from the “region” and asked Ruel if he knew one of the policemen who was with them. Ruel answered that he did not know any of them.

Five policemen took Angelita away from her husband. From a distance, she saw that while her husband was being questioned, a dagger was being pressed onto his shoulder. She shouted for the policemen to stop, but she was dragged farther from her husband.

When the policemen went away, Angelita went nearer to where her husband was. She saw that while her husband was in a stooping position, he was shot twice. Angelita was shocked and afraid. The police saw her and dragged her away. She asked if her husband was already dead. They replied that they only gave him a warning so that her husband will admit his membership to the Sipot Gang and identify the other members in the area. Angelita told them that her husband is not a gang member.

She said that after the policemen shot her husband, the other policemen went to the neighboring houses and fired at them. She pleaded for them to stop since her children and the sick elderly were inside the house. The police did not hear her. They went inside the house and dragged the children and brought them to her.

After 30 minutes, a police vehicle with number 03 on the hood arrived and approached Angelita’s house. She saw the policemen carry something to the vehicle, and then went away.

After an hour, the police called Angelita and told her to come near her house since the barangay officials have arrived. When she got there, she looked for her husband but she did not find him. She saw that there was blood on the ground. There was also a grenade, a gun, and his husband’s wallet containing methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu).
Angelita cried and told the police that she now understood why she was brought away from her husband, and that was because they would plant evidences against him. She asked where her husband was, and the police answered that he was brought to the hospital. Angelita told the police that she will file a case against them for what they did.

At around 5:00 a.m., she went to the hospital in Surallah. When she arrived at the hospital, she was informed that her husband was already dead and his body was already at the funeral home.

When Angelita found her husband’s body, she saw that there were stab wounds on his face and shoulder. There were also gunshot wounds to his back and stomach.

In the same incident, Amy Oto and her family were sleeping in their house when they heard someone breaking into their fence. After a minute, a loud bang on their door was heard. Her whole family was awakened. They asked the identity of the persons outside but they received no reply. When they asked if they were policemen, someone answered that they were only doing their job and they were just obeying the orders of their superiors.

Her two children got very scared and jumped outside from the window. The police shot at them. Amy shouted for the police to spare her children, but the police did not heed her request.

The police went inside their house and instructed Amy’s husband Tono Oto and his nephew Martinez Mopak to duck on the floor. The police asked them to what group they belonged to. Their heads were stomped while their faces were pressed against the pillows. They were handcuffed and beaten with the butts of long firearms. They were forced to admit who they really were. Martinez who is deaf and mute did not answer. Tono, because of shock, was not able to reply as well. Amy and her children were all crying as they were ordered to get out of the house.

The policemen asked Amy if they have relatives nearby. She answered yes and pointed to the houses of her relatives. She went with the policemen to the houses of her relatives, but when they were a few steps away, she heard two gun shots from her house.

She shrieked in fear and called her husband but there was no answer. Since their house was already wrecked, she saw what went on inside her house. She saw a policeman pull out something from the pocket of his trouser and placed it on the floor. Amy asked the police if they killed her husband because he was not moving anymore. She asked them what crime he committed. The police told her to stay calm because her husband was not dead, and just had a minor cut. The police again told her that they were only doing their job and following orders from their superiors.

Tono and Martinez were brought to the police vehicle, and then the vehicle sped away. The police told Amy that her husband and his nephew will be brought to the hospital.

The police showed Amy search warrants for the houses of Luis Bangon and Ruel Kipad and asked her where their houses were. She pointed at their houses. The police then asked her for her husband’s name and she replied. The police told her that they had no warrant to search her house. When Amy asked them why they included her house in the raid, the police said that they just made a mistake. Amy told them that she will file a case against them. The police did not say anything.

The police then called Amy to enter her house. The barangay officials were also inside her house when one of the policemen asked his companions if there was a junior officer among them. A junior officer went in. When he saw a short firearm on the floor, he picked it up. Amy was surprised when the police told her that they did not own the gun. She realized that it was planted evidence against her husband.

After the incident, she went to the hospital in Surallah to check on her husband and his nephew. When she arrived, she was informed that both were already at the morgue. Her husband’s wrists were broken and had a gunshot wound in the abdomen. Martinez also had three gunshot wounds in his body.

Both Angelita and Amy are mourning the loss of their husbands. They said that they will fight for justice. Amy said that she pities Martinez very much for she was sure that he did not understand what was happening. Angelita and Amy had a hard time recovering the bodies because they did not have enough money to pay for the funeral home services. The bodies were laid to rest after a week.

During the incident, the police raided five houses with eleven families in Sitio Kuhan. The residents said that they were very scared when the raid happened. The children and the elderly were traumatized after the incident.

The police also arrested four alleged members of Sipot gang from Sitio Kuhan and Sitio Matampak through a search warrant issued by RTC Branch 38 signed by Judge Oscar Noel, Jr. of Polomolok, South Cotabato. The suspects were T’boli and B’laan tribe members.

REQUESTED ACTION:

Please write a letter to the authorities, calling on them to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation on the torture done by security forces that resulted in the deaths of Ruel Kipad, Tono Oto, and Martinez Opak in Sitio Kuhan, Barangay Upper Sepaka, Surallah, South Cotabato and to urge concerned agencies to immediately resolve the case and give justice to the victims.
SAMPLE LETTER

Dear ____________,

I am writing to draw your attention to the case of three indigenous people who were tortured and later killed.

I have learned that on February 12, 2016 around 2:00 a.m., a composite team composed of members of the Regional Public Safety Battalion, the Special Investigation and Detection Team, and the Special Action Force of Region 12, raided five houses of T’boli-B’laan tribe members in Sitio Kuhan, Barangay Upper Sepaka, Surallah, South Cotabato.

Security forces had a warrant to search the houses of alleged Sipot gang members in the said area. The raid resulted in the torture and death of Ruel Kipad, 39 years old, Tono Oto, 39, and Martinez Mopak, 26.

It has been brought to my attention that Ruel Kipad was ordered to get out from his house and ordered to kneel on the ground while the security forces interrogated him. While being questioned, he was forced to admit that he was a gang member. His shoulder was pierced with a dagger and he was later shot twice that led to his death.

I was also informed that during the raid, Tono Oto and Martinez Mopak were stomped on their heads while their faces were pressed in the pillows. They were then handcuffed and beaten using the butt of a rifle. They were also forced to admit being gang members and later shot to death.

Philippine Republic Act 9745 Section 2(b) provides that, “…the human rights of all persons, including suspects, detainees and prisoners are respected at all times; and that no person placed under investigation or held in custody of any person in authority or, agent of a person authority shall be subjected to physical, psychological or mental harm, force, violence, threat or intimidation or any act that impairs his/her free will or in any manner demeans or degrades human dignity.”

With this, I urge the Philippine authorities to promptly and impartially investigate this case and ensure that the perpetrators will be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law and that the torture and deaths of Kipad, Oto, and Mopak will be given justice.

I look forward to you urgent action.

Respectfully yours,

_______________________

Please send your letters to:

Hon. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacañang Palace
JP Laurel St. San Miguel, Manila
Philippines 1005
Fax: +63 2 736 1010
Tel: +63 2 735 6201 / 564 1451 to 80
Email: op@president.gov.ph

Police Director General Ricardo C. Marquez
Chief, Philippine National Police
PNP National Headquarters
Camp General Crame
Quezon City, Philippines
Fax: +632 724 8763 / +632 723 0401
Tel: + 632 726 4361 / +632 4366 8763
Email: feedback@pnp.gov.ph

Police Chief Supt. Dennis Siervo
Chief, PNP Human Rights Affairs Office
Tel: +632 650 2794/ +632 723 0401 loc 3668/3678
Email: pnphrao@gmail.com

Chairperson Jose Luis Martin Gascon
Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
Philippines
Fax: +63 2929 0102
Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188

Atty. Leonor T. Oralde-Quintayo
Chairperson
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
Email: chairpersonsoffice@gmail.com

 

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Urgent Appeal] Frustrated Murder of Human Rights Defender -TFDP

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URGENT APPEAL
January 13, 2016

(PHILIPPINES) Frustrated Murder of Human Rights Defender
ISSUES: Assertion to right to land of indigenous people

Ampudi copyDear friends,

The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) is forwarding to you an appeal regarding the frustrated killing of an agrarian reform beneficiary.

If you wish to make any inquiries please contact the Research, Documentation and Information Program of TFDP, kindly send email to tfdp.1974@gmail.com.
———–

Title:  Ampudi Frustrated Killing
Case:      Frustrated Killing
Victim: Nestorio Sulatan Ampudi, 37 years old
Date of Incident: January 9, 2016; 11:30 A.M.
Place of Incident: P-8, Barangay Calao Calao, Don Carlos, Bukidnon
Perpetrators:    Jun Jun Lirasan, security guard of Levelita Balarote Zambrano
Motive: in relation to assertion of right to land; violation of rights to life and security of person

———–
Account of the incident:

On January 9, 2016, around 11:30 a.m., at Purok 8,  Calao Calao, Don Carlos, Bukidnon, human rights defender Nestorio Sulatan Ampudi, 37 years old, an active member and overseer of Ambugkol Manobo Tribal Association (AMTA), was shot by Jun Jun Lirasan. Lirasan is Ampudi’s neighbor and is working for Levelita Balarote Zambrano.

According to Ampudi’s wife Ligoria, she and her two-month old daughter Nicelyn were riding with Nestorio on his single motorcycle with plate no. 83093. They were on their way home to   P-9 Prakatahan, Barangay Pualas, Don Carlos, Bukidnon from Poblacion, Don Carlos, Bukidnon when Lirasan and an unidentified driver aboard a single motorcycle shot Nestorio multiple times while trying to overtake them. Nestorio fell on the ground with his motorcycle. The perpetrator immediately fled to an unknown direction. Ampudi sustained multiple gunshot wounds on different parts of his body and was immediately brought to St. Nino Hospital, Don Carlos, Bukidnon for medical treatment. He was recently transferred to Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag, Bukidnon. The victim is now in stable condition but is still waiting for his operation. His wife added that the two perpetrators were wearing masks, but she was able to identify Lirasan because of his built.

Nestorio’s wife and child were lucky that they were not hit, but Ligoria sustained minor injuries during the incident.

At 2:00 p.m., Ligoria reported the incident at Don Carlos Police Station. Elements of Don Carlos Municipal Police Station led by SPO1 Dizon responded during the incident. Two fired cartridge cases and one fired bullet of an alleged .45 pistol were recovered from the crime scene.

Case Background:

The Balarote group headed by Levelita Balarote-Zambrano was awarded 550 hectares of land by the Commission on the Settlement of Land Problems (COSLAP) last February 16, 1988. The group obtained a Writ of Relocation from RTC in Malaybalay and was installed in the area by the two court sheriffs and barangay officials last May 21, 2014. Some parts of the awarded land are presently occupied by the AMTA members.

On the other hand, AMTA belongs to Datu Casiano Montabod’s group who was awarded by COSLAP for 130 hectares of land in Purok 9 Prakatahan, Barangay Pualas. AMTA, which is now under the unified claim named as Manobo Kerenteken – Ilantungen Manobo Tribe, Inc. (KMTI) processed their Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) at the National Commission on the Indigenous People (NCIP).

On March 10-25, 2015, the NCIP surveyed the ancestral land claim of the indigenous people including the AMTA area in Purok 9 Prakatahan, Barangay Pualas. Their CADT is now under deliberation at the NCIP in Manila.

On October 2, 2014, Nestorio Ampudi was fortunate to have survived an attempt to his life by the Balarote group at Purok 9 Prakatahan, Barangay Pualas, Don Carlos, Bukidnon.

REQUESTED ACTION:

Please write a letter to the following authorities, calling on them to conduct a thorough investigation of the frustrated killing of Nestorio Ampudi in P-8, Barangay Calao Calao, Don Carlos, Bukidnon; investigate the alleged possession of firearms of the Balarote group; and urge concerned agencies to immediately resolve the case and give justice to the victim.

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear ____________,

I am writing to draw your attention regarding the case of a human rights defender, member and overseer of Ambugkol Manobo Tribal Association (AMTA) and has a pending Ancestral Domain Claim in Don Carlos, Bukidnon who was shot while onboard his motorcycle together with his two-month old daughter and wife.

I have learned that on January 9, 2016, Ampudi suffered a third attempt to his life while he and his wife and their two-month old daughter were on their way home to P-9 Prakatahan, Barangay Pualas, Don Carlos, Bukidnon from Poblacion, Don Carlos, Bukidnon. Jun jun Lirasan, their neighbor who is working with the Balarote group, and an unidentified driver aboard a single motorcycle shot Ampudi multiple times while trying to overtake them. He fell to the ground with his motorcycle. His wife and child were lucky not to be hit, but his wife sustained minor injuries during the incident.

The threats towards Ampudi stemmed from his struggle to obtain a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), in contravention of the Levelita Balarote-Zambrano group’s claim that they own the land under dispute, awarded to them by the government through the Commission on the Settlement of Land Problems (COSLAP).

It was brought to my attention that Ampudi used to till a parcel of land which he owns. However, the Balarote-Zambrano group prevented him to till his land. He was left with no choice but to work outside his land. While their claim for ancestral land has yet to be settled, Ampudi served as a paid farm worker of a certain Danny Tahuyan to raise some income for his family. The Balarote-Zambrano Group also created policies that restricted the indigenous people from tilling their land and that imposed a curfew of 9:00 p.m.

The Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA) should therefore be effectively implemented to resolve this dispute. I also learned that even the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has not taken any action to protect the interest of the members of the Manobo tribes and their communities against the unlawful claim of Balarote-Zambrano on their ancestral land and source of subsistence.
I urge the authorities to promptly investigate this case and ensure that all those responsible for the shooting of Ampudi are prosecuted and punished accordingly. Ampudi and his family should be given adequate protection, and the NCIP should immediately implement its policies on ancestral domain to facilitate the resolution of the case.

I look forward to you urgent action.

Respectfully yours,

_______________________

Please send your letters to:

1.    Hon. Benigno C. Aquino III
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacañang Palace
JP Laurel St. San Miguel, Manila
Philippines 1005
Fax: +63 2 736 1010
Tel: +63 2 735 6201 / 564 1451 to 80
Email:  op@president.gov.ph

2.    Police Director General Ricardo C. Marquez
Chief, Philippine National Police
PNP National Headquarters
Camp General Crame
Quezon City, Philippines
Fax: +632 724 8763 / +632 723 0401
Tel: + 632 726 4361 / +632 4366 8763
Email: feedback@pnp.gov.ph

3.    Chairperson Jose Luis Martin Gascon
Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
Philippines
Fax: +63 2929 0102
Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188

5.    Atty. Leonor T. Oralde-Quintayo
Chairperson
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
Email: chairpersonsoffice@gmail.com

[Urgent Appeal] The harassment of the staff of PMPI, a network of POs, NGOs and church/faith-based groups – active in the campaign against mining. -TFDP

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URGENT APPEAL

December 7, 2015

(PHILIPPINES) The harassment of the staff of Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI), a network of people’s organizations (POs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and church/faith-based groups – active in the campaign against mining.

Dear friends,

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) writes to inform you about the harassment of the staff of the Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI), a network of people’s organizations (POs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and church/faith-based groups – that is at the forefront of campaigns against mining.

TFDP logo small

CASE DETAILS:

Account of the incident:

Human rights defenders Ms. Yolanda Esguerra, Ms. Candy Hidalgo, Mr. Edel Garingan and Mr. Victor Morillo, all connected with the Philippine-Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI)[1] have been subject of alleged intimidation by the Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC) as appeared on the column written by Ellen Tordesillas with the Abante and Malaya, reportedly published online on September 8 and 9, 2015.

According to the said articles, HMC project manager Mr. Arnilo Milaor filed a libel suit against the four PMPI staff on June 20, 2015 (*Abante) and a libel suit under the Republic Act No. 10175 otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (*Malaya), also on June 20, 2015 http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/opinion/truth-only-please. The case is reportedly linked to the anti-mining activities of the PMPI in Guiuan, Eastern Samar where the HMC operates.

Tordesillas went on to write that “Ang pagtulong sa kapwa ay hindi dapat rason para mag­sinungaling. Kung ang isang tao o grupo, ay walang kiyemeng mag-imbento ng kwento para lang makuha ng atensyon ng media sa kawsa na kanilang isinusulong, medyo nakaka­duda yata. Panloloko na yata ‘yun.” Tordesillas’ statement allegedly implied that the above-mentioned PMPI staff are using their organization’s advocacy to deceive people.

The PMPI staff however did not receive the said complaint cited in Tordesillas’ articles. When the articles were posted online, the PMPI communicated with the Office of the Prosecutors in Borongan and Guiuan, Eastern Samar about the said complaint but to no avail. There were no legal documents sent to them and in fact, the said possible complaint was only discovered through the Internet posts by Mr. JB Baylon, vice president for Communications of Nickel Asia Corporation, HMC’s mother company, who has also allegedly posted vague threats towards PMPI. One such threat was his comment on the picture shown below, and the other (has since been deleted) which allegedly said “Napipikon na ko sa isang NGO, kailangan bigyan ng leksyon.

On October 9, 2015, copy of the subpoena was delivered to and received by the PMPI. They have been summoned to appear before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Taguig City last October 30, 2015 at 10:00AM to answer the charge of cyber crime libel by the HMC represented by Mr. Milaor.

The PMPI is a legally registered network of people’s organizations (POs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), church/faith-based groups and Misereor, the overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Germany based in Aachen, Germany.

“Even before Typhoon Yolanda hit the country in November 2013, PMPI already had partner community organizations in both islands under their anti-mining campaigns: Save Manicani Movement (SAMAMO) and Homonhon Environmental Rescuers Organization (HERO).” The PMPI has an ongoing post-Yolanda initiative called Project Pagbangon, which initially started as a relief effort to support partner communities of member organizations in Panay and Eastern Samar. The main objective of the project is to secure the survival of the affected communities, with the perspective to help in the early recovery phase of the islands.
Case background:

· PMPI has been at the forefront of the anti-mining campaigns in Manicani Island where HMC operates.

· According to PMPI, the possible reasons for the filing of cases against them are:

o The letter sent by Edel Garingan to Mines and Geosciences Bureau

o Press release of PMPI about the mining situation in Manicani, and

o Social media posts of PMPI regarding the mining situation in Manicani

REQUESTED ACTION:

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO THE CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO BRING TO JUSTICE THE PERPETRATOR OF HARASSMENT AND ENSURE AND GUARANTEE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE STAFF OF PHILIPPINE MISEREOR PARTNERS, INC. (PMPI) – MS. YOLANDA ESGUERRA, MS. CANDY HIDALGO, MR. EDEL GARINGAN AND MR. VICTOR MORILLO.

Thank you.

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear,

Greetings!

This is to express my grave concern regarding the harassment of the staff of Philippine Misereor Partners, Inc. (PMPI), namely Ms. Yolanda Esguerra – national coordinator of PMPI, Ms. Candy Hidalgo – deputy coordinator, Mr. Edel Garingan – Anti-Mining Campaign project officer, and Mr. Victor Morillo – AMC advocacy officer.
I have learned that Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC) project manager Mr. Arnilo Milaor filed a cyber libel suit against the four PMPI staff on September 1, 2015 and a libel suit under the “draconian Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012” also on September 1, 2015 but that the PMPI staff received no such copy of the complaints and instead only found out about the case filed against them via the articles written by Ellen Tordesillas in Abante and Malaya.

But on October 9, 2015, a copy of the subpoena was delivered to and received by the PMPI. They have been summoned to appear before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Taguig City last October 30, 2015 at 10:00 AM to answer the charge of cyber crime libel by the HMC represented by Mr. Milaor.

I have also learned that the said complaint was filed in relation to PMPI’s campaign against mining in Manicani Island.

I express my grave concern that the PMPI staff are being harassed in line with their efforts to fight for the rights of the residents and fisher folk of Manicani Island.

I am writing to ask for immediate action in favor of PMPI and its staff, Ms. Yolanda Esguerra, Ms. Candy Hidalgo, Mr. Edel Garingan and Mr. Victor Morillo:

1. For the security and safety of Ms. Yolanda Esguerra, Ms. Candy Hidalgo, Mr. Edel Garingan and Mr. Victor Morillo.

2. For the immediate and impartial investigation of the harassment committed by Hinatuan Mining Corporation.

3. For the perpetrator be held accountable for their actions against the PMPI staff.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

_______________________

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO:

1. His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III
President, Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila
1005 Philippines
Tel: +6327356201/5641451 to 80
Email: corres@op.gov.ph/opnet@ops.gov.ph

2. Hon. Alfredo Benjamin Sabater Caguioa
Secretary, Department of Justice (DOJ)
Padre Faura Street
Ermita, Manila
1000 Philippines
Fax: +63 2 523 9548
Tel: +63 2 521 1908

3. Hon. Jose Luis Martin Gascon
Chairperson, Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188
Fax: +63 2 929 0102

[1] http://www.pmpi.org.ph/

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Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Urgent Appeal] Continuing harassment of Bgy. Capt. Rolando Martinez, member of SANAMABASU, farmer beneficiaries in Hermosa, Bataan -TFDP

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URGENT APPEAL
October 12, 2015

(PHILIPPINES) Continuing harassment of Bgy. Capt. Rolando Martinez, member of SANAMABASU, farmer beneficiaries in Barangay Sumalo, Hermosa, Bataan

ISSUES: Right not to be deprived of means of subsistence; Access to Justice; Land Rights

Dear friends,

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) writes to inform you about the continuing harassment suffered by Barangay Captain Rolando Martinez, a member of the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Barangay Sumalo (SANAMABASU) by Riverside Development Corporation owned by the Litton Family.

TFDP logo small

CASE DETAILS:

Rolando Martinez is the incumbent Barangay Captain of Barangay Sumalo, Hermosa, Bataan. Since 2009, Martinez has been leading the fight against Riverforest Development Corporation whose personnel have allegedly been harassing residents and farmers in relation to the Litton Estate land dispute. Martinez has been helping the residents of his barangay, particularly on legal matters, both as a barangay captain and as a farmer and resident himself.

Martinez has also been the target of harassments. In 2010 and again in 2013, trumped-up charges were filed against him: grave threat, two counts of grave coercion, grave misconduct, falsification, damages, ejectment, injunction, reinvigatoria, and estafa. Martinez has also received threats to his life which started also in 2009 at the height of the land dispute. He frequently received ambiguous text messages sent from different numbers. He was also visited a couple of times by an unidentified who was said to have been the Litton family’s hired assassin. (This alleged hired assassin was ambushed and killed on the same year).

Just recently around August (cannot remember exact date), while Martinez was travelling to Quezon City from Hermosa, Bataan to follow up the complaints they filed at the Commission of Human Rights (CHR), he noticed that at least two men were following him. Martinez took the Genesis bus to the SM North jeepney terminal where the men also alighted. He was also surprised when the men followed him to the restroom and stood by the door. When Martinez came out of the restroom, the men followed him until Philcoa, riding the same jeep. Martinez decided to cancel his trip to CHR and just returned home to Hermosa, Bataan.

CASE BACKGROUND:

·         According to the members of Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Barangay Sumalo (SANAMABASU), they have been experiencing harassment from the Litton Family since 1991 when the Littons decided to withdraw their Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS) and opted to apply for conversion of the land to industrial, commercial and residential use.

·         The farmers are the supposed beneficiaries of the land through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

·         Rolando Martinez is a member of SANAMABASU, a resident and also a farmer of Sumalo, Hermosa Bataan.

REQUESTED ACTION:

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO THE CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO  BRING TO JUSTICE THE PERPETRATORS OF CONTINUING HARASSMENT AND ENSURE AND GUARANTEE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ALL MEMBERS OF SAMAHAN NG NAGKAKAISANG MAMAMAYAN NG BARANGAY SUMALO (SANAMABASU), FARMERS AND RESIDENTS OF SUMALO, HERMOSA, BATAAN.

Thank you.

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear,

Greetings!

This is to express my grave concern regarding the continuing harassment of Barangay Captain Rolando Martinez, a member of Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Barangay Sumalo (SANAMABASU), in Sumalo, Hermosa, Bataan.

I have learned that Martinez has been experiencing harassments and other human rights violations such as trumped up charges and threats to safety and life since 2009.

I have also learned that only recently, Martinez again experienced harassment in the form of intimidation – that during his work in following up cases filed at the Commission of Human Rights, Martinez was allegedly followed by two unidentified men who may be hired by the Litton family and that the deed has been done in relation to the ongoing land dispute between SANAMABASU and Riverforest Development Corporation.

I express my grave concern that Martinez is continuously harassed in line with his effort to provide assistance and justice to the farmers and residents of his barangay.

I am writing to ask for immediate action in favor of Barangay Captain Rolando Martinez:

1.            For the security and safety of Rolando Martinez.

2.            For the immediate and impartial investigation on continued harassment committed by Riverside Development Corporation owned by the Litton Family.

3.            For the perpetrators be held accountable for their actions against Rolando Martinez.

4.            For the provision of fair and impartial assistance by the police in the area.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

_______________________

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO:

1.      His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III

President, Republic of the Philippines

Malacanang Palace

JP Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila

1005 Philippines

Tel: +6327356201/5641451 to 80

Email: corres@op.gov.ph/opnet@ops.gov.ph

2.      Hon. Leila M. De Lima

Secretary, Department of Justice (DOJ)

Padre Faura Street

Ermita, Manila

1000 Philippines

Fax: +63 2 523 9548

Tel: +63 2 521 1908

Email: lmdelima@doj.gov.ph / doj.delima@gmail.com

3.      Commission on Human Rights (CHR)

SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue

U.P. Complex, Diliman

Quezon City

Philippines

Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188

Fax: +63 2 929 0102

4.      Atty. Virgilio R. Delos Reyes

Secretary of Agrarian Reform

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City

Philippines

Tel: +02 929-34-60; +02 928-70-31

Fax: + 02 920-03-80

Email: secgildar@gmail.com

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Urgent Appeal] The harassment of Shirley Lape, farmer beneficiary under CARP and member of a farmer’s organization in Quezon -TFDP

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URGENT APPEAL

October 12, 2015

(PHILIPPINES) The harassment of Shirley Lape, farmer beneficiary under CARP and member of a farmer’s organization in Barangay Tala, San Andres, Quezon

ISSUES: Right not to be deprived of means of subsistence; Land Rights; Access to Justice

Dear friends,

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) writes to inform you about the harassment of Shirley Lape, farmer beneficiary under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and member of Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Barangay Tala at Camflora in Sitio Cabulihan, Barangay Tala, San Andres, Quezon.

TFDP logo small

CASE DETAILS:

On August 13, 2015, Shirley Lape, an agrarian reform beneficiary, active member and farmer – leader of Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Barangay Tala at Camflora, and resident of Sitio Cabulihan, Barangay Tala, San Andres, Quezon, was preparing breakfast when Edwin Ausa arrived. Ausa claims that he is the owner of the land that Lape grows and harvests copra from.

Ausa shouted at Lape and asked her why she is not giving him a portion of her income. Lape asked him why she needed to give him a portion of her income when the land is considered as timberland. Ausa asserted that he owns the land, but Lape countered him. Ausa then threatened her and said that she might suffer the same fate as Elisa Tulid’s if she refused to pay him. Ausa even added that if Lape did not do what was asked of her, Ausa himself would take away their share of coconuts.

On 1999, Lape filed for possession of land in DENR, until the present, Lape and other farmers are still fighting for their claim.

Sometime on October 2013, a week after the killing of Elisa Tulid, Lape with Nelson Fuentes and a certain Severino was also allegedly harassed and threatened by the same Edwin Ausa.

Ausa’s alleged threat was in relation to the killing of Elisa Tulid on October 19, 2013 that was the result of an ongoing land dispute in the said area. Like Lape, Tulid was an active member of Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Barangay Tala at Camflora, and was one of those who actively spoke in defense of the residents’ and farmers’ claim to the land. She was shot multiple times and killed on the spot in front of her husband and then four year old daughter.

There is a persistent agrarian conflict in Bondoc Peninsula where San Andres, Quezon is located, where almost 80 percent of households depend on subsistence farming mainly banana and coconut mono cropping as well as fishing.

Domingo Reyes, one of the main landholders in Bondoc Peninsula currently owns 12,000-16,000 hectares of land in three municipalities. Farmers have been in a 60-40 contract with the Reyes, with 60% of total harvest going to Reyes, while the 40% goes to the tenants, who also have to cover the production expenses.

In 2004, farmers and tenants finally petitioned the government for coverage under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). The farmers working on Reyes’ lands started boycotting the 60-40 agreement share after they learned from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that portion of the lands claimed by Reyes are declared public and certified timberland.

It has been alleged by some testimonies that Edwin Ausa and Rannie Bugnot are supporters of Reyes’ clan and have been trying to instill fear in the communities to prevent them from claiming their land rights.

REQUESTED ACTION:

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO THE CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO BRING TO JUSTICE THE PERPETRATORS OF THE HARASSMENT AND ENSURE AND GUARANTEE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF SHIRLEY LAPE, MEMBER OF SAMAHAN NG MAGSASAKA SA BARANGAY TALA AT CAMFLORA.

Thank you.

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear,

Greetings!

This is to express my grave concern regarding the harassment of Shirley Lape, farmer beneficiary under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and member of Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Barangay Tala at Camflora in Sitio Cabulihan, Barangay Tala, San Andres, Quezon.

I have learned that Lape has received verbal threat to her life and safety last August 13, 2015, perpetrated by Edwin Ausa, who is a known supporter of Reyes’ clan and who has been known in trying to instill fear in the communities to prevent them from claiming their land rights.

I have also learned that this said threat was in relation to the killing of Elisa Tulid, who was an active member of Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Barangay Tala at Camflora, and who was shot point blank in 2013.

I express my grave concern that Lape is being harassed in line with her effort to fight for the land rights of the community and that even two years past Elisa Tulid’s killing, the land dispute and human rights violations are still ongoing.

I am writing to ask for immediate action in favor of Shirley Lape:

1.            For the security and safety of Shirley Lape.

2.            For the immediate and impartial investigation on continued harassment committed by the Edwin Ausa.

3.            For the perpetrator be held accountable for his actions against Shirley Lape.

4.            For the provision of fair and impartial assistance by the police in the area.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

_______________________

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO:

1.      His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III

President, Republic of the Philippines

Malacanang Palace

JP Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila

1005 Philippines

Tel: +6327356201/5641451 to 80

Email: corres@op.gov.ph/opnet@ops.gov.ph

2.      Hon. Leila M. De Lima

Secretary, Department of Justice (DOJ)

Padre Faura Street

Ermita, Manila

1000 Philippines

Fax: +63 2 523 9548

Tel: +63 2 521 1908

Email: lmdelima@doj.gov.ph / doj.delima@gmail.com

3.      Commission on Human Rights (CHR)

SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue

U.P. Complex, Diliman

Quezon City

Philippines

Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188

Fax: +63 2 929 0102

4.      Atty. Virgilio R. Delos Reyes

Secretary of Agrarian Reform

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City

Philippines

Tel: +02 929-34-60; +02 928-70-31

Fax: + 02 920-03-80

Email: secgildar@gmail.com

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

 

[Urgent Appeal] Harassment; red tagging of Emily Fajardo, a community organizer assisting the FLACCI in Barangay Lamao, Limay, Bataan -TFDP

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URGENT APPEAL

July 8, 2015

(PHILIPPINES) Harassment; red tagging of Emily Fajardo, a community organizer assisting the Federation of Lamao Concerned Citizens, Inc. (FLACCI) in Barangay Lamao, Limay, Bataan

ISSUES: physical integrity, in the form of the right to life, liberty and security of the person, individual liberty, in the form of the freedoms of movement, speech, association and assembly, rights as a human rights defender

——

Dear friends,

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) writes to inform you about the harassment of Emily Fajardo, a community organizer assisting the Federation of Lamao Concerned Citizens, Inc. (FLACCI) in Barangay Lamao, Limay, Bataan.

TFDP logo small

CASE DETAILS:

Emily Fajardo is a community organizer assisting the Federation of Lamao Concerned Citizens, Inc. (FLACCI) in their fight against the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) in Barangay Lamao, Limay, Bataan.

Fajardo and the other FLACCI organizers were invited by a barangay councilor who was supportive of the group’s cause to two Barangay Council sessions last May to give talks to Barangay officials about the harmful effects of coal plants to the environment. However, they were not allowed to continue with the talk as this was allegedly the time that the issues regarding PNOC’s project was being decided upon.

Among the issues were PNOC’s land ownership claim, the proposal for the conversion of the nearby river to a commercial port for use of PNOC, Petron and San Miguel Corporation, and the alleged absence of a barangay hosting resolution. The resolution was one of the legalities needed for PNOC’s coal refinery project, but which would also mean that PNOC and the Barangay had to have had public consultations and dialogues before their project could continue – but no public consultation was ever done.

Fajardo was later informed that some of the Barangay Council members were reluctant to let the group speak because they were “communists”. She was told that they were termed “pulahan” by some of the council members.

CASE BACKGROUND:

In 2009, Emily Fajardo received death threats in relation to her then work with the Nuclear Free Bataan Movement (NFBM). The death threat was sent via text which also tagged Fajardo as “communist”. Some NFBM members, along with Fajardo were also followed by policemen whenever they were doing public addresses, fora, etc. According to Fajardo, this incident has been previously documented.

REQUESTED ACTION:

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO THE CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO BRING TO JUSTICE THE PERPETRATORS OF THE HARASSMENT AND ENSURE AND GUARANTEE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF EMILY FAJARDO.

Thank you.

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear ______________,

Greetings!

This is to express my grave concern regarding the alleged harassment of Emily Fajardo, a community organizer assisting the Federation of Lamao Concerned Citizens, Inc. (FLACCI) in Barangay Lamao, Limay, Bataan.

I have learned that Fajardo has been assisting FLACCI in their stand against the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) and the negative effects of their coal refinery project to the environment.

I have also learned that aside from the environmental concerns, there were also other issues such as PNOC’s land ownership claim, the proposal for the conversion of the nearby river to a commercial port for use of PNOC, Petron and San Miguel Corporation, and the alleged absence of a Barangay hosting resolution.

I have learned that Fajardo had been invited by a barangay council member to give talks to Barangay Council about the harmful effects of coal plants to the environment, however, they were denied entrance for being a “communist”. Fajardo was red-tagged and the group was not allowed to speak.

I am writing to ask for immediate action in favor of Emily Fajardo;

1. For the security and safety of Emily Fajardo.

2. For the immediate and impartial investigation on the harassment allegedly committed by some of the council members of Brgy. Lamao, Limay, Bataan.

3. For the perpetrators be held accountable for their actions against Emily Fajardo.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

_______________________

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO:

1.His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III

President, Republic of the Philippines

Malacanang Palace

JP Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila

1005 Philippines

Tel: +6327356201/5641451 to 80

Email: corres@op.gov.ph / opnet@ops.gov.ph

2.Hon. Leila M. De Lima

Secretary, Department of Justice (DOJ)

Padre Faura Street

Ermita, Manila

1000 Philippines

Fax: +63 2 523 9548

Tel: +63 2 521 1908

Email: lmdelima@doj.gov.ph / doj.delima@gmail.com

3.Chairman Jose Luis Martin Gascon

Commission on Human Rights (CHR)

SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue

U.P. Complex, Diliman

Quezon City

Philippines

Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188

Fax: +63 2 929 0102

4.Restituto Reyes

Barangay Captain Lamao Barangay Council

Barangay Lamao, Limay, Bataan, Philippines

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Urgent Appeal] Recent demolition and pending relocation of residents of Radial Road 10 North Bay Boulevard, Navotas City -TFDP

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URGENT APPEAL

July 7, 2015

(PHILIPPINES) Recent demolition and pending relocation of residents of Radial Road 10 North Bay Boulevard, Navotas City

ISSUES: The right to an adequate standard of living; right to adequate housing, right to water

Dear friends,

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) writes to inform you about the recent demolition and pending relocation of residents of Radial Road 10 (R10) North Bay Boulevard, Navotas City.

TFDP logo small

CASE DETAILS:

On June 30, 2015 at around 9:00 in the morning, residents of R10 North Bay Boulevard, Navotas City were taken by surprise as teams from the National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Navotas Local Government and the hired demolition group started destroying their houses.

According to Anecita Sison, Secretary of the Purok R10 North Bay Boulevard North Neighborhood Association, Inc. and one of the residents there, a dialogue was set up between NHA, DPWH and the representative residents of R10 last June 1, 2015 regarding the impending demolition and the residents’ request for more time to relocate.  The dialogue ended with an agreement to continue the talks and with no word on the finality of the demolition schedule.

Some of the residents were still sleeping peacefully and others were at work when the demolition team started destroying the houses. Some residents were hurt as they panicked to gather their belongings and hurry out of the way of falling debris. Allegedly, some members of the demolition team stole properties of some of the residents. After the demolition, items like shoes and small things were unaccounted for. One member of the demolition team even allegedly snatched a watch from a resident’s wrist and did not return it.

Residents also reported that some members of the demolition team were violent towards the residents, pushing, threatening to hit and swinging at the pleading residents with their demolition tools such as hammers and crowbars. Items in stores owned by residents were also taken, along with the wood and galvanized iron sheets from their houses. Although the residents have requested for at least their store goods, these were still not returned. Some residents were also allegedly threatened with detention if they did not evacuate the demolition site immediately.

The residents are to be relocated in Pandi, Bulacan, which according to them is far from schools or markets; the temperature is too hot for a comfortable living owing to the large population of previously relocated informal settlers; the drinking water is from a water pump or poso; and the place is unsafe with crimes becoming more rampant recently.

Presently, the residents are staying in makeshift tents along the bridge of R10, which was given as a “staging area” or a temporary place the residents could stay before they are relocated.

CASE BACKGROUND:

The planned road widening project, demolition and relocation was first announced in 2010 and steps were taken immediately the following year. Upon finding that the relocation site was in Pandi, Bulacan, the residents led by the North Bay Boulevard North Neighborhood Association, Inc. drafted a People’s Plan – a proposal for acquiring a land more suitable for the relocation of R10 residents.

Via ocular, the North Bay Boulevard North Neighborhood Association, Inc. found a privately owned land in Norzagaray, Bulacan which is near the highway, schools, market and has electricity and water. The 4.6-hectare land is sufficient space to comfortably house 1,500 families.

Officers of the association held a meeting with the residents to inform them of the plan. The plan was approved by all and negotiations between the association and the owner started. The land is priced 37 million with a down payment of 7 Million. The association also made a way to come up with the money for buying the land. They asked assistance from different government agencies such as National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), Department of Interioe and Local Government (DILG), Commission on Human Rights  (CHR), Foundation for the Development of the Urban Poor (FDUP), and Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), the latter granting loans for buying the proposed land.

SHFC allegedly could loan the residents 450,000 per family granted that they submit all the necessary requirements including the signed approval of the Norzagaray LGU for the relocation of the residents. This document should be a communication between Navotas and Norzagaray LGUs but allegedly, the Navotas LGU has not and continues not to help the residents.

In 2010, the LGU conducted a census tagging to determine the number of families that will be affected by DPWH’s road widening project. Nine hundred (900) families were identified at the time and listed.

The actual demolition happened this year, 2015, where according to Purok R10 North Bay Boulevard North Neighborhood Association, Inc., the last population estimate was 1,500 families. According to the residents, they were informed that the 2010 data would be the one used as basis for the distribution of financial aid. Since the LGU will only recognize the 900 families initially tagged, 600 families or an estimated 3,500 persons will not receive government aid and are at risk of not being recognized as claimants for relocation.

Up until now, the residents still cannot claim the promised aid because of the numerous requirements such as birth certificates of each of the family members, two valid I.D.s, marriage certificate, police clearance, barangay clearance, etc.

The residents complain that they have been passed around from DPWH to NHA to LGU when they sought dialogues and proposed plans for moving the residents.

REQUESTED ACTION:

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO THE CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO BRING TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE THE INJUSTICE SUFFERED BY THE RESIDENTS OF R10 NAVOTAS DURING THE DEMOLITION AND TO ENSURE AND GUARANTEE THAT THEY RECEIVE DUE ASSISTANCE FROM ALL CONCERNED.

Thank you.
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear _____________,

Greetings!

This is to express my grave concern regarding the recent demolition and pending relocation of residents of Radial Road 10 North Bay Boulevard, Navotas City.

I have learned that the residents’ houses have been demolished and that they are currently staying in makeshift tents along the bridge of R10 and that that during this demolition, many of the residents allegedly experienced harassment.

I have learned of the residents’ concerns regarding the planned relocation area in Pandi, Bulacan and their efforts to find a more suitable replacement which is safer, and would have all the means for comfortable and healthy living.

I have also learned that the community’s initiative in acquiring their proposed relocation area has been taken lightly and that they have not been given proper assistance despite their efforts to have dialogues and to work with different concerned agencies.

I am writing to ask for immediate action in favor of the residents of the Radial Road 10 North Bay Boulevard, Navotas City:

1.            For the security and safety of the residents.

2.            For the immediate and impartial investigation on the alleged harassments experienced by the residents under the demolition team.

3.            For the residents be given proper assistance in their initiative (People’s Plan).

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

_______________________

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO:

1.      His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III
President, Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace, JP Laurel Street,
San Miguel, Manila1005 Philippines
Tel: +6327356201/5641451 to 80
Email: corres@op.gov.ph/opnet@ops.gov.ph

2.      Secretary Rogelio L. Singson
Department of Public Works and Highways
Bonifacio Drive Port Area, Manila, Philippines
Tel.:+632-304-3300
Email: singson.rogelio@dpwh.gov.ph

3.      Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II
Department of Interior and Local Government
EDSA corner, Quezon Avenue, Diliman,
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: 925-0030; 925-0331; 925-0332 Fax
Email: mar@marroxas.com

4.      General Manager Atty. Chito M. Cruz
National Housing Authority
Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Philippines
Tel.: 921-7828; 922-2460; 9222058 Fax

5.      Secretary Jose Eliseo M. Rocamora
National Anti-Poverty Commission
Water System Training Center,
Local Water Utilities Administration,
MWSS-LWUA Complex, Katipunan Avenue,
Quezon City 1105 Philippines
Tel.: 927-9816 / 426-3652 / 426-5249 (telefax) Local Lines: 127 / 148 / 141
Email: info@napc.gov.ph

6.      Chairman/CEO Hon. HERNANI B. PANGANIBAN
Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor
4th floor, DHC Bldg. 1115 EDSA,
Project 7, Quezon City
1105 Philippines
Telefax:  (02) 410-46-91

7.      Mayor John Reynald M. Tiangco
LOCAL GOVERNMENT NAVOTAS
Tel.: (632)281-8602; 281-8861 F
Email: http://www.navotas.gov.ph

8.       Mayor Alfredo DG. Germar
LOCAL GOVERNMENT NORZAGARAY, BULACAN
Municipal Government of Norzagaray, Bulacan
Norzagaray, Bulacan 3013 Philippines
Tel.: +63(44) 694-7950

9.      Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue,
U.P. Complex, Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines
Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188
Fax: +63 2 929 0102

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Urgent Appeal] Continuing harassment of farmer beneficiaries in Barangay Sumalo, Hermosa, Bataan -TFDP

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URGENT APPEAL
June 19, 2015

(PHILIPPINES) Continuing harassment of members of Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Barangay Sumalo (SANAMABASU), farmer beneficiaries in Barangay Sumalo, Hermosa, Bataan
ISSUES: Right not to be deprived of means of subsistence; Access to Justice; Right to Peace and Order

Dear friends,

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) writes to inform you about the continuing harassment suffered by members of the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Barangay Sumalo (SANAMABASU) Farmers by Riverside Development Corporation owned by the Litton Family.

TFDP logo small

CASE DETAILS:

Sixty-eight (68) residents and farmers of Barangay Sumalo, Hermosa, Bataan are allegedly being harassed by the Riverside Development Corporation (RDC) owned by the Litton Family.

The farmers said numerous nuisance and trump-up cases were filed against them by the RDC. Based on their documentation these are the following cases:
Reindagatoria – 36 persons – Regional Trial Court 1– since 2009
Injunction – 25 persons – Regional Trial Court 5 – since June 2009
Grave Coercion 1 – 16 persons – Municipal Circuit Trial Court – since June 2009
Grave Coercion 2 – 21 persons – Municipal Circuit Trial Court – since June 2009
Estafa – 14 persons – Municipal Trial Court (Mandaluyong City) since 2013
Ejectment – 18 persons – Regional Trial Court – since 2013
Grave Threat – 1 person – Regional Trial Court – since July 2011
Oral Defamation, Grave Threat – 5 persons – Municipal Circuit Trial Court – since 2014
Misconduct, Grave Coercion – 10 persons – Ombudsman – since 2011
Grave Coercion – 10 persons – Ombudsman – since 2011
Damages – 9 persons – Municipal Trial Court (Mandaluyong City) – since April 2013
Illegal Possession – 2 persons – Fiscal’s office – since 2012
Grave Threat, Coercion – 1 person – Fiscal’s office – since 2012

Based on the narration of Alicia Poblete de los Reyes, one of the victims, the two cases of grave coercion were filed against them when the RDC along with almost a battalion of police personnel and security guards came to assist the workers of RDC in putting up the fence in the Sumalo farmlands. Residents and farmers tried to stop the materials for fencing from coming by barricading the areas called “Taas” and “Baba” referring to Purok 6 and Purok 1 of the barangay.

Danilo Tolentino and Caridad Tolentino, a senior citizen couple, were even surprised that it was the company who filed against them when it was the company personnel who came in the area with big guns to intimidate and frighten the residents during the fencing.

Belinda Petinez, 37 years old, said that she is a defendant in nine of the cases filed by the Littons. She was not even at the area when the incident happened.

Belinda is one of the victims arrested for the grave coercion charges. She and her other companion had to pay a bail of two thousand five hundred pesos each (PHP 2,500.00) to be freed.

Others who were not arrested like Alicia de los Reyes and Constancia Poblete, 72 years old, opted to surrender. They also had to pay one thousand five hundred pesos each (PHP 1,500.00) as bail.

Guillermo Tolentino, 58 year old, defendant in three (3) of the cases, said he wonders why the police arrested the farmers and residents who were just trying to protect their rights to the land they have been tilling. This is very much in contrast to the incident when they brought a barangay tanod who was beaten up by the RDC security and the police did not even entertain them.

The farmers lament the great injustice that the RDC has done to them. They claim that besides being forced out of their farms and homes, they are continually being harassed and intimidated by the company guards. The hearings that they had to attend since 2009 have also taken its toll on their finances. The money they are supposed to use for food for the family is now spent for the hearing expenses.

Besides the trump-up charges, TFDP has also documented 2 cases of destruction of property where security guards of RDC allegedly demolished the houses of two residents Miguel Almeria and Maria Levy Andulan at separate incidences.

A barangay health worker and her family are also experiencing harassment from the hired guards of the RDC.

Charito Datuon Pilor has been residing in the four- hectare land since 1996 before the RDC claimed the land and fenced the 213 hectares farmland in Barangay Sumalo in 2009. After the fencing of the area, the members of the RDC guards prevented them from going inside their lands. She said they have tried to seek help from the local police, but they were told that the police cannot help them since the area was private property. There was also a time that they were prevented to leave the premises for a week. They had to ask help from their neighbors who would sneak the food over the fence.

Charito said that there was also an incident when her nephews, Justin, 9 years old and Renren, 7 years old were climbing a caimito tree in their backyard when a guard, a certain Hermando Tibayan fired his weapon against them for allegedly stealing from the corporation. Guards had also pointed their guns at her children, Archie, Aldrin and Lester who at that time were minors. She said that the incident has been reported to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) but to no avail.

A similar form of harassment was also experienced by the Sacay family. Guards also pointed their guns at the Sacay children, have prevented the family form coming in and out of the fence and have even forbidden visitors and relatives from going to their home inside the fence. Felaine said that Christian even lost his day job as a messenger for a local college since he was being prevented to go out of the area by the guards. He had to sell balut at night to augment their needs since it was only at night when they could sneak out of the fence.
Felaine recounted two incidents, both times when Christian was away, when the periphery of their house was burned. She and her kids were almost burned inside. The guards claimed that the fires were freak accidents and that they had nothing to do with it.
Farmer Jose Laysa his son were arrested and detained by the security guards of the RDC on December 23, 2012 for allegedly “stealing” crops. Although the two were released, Jose was again taken by the guards at another time. A neighbor who witnessed the incident rushed to tell Miriam, Jose’s wife what was happening. Miriam, along with the other women of Sumalo went to the security headquarters to demand for Jose’s release.

CASE BACKGROUND:

According to the members of SANAMABASU, they have been experiencing harassment from the Litton Family since 1991 when the Littons decided to withdraw their Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS) and opted to apply for conversion of the land to industrial, commercial and residential use.

The land in question is supposedly a CARP-able land until the corporation filed a land-conversion claim at the Office of the President during the Fidel V. Ramos presidency. The decision was overturned by the OP again during the presidency of Joseph Estrada. After this, the Littons filed a case at the Court of Appeals that overturned the decision of the OP based on the technicality that the name of the organization is of a homeowners’ organization, not of a farmers’ organization and is said to have no legal personality to claim for CARP. The Supreme Court seconded the decision of the CA in 2009.

The farmers steadfastly continued their struggle by taking the case again to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) when the corporation has failed to develop the land within five years as per requirement of Land Conversion. The land is supposed to be surveyed by the local DAR but they are still waiting for police assistance since according to the local DAR, the company guards are preventing them from entering the premises.

The farmers are the supposed beneficiaries of the land through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

REQUESTED ACTION:

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO THE CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO BRING TO JUSTICE THE PERPETRATORS OF CONTINUING HARASSMENT AND ENSURE AND GUARANTEE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ALL MEMBERS OF SAMAHAN NG NAGKAKAISANG MAMAMAYAN NG BARANGAY SUMALO (SANAMABASU), FARMERS AND RESIDENTS OF SUMALO, HERMOSA, BATAAN.

Thank you.

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear,
Greetings!

This is to express my grave concern regarding the continuing harassment of the Samahan Ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan Ng Barangay Sumalo (SANAMABASU), in Sumalo, Hermosa, Bataan.

I have learned that the farmers and residents have been experiencing harassments and other human rights violations such as arbitrary detention, destruction of property and threats to safety and life since 2009.

I have also learned that the farmers are the supposed beneficiaries of the land through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) but that the land has not been distributed and in fact has been fenced to prevent the farmers and residents from entering the land.

I have learned that they have been denied proper means to subsistence and that the farmers and residents have exhausted all their means to gain justice but that their experiences under the Riverside Development Corporation owned by the Litton Family and the hired security guards have mostly been ignored or the process taken too long.
I am writing to ask for immediate action in favor of the victims and SANAMABASU members:
1. For the security and safety of SANAMABASU members and families.

2. For the immediate and impartial investigation on continued harassment committed by Riverside Development Corporation owned by the Litton Family and the hired security guards.

3. For the perpetrators be held accountable for their actions against the farmers and residents of Barangay Sumalo, Hermosa, Bataan.

4. For the provision of fair and impartial assistance by the police in the area.

Thank you.
Respectfully yours,

_______________________

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO:

1. His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III
President, Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila
1005 Philippines
Tel: +6327356201/5641451 to 80
Email: corres@op.gov.ph/opnet@ops.gov.ph

2. Hon. Leila M. De Lima
Secretary, Department of Justice (DOJ)
Padre Faura Street
Ermita, Manila
1000 Philippines
Fax: +63 2 523 9548
Tel: +63 2 521 1908
Email: lmdelima@doj.gov.ph / doj.delima@gmail.com

3. Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188
Fax: +63 2 929 0102

4. Atty. Virgilio R. Delos Reyes
Secretary of Agrarian Reform
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)
Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +02 929-34-60; +02 928-70-31
Fax: + 02 920-03-80
Email: secgildar@gmail.com

[Case Update] Gaily Miraato, a victim of indiscriminate firing in Officer’s Lane, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur -TFDP

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CASE UPDATE
June 19, 2015
(PHILIPPINES) Gaily Miraato, a victim of indiscriminate firing in Officer’s Lane, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur
ISSUES: Right to life

Dear friends,

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) writes to inform you about the case of Gaily Miraato, a 6 year old victim of indiscriminate firing in Officer’s Lane, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

TFDP logo small

CASE DETAILS:

On August 8, 2012, around 10:00 p.m., Gaily D. Miraato, a six-year old girl, was hit by stray bullets as she was running towards the bedroom on the second floor of their home to watch her favorite television show.

The Miraato family had already heard gunshots minutes before Gaily was hit. Her grandfather Yusoph Miraato (registered as Gaily’s parent in her birth certificate) called his wife Elizabeth and their children to come down and take cover when they heard the first round of gunshots. The family however returned to the second floor as one of the children said that the gunshots were coming from Marawi State University. As Gaily entered the bedroom, she collapsed and was caught by Abigail Domantay, her biological mother.

It turned out that Gaily was hit during the second round of firings. The bullets entered her back – one exiting through the left chest, and one with no point of exit. Abigail started screaming when she saw blood coming out of Gaily’s mouth. Yusoph carried Gaily and ran out of their house. Elizabeth called for the neighbors’ help and hailed cars that passed by. Gaily was taken to Amai Pakpak Medical Center where she was pronounced dead on arrival. It was unclear if Gaily died on their way to the hospital or when they got there.

On August 12, 2012, following the principle of command responsibility, the Miraato family formally filed a case against Brig. Gen. Daniel A. Lucero (+) and Lt. Col. Siegfred J. Espina, heads of the 65th IB, 9th ID. The military member who actually fired the gun which resulted in Gaily’s death was never identified.

Despite the family’s persistence in seeking justice for Gaily, the case has had very little progress in the months and years that followed. On September 1, 2013, Elizabeth filed a police blotter against an armed group believed to be under the Philippine Army, for visiting their home and allegedly asking Yusoph to sign an Affidavit of Desistance. There were several other occasions when different members of the military allegedly sent by Brig. Gen. Lucero and Lt. Col. Espina visited the Miraato residence.

Even at work, Yusoph allegedly experienced harassment and intimidation. Yusoph’s superior (unnamed) who was believed to be the friend of Lt. Col. Espina allegedly demoted Yusoph after he declined to settle the case.

CASE BACKGROUND:

On the night of Gaily’s death, there was in fact an encounter between members of the Philippine Army and “lawless elements” at the Marawi State University (MSU). However, the physical location of the MSU was too far from the Miraato residence to consider it as the source of the stray bullet. Based on the counter affidavit presented by the accused, there was also an attack in the nearby barracks of the 65th IB, 9th ID and the National High School located at the back of the Miraato residence and it was during the exchange of gunshots when Gaily was hit.

Yusoph and Elizabeth expressed their doubts regarding this story. They had gathered signed affidavits of witnesses as proof that there was no encounter at the barracks and the school. According to them, the surrounding area was quiet except for the rounds of firing that killed Gaily. The family argued that the firing was indiscriminate – done as an “acting out”, or was an emotional release or perhaps as “vengeance” for the military men who were injured and killed at the MSU. They said that what happened was clearly the murder of a child.

REQUESTED ACTION:

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO THE CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO BRING TO JUSTICE THE PERPETRATORS OF THE DEATH OF GAILY MIRAATO IN OFFICER’S LANE, MARAWI CITY, LANAO DEL SUR.
Thank you.

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines
SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear,

Greetings!

This is to express my grave concern regarding death of Gaily Miraato in Officer’s Lane, Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur.

I have learned that Gaily Miraato, a six year old girl has been killed by indiscriminate firing allegedly by a member of the 65th IB, 9th ID on August 8, 2012, but that the suspect has not been named and therefore by the principle of command responsibility, a case was filed against Brig. Gen. Daniel A. Lucero (+) and Lt. Col. Siegfred J. Espina, heads of the 65th IB, 9th ID.
I have also learned that the case has had very little progress in the past 3 years despite the Miraato Family’s effort to seek justice for Gaily.

I have also learned that the Miraato Family especially Gaily’s grandmother Elizabeth and her grandfather Yusoph have experienced harassment and intimidation wherein their home was visited by armed military personnel and were asked to sign an Affidavit of Desistance. There were several other occasions when different members of the military allegedly sent by Brig. Gen. Lucero and Lt. Col. Espina visited the Miraato residence.Yusoph also allegedly experienced harassment at work where his superior who was believed to be the friend of Lt. Col. Espina allegedly demoted Yusoph after he declined to settle the case.

I am writing to ask for immediate action in favor of the Miraato Family:
1. For the security and safety of the Miraato family.

2. For the immediate and impartial investigation on Gaily’s case.

3. For the perpetrators be held accountable for Gaily’s death.

Thank you.
Respectfully yours,
_______________________

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO:
1. His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III
President, Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila
1005 Philippines
Tel: +6327356201/5641451 to 80
Email: corres@op.gov.ph/opnet@ops.gov.ph

2. Hon. Leila M. De Lima
Secretary, Department of Justice (DOJ)
Padre Faura Street
Ermita, Manila
1000 Philippines
Fax: +63 2 523 9548
Tel: +63 2 521 1908
Email: lmdelima@doj.gov.ph / doj.delima@gmail.com

3. Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188
Fax: +63 2 929 0102

4. Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Punzalan Catapang, Jr.
Chief Of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines
Camp E. Aguinaldo, 1110 Quezon City
Tel: +63 2 911 7907, +63 2 911 6436

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Urgent Appeal] Continuing harassment of members of Bugho Farmers Association (BFA), farmer beneficiaries in Barangay Matica, Ormoc, Leyte

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URGENT APPEAL
June 18, 2015

(PHILIPPINES) Continuing harassment of members of Bugho Farmers Association (BFA), farmer beneficiaries in Barangay Matica, Ormoc, Leyte

ISSUES: Right not to be deprived of means of subsistence; Access to Justice; Right to Peace and Order

URGENT APPEAL   URGENT APPEAL   URGENT APPEAL

Dear friends,

TFDP logo smallTask Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) writes to inform you about the continuing harassment suffered by members of the Bugho Farmers Association (BFA) by Danilo Doroy, Fran Farm Workers chairperson and Barangay Matica tanod in Barangay Matica, Ormoc City, Leyte.

CASE DETAILS:

On May 19, 2015, around 10:00 a.m., members of the Bugho Farmers Association (BFA) were harassed by Barangay Matica tanod and Fran Farm Workers chairperson Danilo Doroy at Sitio Boongon, Barangay Matica, Ormoc City, Leyte.

On the day of the incident, BFA members were plowing the field when 50 unidentified bolo and machete-wielding Fran Farm Workers led by Doroy arrived and surrounded them.

According to Rosenda Apay, BFA chairperson, the members stopped plowing and returned to their houses within the farm premises. The tarpaulins where their rights to the ownership of the land were printed were destroyed by Doroy.

On May 27, 2015, around 10:00 a.m., 20 unidentified men with bolos and machetes took over the land where the BFA members planted and plowed.

Apay narrated that several unidentified men with bolos and machetes have been coming in and out of the area since their self installation. They seemed to survey the farm and were taking videos and photos of the beneficiaries while they engage in farming activities.

On June 5, 2015, the farmer beneficiaries asked the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to put up a military or police detachment to keep the place peaceful.

CASE BACKGROUND:

BFA was organized by Kahugpungan sa Mag-uumang Ormocanon (KaMaO) on August 1999.

The late Teofilo Fran was the landowner of the abandoned land awarded by DAR on March 24, 1998 to BFA with 21 farmer beneficiaries/members.

On December 24, 1999, the installation of the BFA by DAR was attended by Elmer Nuñez, head of the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office and Teborcio Morales, head of the Provincial Agrarian Reform Office.

On April 8, 2002, while BFA members were harvesting their grown rice, two six-by-six vehicles loaded with 40 unidentified men with long fire arms from the 19th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army based in Barangay Agiting, Municipality of Kanagga arrived.

According to Apay, the military men aimed their guns at them. Because of fear, they left their harvest and their farm. Accordingly, Doroy informed the 19th IB, PA that the farmers are members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Apay narrated that when the farmers left the farm they have been tilling for 13 years, Doroy took over and harvested their grown rice.

On April 30, 2015, BFA took a stand and decided to take back the 25-hectare land which was awarded to them.

REQUESTED ACTION:

PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO THE CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO  BRING TO JUSTICE THE PERPETRATORS OF CONTINUING HARASSMENT AND ENSURE AND GUARANTEE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ALL MEMBERS OF BUGHO FARMERS ASSOCIATION (BFA) AT SITIO BOONGON, BARANGAY MATICA, ORMOC CITY, LEYTE.

Thank you.

Ramiel C. Aballe
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear,

Greetings!

This is to express my grave concern regarding the continuing harassment of the members of Bugho Farmers Association (BFA) in Sitio Boongon, Barangay Matica, Ormoc City, Leyte.

I have learned that on May 19, 2015 around 10:00 a.m., members were plowing the field when 50 unidentified bolo and machete-wielding Fran Farm Workers led by Doroy arrived and surrounded them. That on May 27, 2015, 20 unidentified men with bolos and machetes took over the land where the BFA members planted and plowed.

I have known that their tarpaulins where their rights to the ownership of the land were printed were destroyed by Doroy.

I have also known that several unidentified men with bolos and machetes have been coming in and out of the area since their self installation. They seemed to survey the farm and were taking videos and photos of the beneficiaries while they engage in farming activities.

I am writing to ask for immediate action in favor of the victims and his BFA members:

1.      For the security and safety of BFA members and families.

2.      For the immediate and impartial investigation on continued harassment committed by Fran Farm Workers led by Barangay Tanod Doroy.

3.      For the perpetrators be held accountable for illegally taking over the property.

4.      For having a military/police detachment to keep the peace and order of the area.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

_______________________
PLEASE SEND LETTERS:

1.      His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III
President, Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila
1005 Philippines
Tel: +6327356201/5641451 to 80
Email: corres@op.gov.ph/opnet@ops.gov.ph

2.      Hon. Leila M. De Lima
Secretary, Department of Justice (DOJ)
Padre Faura Street
Ermita, Manila
1000 Philippines
Fax: +63 2 523 9548
Tel: +63 2 521 1908
Email: lmdelima@doj.gov.ph / doj.delima@gmail.com

3.      Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188
Fax: +63 2 929 0102

4.      Atty. Virgilio R. Delos Reyes
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)
Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +02 929-34-60; +02 928-70-31
Fax: + 02 920-03-80
Email: secgildar@gmail.com

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

 

[Urgent Appeal] Kyrgyzstan: Assault against participants to an anti-homophobia event organised by Labris -The Observatory

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The Observatory: Kyrgyzstan: Assault against participants to an anti-homophobia event organised by Labris

URGENT APPEAL – THE OBSERVATORY

KGZ 002 / 0515 / OBS 043
Harassment / Assault / Ill-treatment
Obstacles to freedom of peaceful assembly
Kyrgyzstan
May 21, 2015

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint programme of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), requests your urgent intervention in the following situation in Kyrgyzstan.

OBS1

Description of the situation:

The Observatory has been informed by reliable sources about an assault against participants to an event organised by Labris, a local NGO advocating for the respect of the rights of the LGBTI community in Kyrgyzstan.

According to the information received, on May 17, 2015, the organisers and the participants to the event held to commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia were verbally and physically attacked and one participant was injured. The group of men responsible for the assault is allegedly associated with Kalys and Kirk Choro, two groups well known for their anti-LGBTI positions.

Afterwards, both assaulters and participants were taken under police custody. Upon their arrival at the police station, the participants faced further harassment by the police officers, who denied them medical care and subjected them to humiliating personal searches. On the other hand, the assaulters were treated respectfully. Moreover, two lawyers called to the police station by activists were denied access. A third attempt to request lawyer’s presence was only partially complied, as the lawyer was denied access to the interrogation room.

After more than five hours of questioning under police custody, finally a criminal case was opened against the assaulters, while the participants were released. The participants are planning to file a complaint against the police officers.

The Observatory recalls that Kyrgyz LGBTI rights defenders have been recently facing constant harassment. One month ago, the premises of the NGO Labris were set on fire.

The Observatory is further concerned about the consideration by the Kyrgyz Parliament of a highly controversial law banning the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations”. If passed, the law shall provide for administrative and criminal sanctions in the form of fines and imprisonment up to one year. The draft law, that was condemned by civil society, international human rights bodies and other international actors as being inherently discriminatory and infringing freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and other fundamental rights protected by Kyrgyzstan’s Constitution, was largely approved in the first reading in October 2014.

The Observatory is also extremely concerned by the fatwa launched on January 29, 2014, by Kyrgyzstan’s acting grand mufti, Maksat Hajji Toktomushev, against same-sex relations. Back in 2014, the mufti alreadycalled on the Kyrgyz authorities to “pay particular attention to the activities of public organisations that seed social hatred using humanitarian ideas”.

The Observatory expresses its deepest concern about the above-mentioned events and more in general about the intensification of harassment against the LGBTI community and its supporters, and fears that participants and organisers of the event on May 17, 2015 were attacked as a result of their human rights activities.

The Observatory calls for an immediate, thorough, transparent investigation into the assault, in order to identify all those responsible, bring them before an independent tribunal, and apply to them the sanctions provided by the law.

Actions requested:

Please write to the authorities in Kyrgyzstan, urging them to:

i. Guarantee, in all circumstances, the physical and psychological integrity of members of Labris NGO and, more in general, of LGBTI rights defenders and organisations in Kyrgyzstan;

ii. Put an end to any kind of harassment – including at the judicial level – against members of Labris NGO and, more in general, against LGBTI rights defenders and organisations in Kyrgyzstan;

iii. Ensure in all circumstances that members of Labris NGO and, more in general, LGBTI rights defenders and organisations are able to carry out their legitimate activities without any hindrance and fear of reprisals;

iv. Order an immediate, thorough, effective and impartial investigation into all acts of violence against members of Labris NGO and, more in general, against LGBTI rights defenders in order to identify all those responsible, bring them before a civil competent and impartial tribunal and apply the penal sanctions provided by the law;

v. Drop the bill criminalising LGBTI rights defenders and organisations;

vi. Conform with the provisions of the Kyrgyz Constitution that entitles each citizen a right to equal treatment and the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association;

vii. Conform with the provisions of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) on December 9, 1998, especially:
· Its Article 1, which states that “everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to promote and to strive for the protection and realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels”;
· Its Article 5(b) and (c) which states that “everyone has the right, individually and in association with others “to form, join and participate in non-governmental organizations, associations or groups” and “to communicate with non-governmental or intergovernmental organizations”;
· Its Article 6 (b) and (c), which states that “everyone has the right, individually and in association with others […] as provided for in human rights and other applicable international instruments, freely to publish, impart or disseminate to others views, information and knowledge on all human rights and fundamental freedoms and […] to study, discuss, form and hold opinions on the observance, both in law and in practice, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and, through these and other appropriate means, to draw public attention to those matters”;
· Its Article 12.2, which provides that the State shall “take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of his or her rights”;

viii. Comply with the Resolution of the UN Human Rights Council A/HRC/22/L.13 on protecting human rights defenders, adopted on March 15, 2013, which “urges States to create a safe and enabling environment in which human rights defenders can operate free from hindrance and insecurity, in the whole country and in all sectors of society, including by extending support to local human rights defenders”;

ix. Ensure in all circumstances respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards and international instruments ratified by Kyrgyzstan.

Addresses :

· Mr. Almazbek Atambaev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Chuy Ave, 205, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Tel: +996 312 63 91 17, Fax: + 996312626191

· Mr. Melis Turganbayev, Minister of Internal Affairs, Frunze st. 469, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Tel: 0996 312 66 24 50, Fax: + 996312682044 / + 996312623853, email: pressa226@mvd.kg

· Ms. Jyldyz Mambetalieva Jeenbaevna, Minister of Justice, 32 M.Gandi Str., 720010 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Tel: +996 (312) 656490 , Fax: +996 (312) 656502, email: jm.26@mail.ru

· Ms. Indira Joldubayeva, General Prosecutor Office, 39 Erkindik Avenue, 720040 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan ,Tel: +996 (312) 663373, Fax: +996 (312) 661734

· State Committee of National Security, Erkindik blvd 70, Bishkek 720040, Kyrgyzstan, Tel: +996 (312) 66 04 75, Fax +996 (312)66 00 24

· Permanent Mission of Kyrgyzstan to the United Nations in Geneva, Rue Maunoir 26/Rue du Lac 4-6, 1207 Geneva, Switzerland, Email: kyrgyzmission@bluewin.ch, Fax: +41 22 707.92.21

· Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Brussels, 47 rue de l’Abbaye, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, Tel: + 32 2 640 18 68 / + 32 2 640 38 83, Fax: + 32 2 640 01 31, Email: aitmatov@infonie.be

Please also write to diplomatic representations of Kyrgyzstan in your respective countries.

***

Paris-Geneva, May 21, 2015

Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code of this appeal in your reply.

The Observatory, a FIDH and OMCT venture, is dedicated to the protection of Human Rights Defenders and aims to offer them concrete support in their time of need.

To contact the Observatory, call the emergency line:
E-mail: Appeals@fidh-omct.org
Tel and fax FIDH + 33 (0) 1 43 55 25 18 / +33 1 43 55 18 80
Tel and fax OMCT + 41 (0) 22 809 49 39 / + 41 22 809 49 29

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Urgent Appeal] Killing of a Human Rights Defender -TFDP

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Vote for this campaign for the 5th HR Pinduteros’ Choice Awards…

URGENT APPEAL
May 21, 2015

(PHILIPPINES) Killing of a Human Rights Defender

Dear friends,

The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) is forwarding to you an appeal regarding the killing of a former priest who is a human rights defender.

If you wish to make any inquiries please contact the Research, Documentation and Information Program of TFDP, kindly send email to tfdp.1974@gmail.com or call +632 4378054.

TFDP logo small
________________

Title: Labastilla EJK
Case: Extra-Judicial Killing
Victim: Teresito Mula Labastilla, 46 years old
Date of Incident: February 12, 2015
Place of Incident: Dionisio Micayabas Street, North Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon
Perpetrators: Unidentified motorcycle-riding men
Motive: Land-related; connected to victim’s advocacy in helping the CARP beneficiaries
______________
Account of the incident:

A former priest and human rights defender of indigenous people and farmers was killed by unknown assailants on a motorcycle at Dionisio Micayabas Street, North Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon last February 12, 2015, around 7:45 in the morning.

Teresito Mula Labastilla, also known as Fr. Sito, 46 years old, dropped his son at Maramag Central School on the morning of the day of the incident. While Labastilla was about to leave the school premise, he was peppered with bullets by the two motorcycle-riding men. His son Tristan Matthew, who just got down from the vehicle, heard a series of gun shots and heard his father calling him. He saw their Isuzu Samurai vehicle accelerate toward the concrete wall, skidded and overturned with his father still inside.

Shocked onlookers ran towards the overturned vehicle and helped Labastilla get out. The men aboard the motorcycle sped off. The victim was bloodied and unconscious. The onlookers helped lay him down on the concrete road while they waited for a vehicle to bring Labastilla to the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag. He was declared dead on arrival. He sustained three gunshot wounds in his neck, face and chest. The attending physician said that all the bullets went through his body. The police investigated the crime scene and recovered four empty cartridges of a .45 caliber gun.

Arline Amigo, Labastilla’s live-in partner, learned about what happened when someone went to their house in Barangay Base Camp, Maramag to fetch her and accompany her to the hospital. But at that time, she thought that Labastilla was only injured. When she arrived at the hospital, she was directed to the morgue. Amigo was distressed and disoriented. She and Labastilla were soon to be married.

Witnesses recounted to her that the two assailants rode a white or blue XRM motorcycle that had no plate number. Both men were wearing masks. The victim was about to leave the area after he brought his son to school when the back rider of the motorcycle shot the back tire of Labastilla’s vehicle. The victim was then shot three times. Tristan Matthew was almost hit by the motorcycle. He told his mother that he already noticed the motorcycle-riding men since December 2014. The suspects usually stood by the front of his school and he saw them every time his father dropped him off at school.

Labastilla was a well-known environmental activist in the province. He was a priest for 14 years and was assigned in Malaybalay City, Lantapan, and San Fernando, Bukidnon diocese. He left the priesthood in 2000 and had his own family.

He ran for mayor in Lantapan, Bukidnon in 2010, but lost. The current mayor filed a case of Oral Defamation against Labastilla. A day before he was killed, he was convicted and had the penalty of imprisonment for ten days and was ordered to pay ten thousand pesos (P10,000). During his campaign, Labastilla said that he desired for honest and sincere services to be given to the people of the municipality. His main advocacy was for the issues of land and water to be resolved for the farmers and indigenous people in his area.

He is also the spiritual adviser and consultant of the local organization called Bukidnon Agrarian Reform and Agri-Business Multipurpose Association (BARAMA). The organization was established last February 3, 2008. It promotes organic farming among the IPs and farmers in the province.

Agrarian reform beneficiaries in Barangay Base Camp, Maramag were having difficulties in occupying the awarded 34 hectares of land after a former owner sent private armies to the area and harassed them. The beneficiaries solicited advice from Labastilla and he accommodated them. He used his vehicle and drove for the farmers when they needed to make follow ups regarding their case. Amigo and the other people close to Labastilla think that this might be the reason why he was killed.
Maramag Police Chief Jose Sevillero recently visited Amigo and showed her a cartographic sketch of one of the suspects. She said that she hopes that the case will be resolved soon and that justice will be served.

Amigo now fears for her life and her children’s. They have noticed motorcycle-riding men going around their residence.

UPDATE:

Maramag Police Chief Jose Sevillero was replaced by Police Inspector Donnald Cordero. SPO4 Fernando Razalo, the investigator of the case, together with Police Inspector Cordero said that the cartographic sketch was made by the previous chief of police with the help of an unknown witness.

The new chief of police also stated that they are waiting of Police Inspector Sevillero’s cooperation for them to resolve the case.

SUGGESTED ACTION:

Please write a letter to the following authorities, calling on them to resolve the case of killing of Teresito Labastilla, a former priest and human rights defender in Barangay Base Camp, Maramag Bukidnon.

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear ____________,

I am writing to draw your attention regarding the case of Teresito Mula Labastilla, 46 years old, a former priest and a human rights defender in Barangay Base Camp, Maramag Bukidnon.

I have learned that while he was inside his vehicle and was about to leave the school premise after dropping off his son last February 12, 2015 around 7:45 a.m. in Dionisio Micayabas Street, North Poblacion, Maramag, two unknown masked men aboard a motorcycle peppered him with bullets that later killed him.
The victim was known for his advocacy for the environment and good governance. He also helped the indigenous people and farmers in the province by promoting organic way of farming.
Agrarian reform beneficiaries in Barangay Base Camp, Maramag sought his advice regarding their land struggle. The victim willingly helped them to find a lawyer and even accompanied them to the area. It is believed that the victim was killed due to his support to these farmer beneficiaries.
I have also known that Maramag Police Inspector Jose Sevillero showed a cartographic sketch of the suspect to Labastilla’s wife last February 27. The Police Inspector said the sketch was made possible with the help of an eye witness who refused to surface in public for fear.
It was brought to my attention that after a series of case follow ups, the current Maramag Chief of Police, Police Inspector Donnald Cordero and Case Investigator SPO4 Fernando Razalo stated that they did not know the eye witness whom the former chief referred to.
The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713) mandates that all government employees, including police officers, have a duty to “always uphold the public interest over and above personal interest” and to “perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill, with utmost devotion and dedication to duty.” The unprofessional performance of the police in the form of severe lack of cooperation between the officers in investigating the killing of Teresito Mula Labastilla, is therefore not only violating the victim’s rights but also against the law.
Therefore, I humbly urge you to initiate a probe into the said case. Please guarantee in all circumstances the physical and psychological integrity of the witness and the proper performance of duties by the police officers, so that the fundamental rights of the victims are fulfilled at all times.

I look forward to you urgent action.

Respectfully yours,

_________________________

PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:

Please send your letters to:

Hon. Benigno C. Aquino III
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacañang Palace
JP Laurel St. San Miguel, Manila
Philippines 1005
Fax: +63 2 736 1010
Tel: +63 2 735 6201 / 564 1451 to 80
Email: op@president.gov.ph

Police Director General Leonardo A. Espina
OIC Chief, Philippine National Police
Camp General Rafael Crame
Quezon City, Philippines
Fax: +632 724 8763 / +632 723 0401
Tel: + 632 726 4361 / +632 4366 8763
Email: feedback@pnp.gov.ph

Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
A. Francisco Gold Condominium II, EDSA corner Mapagmahal St.,
Diliman, Quezon City
Philippines, 1100
Fax: +63 925 0332
Tel: +63 925 0030, +63 925 0331
Email: mar@marroxas.com

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[Urgent Appeal] Husband and daughter of murdered land rights activists suffer trauma -AHRC

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Asian Human Rights Commission

Urgent Appeal Update: AHRC-UAU-003-2015

20 May 2015
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[Re: PHILIPPINES: One farmer killed, three others wounded after they were shot for harvesting crops they cultivated on disputed land]
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PHILIPPINES: Husband and daughter of murdered land rights activists suffer trauma

ISSUES: Human rights defenders; land rights
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Dear Friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) regrets to inform you that the husband and daughter of a murdered land rights activist, Elisa Tulid, are suffering trauma as a result of her death. Elisa’s husband Danny Boy, and daughter, have been observed “staring into space”, “quiet and uncommunicative,” after witnessing the murder of the victim in front of them.

Asian Human Rights Commission

UPDATED INFORMATION: (Based on the documentation by the Medical Action Group (MAG)

Previously, we reported that a female land rights activist was killed in front of her husband and daughter. Her husband, Danny Boy, was able to report the incident at a nearby military camp that led to the arrest of the suspect.

The accused, Rannie Bugnot, was subsequently arrested and is presently detained at Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Gumaca District Jail, Quezon. The case is pending at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 62 in Gumaca, Quezon. For more details, please read: AHRC-FUA-004-2013.

After Elisa Tulid’s death, we have learned that her husband, Danny Boy, was observed staring into a space “tulala”, quiet and uncommunicative. He developed poor sleep, such that his daughter would talk to him at night, to help comfort him. During such talks, she would notice her father crying easily. He has poor appetite, low energy, and expressed hopelessness, as well as fear that the people behind Rannie Bugnot might also kill him.

Danny Boy admitted he suffers from an extremely poor attention span and has problem concentrating. His mind is disturbed or “gulong gulo ang isip”, such that he could not understand what other people are telling him. He developed palpitations and trembling, which occur almost daily, throughout the day. Two or three months after his wife’s death, the symptoms decreased in intensity; however, his thoughts and memories of his wife’s violent death remain easily triggered.

Mr. Tulid claimed he had improved a lot since his wife’s death. At the time of his interview, Mr. Tulid mentioned he still experiences these symptoms about four to five times a week, an improvement from daily in the past. However, he still has difficulty sleeping. Mr. Tulid constantly wonders why such things—the death of his wife—happened to him (“bakit nangyari? Walang kinalaman”)

Mr. Tulid said his daughter helps him recover. Apart from him, his younger daughter Belinda (alias), also suffers trauma, having witnessed her mother being murdered in front of her. Like her father, Belinda has also become uncommunicative and quiet. Mr. Tulid’s oldest daughter, Clarita (alias), decided to drop out of school and get married early after her mother’s death. As head of the family, Tulid was advised by his relatives to be strong for his children, and tries to show that he is in control of his emotions.

The AHRC urges the government to ensure Mr. Tulid and his daughter are afforded adequate treatment for the trauma they are suffering, and that just compensation is given to them.
Thank you.

Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) (ua@ahrc.asia)

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