http://www.karapatan.org/BS+Aquino%E2%80%99s+%E2%80%98good+governance+is+good+economics%E2%80%99+is+anti-people%2C+anti-development

“BS Aquino arrives in Europe to brag about his imagined economic growth and good governance before the international community. Meanwhile, he left a country and a people indignant with the unabated poverty, graft and corruption and human rights violations that mark his regime,” said Cristina Palabay, secretary general of Karapatan.

Palabay said BS Aquino has no “bragging rights”. The recent killing of Fidela Salvador, an engineer who dedicated her skills and knowledge to help uplift lives of the people in poverty-stricken communities, shows the anti-people and anti-development mind-set of the BS Aquino government.

“People who take into their hands the development of their communities because of government neglect and ineptness are punished by this regime. Community-initiated projects and people’s self-help activities are tagged as NPA projects and are targets of destruction; and the people behind these projects are harassed, abducted, killed,” said Palabay.

On Sept. 5, Salvador was killed during a Northern Luzon Command-led military operation in Lacub, Abra, manned by the 41st Infantry Battalion deployed in the area.  At the time, she was on a field visit to monitor various socio-economic projects implemented by the Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services (CORDIS) in Lacub, Abra.

With CORDIS, Salvador helped in the implementation of the Philippine Tropical Cyclone Emergency Response Project (PTCERP) and Philippine Tropical Cyclone Shelter and Livelihood Project, relief and livelihood projects for communities affected by super-typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

Similarly, Palabay cited the extrajudicial killing of activists Romeo Capalla on March 15 and his colleague Dionisio Garete on May 26. Both were involved in developing the sources of livelihood in poor peasant communities. Capalla was Executive Director of the Panay Fair Trade Center, which exports organic-certified muscovado sugar and banana chips. Garete’s organization, Kamada, is a major producer of muscovado sugar sold at the fair trade market through the PFTC. Both were victims of the paramilitary group RPA-ABB.  Early this month, The Prosecutor’s Office in Iloilo City dismissed the charges against the suspected gunman in the killing of Capalla.

She also mentioned the case of alternative schools initiated and built by indigenous peoples and peasant organizations with the support of the Church and non-government service institutions. The people built these schools and learning because the government failed to provide for their education.

“Yet, the government has tagged these schools as NPA schools to justify harassment of teachers and the other members of the community. Worse, the military use the schools as camps during their combat operations,” said Palabay.

As of end June 2014, Karapatan has documented more than 141,000 victims of the military’s use of schools, medical, religious and other public places for military purposes.

“For the poor majority of the Filipino people, BS Aquino’s ‘good governance is good economics’ is a fallacy.  A corrupt bureaucracy that siphons off money away from the people’s needs is not good governance. A government that destroys what the people built because it failed to provide for them is not good governance,” Palabay concluded.

Reference:
Cristina “Tinay” Palabay
Secretary General
+63917-3162831

Angge Santos
Media Liaison
+63918-9790580

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PUBLIC INFORMATION DESK
publicinfo@karapatan.org
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Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights
2nd Flr. Erythrina Building
#1 Maaralin corner Matatag Streets
Central District, Diliman
Quezon City, PHILIPPINES 1101
Telefax: (+63 2) 4354146
Web: http://www.karapatan.org

KARAPATAN is an alliance of human rights organizations and programs, human rights desks and committees of people’s organizations, and individual advocates committed to the defense and promotion of people’s rights and civil liberties.  It monitors and documents cases of human rights violations, assists and defends victims and conducts education, training and campaign. 

http://www.karapatan.org/Karapatan+calls+on+European+community+to+join+call+for+military+pullout+in+Abra

Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay today enjoined the European community to echo the call of military pullout in Abra, specifically in Lacub town, when BS Aquino arrives in Europe for his four-nation trip starting tomorrow, 13 September.

“He should be chased for his accountability in the series of human rights violations in the Philippines, and in the recent military operations in Abra which resulted to the killing of two civilians, Engineer Fidela Salvador and Lacub resident Noel Viste. BS Aquino has nothing to brag about the situation in the Philippines, neither on his human rights record, nor the economic condition of the majority of the Filipino people and his so-called good governance,” said Palabay.

Engr. Salvador was on a monitoring visit for various socio-economic projects implemented by Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services (CorDisRDS) when the killing happened. Noel Viste, a resident of Poblacion, Lacub, Abra was among the 24 civilians who were coerced and used by the 41st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (IBPA) as human shields in the conduct of their operation.

A fact-finding mission led by the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA), with several Cordillera-based organizations and Karapatan national office, documented a number of human rights violations in Lacub, Abra because of the military operations of the 41st IBPA, among them:

• The AFP used at least 24 civilians as human shields and guides during the operation. Aside from the killing of Viste, they also coerced Nicasio Asbucan to act as guide and later detained him for two days from September 5-7. Asbucan was surfaced and turned-over to Chief of Police of Lacub noon of September 7. He manifested symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD). The military instructed him to point at Jay-ar Balaoag, Brgy. Capt. Of Lan-ag, Lacub as the NPA who fired at and killed Noel Viste.
• Indiscriminate firing. On Sept. 5, between 9:00-10:00 p.m. Army personnel from the 41st IBPA stationed at the So. Bantugo, Poblacion, Lacub indiscriminately fired their weapons in the direction of Talampac Proper and Pacoc, Talampac. An M203 shell landed in Bobon, near residences. The incident resulted in the evacuation of six families who temporarily stayed with their neighbors, suspension of classes in Bantugo Elementary and High School and Our Lady of Guadalupe High School on September 5 and 8. In addition, three farmers operating the irrigation were forced to sleep in the fields for fear of being strafed.

The military operations also resulted in armed clashes with the New People’s Army. Seven members of the NPA were reported killed while one was arrested and one declared missing.

“The military encamped in the community, near the Bantugo elementary and high schools. The presence of the military has limited the mobility of the residents, affecting the livelihood activities of the residents,” added Palabay.

“Military operations in communities all over the country should stop now. Through Oplan Bayanihan, BS Aquino is already accountable for 204 extrajudicial killings,18 of which are minors; 21 enforced disappearances; 99 cases of torture; 207 frustrated killings; and 39,800 victims of forced evacuations,” said Palabay citing ­­­­the latest Karapatan human rights monitor.

Karapatan’s research showed that for the 2015 budget, more than Php 200 billion are allocated for the implementation of Oplan Bayanihan.

“BS Aquino’s Oplan Bayanihan, like the previous counterinsurgency programs, has created havoc in the lives of the people, but has never succeeded in suppressing dissent and the people’s desire to create a new and progressive society and a government that is responsive to their needs,” said Palabay.

Reference:
Cristina “Tinay” Palabay
Secretary General
+63917-3162831

Angge Santos
Media Liaison
+63918-9790580

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PUBLIC INFORMATION DESK
publicinfo@karapatan.org
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Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights
2nd Flr. Erythrina Building
#1 Maaralin corner Matatag Streets
Central District, Diliman
Quezon City, PHILIPPINES 1101
Telefax: (+63 2) 4354146
Web: http://www.karapatan.org

KARAPATAN is an alliance of human rights organizations and programs, human rights desks and committees of people’s organizations, and individual advocates committed to the defense and promotion of people’s rights and civil liberties.  It monitors and documents cases of human rights violations, assists and defends victims and conducts education, training and campaign.

Members of the SELDA National Executive Board were disappointed and enraged that up to the present, members of the BS Aquino-formed Human Rights Victims Claims Board (HRVCB) HAS STILL NO LIST OF THE 9,539 victims and the 24 direct action plaintiffs in the Hawaii class action suit against Marcos who, together with the list from the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, are considered conclusively presumed human rights violations victims.

SELDA learned that the Board has requested the list from Judge Real who supposedly replied that he does not have a copy, but Swift has. “This is unacceptable and beyond belief because how can the Hawaii Court not have in its files the essential document that is the list, as part of the decision on the case?  If Swift has a true copy, why cannot the HRVCB require him to submit a copy to the Board?” Marie Hilao-Enriquez, SELDA chairperson said.

The Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA, Association of Ex-detainees Against Detention and Arrest) expressed even more disgust when they raised the issue to the HRVCB to publicly categorically state that the 9,539 victims and the 24 direct action plaintiffs belong to the conclusive presumption provision of the law during a meeting held very recently.

Retired PNP Gen. Lina Sarmiento, who heads the Board, stated that the Board cannot do that  because of the provision under Sec. 17, Chapter III of RA 10368 which states, “… Provided, further, That nothing herein shall be construed to deprive the Board of its original jurisdiction and its inherent power to determine the extent of the human rights violations and the corresponding reparation and/or recognition that may be granted.” Gen. Sarmiento interprets this as the Board having power to review a conclusively presumed human rights violations victim applicant’s status; ultimately twisting the interpretation of the phrase. This is a very dangerous position.

“How can that be a reason, when the provision clearly states that the Board’s power so stated in that section is limited to “determine the extent of the human rights violations and the corresponding reparation and/or recognition that may be granted”; not invalidate the status of being ML victims or violate the law’s provision on conclusive presumption of the class suit members and direct action plaintiffs who won their case in Hawaii,” said Enriquez.

“Are the HRVCB Chief and the Board parties to the delisting and disenfranchisement of 2,000-3,000 thousand ML victims? This is precisely why Selda members and other ML victims objected to Pres. BS Aquino’s appointment, as HRVCB chairperson, of a retired police general who was with the infamous Philippine Constabulary during martial law,” Enriquez added.

“Indicative proof of this is that the Board’s “Guide for non-HRVCB staff …,” advises that conclusively presumed claimants  “may submit … envelopes, letters, or photocopy of the checks signed by Robert Swift and other Hawaii Class Suit-related documents.”  This is tantamount to saying that the Aquino HRVCB approves of and will abide by Swift’s delisting of thousands of ML victims thus the use of Swift-issued documents, ” said Satur Ocampo.

SELDA thinks that the HRVCB is not exercising due diligence. In February this year, ML victims, led by former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to nullify the appointment of PNP Gen. Lina Castillo-Sarmiento as chairperson of the Human Rights Victims Claims Board.

Reference:
Marie Hilao Enriquez
Chairperson
0917-5616800

Roneo “Jigs” Clamor
National Coordinator
0999-7721233

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The Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) is an organization of former political prisoners in the Philippines. Founded on December 4, 1984, SELDA was initiated by newly-released political prisoners of the martial law period.  SELDA’s primary task is to work for the release of all political prisoners and to see to it that humane treatment of those who are still in detention are complied with by the Philippine authorities.  SELDA advocates justice for current and former political prisoners.  It calls for the mobilisation of resources in support of political prisoners, former detainees and their families.  It carries out legislative advocacy for the indemnification and rehabilitation of political prisoners. SELDA goes into partnership and builds solidarity with concerned individuals and groups for the freedom and welfare of political prisoners and all victims of tyranny.

SELDA National Office:
2/F, Erythrina Building
#1 Maaralin corner Matatag Streets,
Brgy. Central District, Diliman
Quezon City 1101, Philippines
Tel: 632-4347486
Fax: 632-4354146
Email: selda.phils@gmail.com, selda_phil@yahoo.com.ph
Web: www.seldapilipinas.wordpress.com

AMBALA urges PEZA, DTI to junk Aquino kin application to declare disputed Hacienda Luisita land as special economic zone

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) should immediately rescind its 13 February 2014 approval of the application by the Cojuangco-Aquino-owned Luisita Realty Corporation (LRC) to declare as special economic zone a 260-hectare disputed agricultural land in Hacienda Luisita, a statement by the Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (AMBALA) said.

In a budget hearing yesterday at the House of Representatives, Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap asked the Department of Trade and Industry secretary, Gregory Domingo, if he was aware that the said Luisita land that the Cojuangco-Aquinos are pushing to be transformed into a special economic zone are agricultural in nature and are in fact the subject of a Notice of Coverage (NOC) by the Department of Agrarian Reform.  The DTI secretary replied that he would ask PEZA, a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) under his department, to look into the matter.

PEZA Deputy Director General Tereso Panga, for his part,  admitted that they were not aware that the said land is under agrarian dispute, but assured Hicap that while PEZA may have initially approved to process LRC’s application, the applicant would have to strictly comply with several requirements before the agency could come up with any recommendation.

AMBALA and the Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) already formally requested PEZA’s Director General Lilia de Lima on August 29 to rescind LRC’s application. PEZA has so far only acknowledged receiving the said request.

“The Cojuangco-Aquinos’ PEZA applicaton is the latest of their scheming attempts to once again exempt the Presidential clan from distributing a big portion of Hacienda Luisita to the farmers,” said AMBALA chairperson Florida Sibayan.

Luisita farmworkers, according to Sibayan, are especially wary that PEZA could directly become an instrument of the Cojuangco-Aquinos given that the agency is under the Office of the President and the fact that it is the president himself who signs the final order declaring an area a special economic zone.

Sibayan likewise  cautioned the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) from reversing its ruling on issuing out a Notice of Coverage (NOC) on the said disputed lands on December 17, 2013. This includes another 100 hectares of land in barangay Cutcut which are actually owned by Tarlac Development Corporation (TADECO), a sister company of LRC. TADECO appealed to DAR recently to reverse its December 17 ruling.

In the first place, according to Sibayan, DAR should have included the said properties in the land distribution ordered by the Supreme Court (SC) on April 24, 2012. The SC also ruled that DAR by its mandate must put under agrarian reform coverage all other Luisita agricultural lands owned by TADECO.

“DAR must not add insult to injury by withdrawing its NOC on the said disputed lands. Doing otherwise would only prove for the nth time how the haciendero president has long been in collusion with the DAR in its sham land distribution in Luisita.

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Source Verification:
Gi Estrada
UMA Media officer
+639166114181

Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura
(Agricultural Workers Union)
Philippines
Follow UMA Pilipinas on Twitter

Stop harassment of human rights defenders!

http://www.karapatan.org/Stop+harassment+of+human+rights+defenders%21

“Leave our fellow human rights defender Sherwin de Vera alone!” Karapatan demanded from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for threatening and harassing De Vera, former secretary general of Ilocos Human Rights Alliance (IHRA), a regional chapter of Karapatan. De Vera is the regional coordinator of Bayan Muna Partylist and a researcher-activist against large-scale and destructive mining in Ilocos, particularly of black sand mining corporations.

De Vera has been receiving text messages (SMS), as early as 2011, recruiting him to be an informant of the AFP and at the same time imputing on his so-called involvement in the underground movement.  AFP personnel are reportedly harassing even De Vera’s relatives.

On June 20, 2014, de Vera’s uncle Benjamin Pacris received a call from an unidentified number. When he answered, a male voice introduced himself as a member of a certain National Intelligence Service Agency (NISA). The caller wanted a personal meeting with Pacris, who in turn acceded to meet the man at the Provincial Capitol. The male caller came with a certain “Milo” and “Joey” who were members of “NISA”. Milo said he is in-charge of “NISA’s” operations in Ilocos Norte and Abra.

“Milo” and “Joey” asked about Sherwin de Vera and his activities, such as his involvement with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), and with organizations opposed to the mining operations in the region. “Milo” convinced Pacris to arrange a meeting between him and De Vera, and provided a contact number.

On June 29, de Vera got messages (SMS) from “Larry” with cellphone number 09395919363. “Larry” offered De Vera P10, 000.00 a month for “monitoring work on sectoral organizations”. The offer may increase “depnde s cooperatn at level ng position” (depending on your cooperation and level of position).

In one of the messages sent by “Larry”, he implied that De Vera is a member of a “Party”, “Alam ko mlalim ng kamulatan mo s Partido, im nt attempting to break that, pagisipan mo lang offer ko” (I know your deep involvement in the Party, I am not attempting to break that, just think about my offer).  De Vera did not reply to this message and to the others that followed.

As early as February 2011, De Vera has been haunted with similar text messages: “kamusta kan kabsat? ASIDEG KAN” (How are you brother? YOU’RE NEAR); “Awagam amin nga santon! Kumpay ni patay umayen” (Call all the saints! The shadow of death is near.); and, “pagyamanam no makastrek ka pay no bigat” (Be thankful if you’ll be able to come to work tomorrow).

In 2010, while De Vera worked at the University of Northern Philippines, the military ordered the Campus Security Division (CSSD) Chief Nolito Ragunjan to monitor closely De Vera’s activities. As early as 2004, the AFP has labelled De Vera of being a member of the CPP-NPA when he was a researcher and community educator for Save the Abra River Movement.

“The AFP is not only recruiting Sherwin but also harassing and intimidating him. The intelligence group wants to tell Sherwin that he is being suspected as a member of the CPP and that he is under surveillance. This is a cause of alarm for human rights defenders, especially with the Aquino administration’s Oplan Bayanihan. Many of those who were victims of extrajudicial killings were once subjects of threat, harassment and red tagging,” Palabay said.

Karapatan said these threats and harassment should stop, as the organization also called for the passage of House Bill 1472 “Human Rights Defenders’ Protection Act of 2013” filed by Bayan Muna Reps. Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate, which seeks to recognize the role of human rights defenders and provide protection mechanisms especially to those who are at risk. This bill has been pending since 2013.

Reference:
Cristina “Tinay” Palabay
Secretary General
+63917-3162831

Angge Santos
Media Liaison
+63918-9790580

———————————————————————
PUBLIC INFORMATION DESK
publicinfo@karapatan.org
———————————————————————

Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights
2nd Flr. Erythrina Building
#1 Maaralin corner Matatag Streets
Central District, Diliman
Quezon City, PHILIPPINES 1101
Telefax: (+63 2) 4354146
Web: http://www.karapatan.org

KARAPATAN is an alliance of human rights organizations and programs, human rights desks and committees of people’s organizations, and individual advocates committed to the defense and promotion of people’s rights and civil liberties.  It monitors and documents cases of human rights violations, assists and defends victims and conducts education, training and campaign.