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When President Aquino promoted, instead of punishing, military officers with pending cases of human rights violations, he is sending a message to the Armed Forces of the Philippines that those who commit human rights violations would not even be reprimanded, they would instead be rewarded with a promotion.
“The overwhelming show of people’s goodwill and humanitarianism in the aftermath of super-typhoon Yolanda should prod the BS Aquino government to extend compassion to ailing and elderly political prisoners who continue to suffer systemic and systematic injustice.” – Ramon Patriarca, detained at the AFP Central Command Headquarters at Camp Lapu Lapu, Cebu City
A few meters away from Malacañang, speakers from various sectors held the Aquino administration accountable for "the damage it has caused on the rights, lives and livelihood of the Filipino people, especially the poor majority."
RELATED STORY | Even in jail, political prisoners join protest
After her father disappeared, Jessamine let go of her reluctance to talk to government soldiers and approached her ex-soldier childhood friend, who confirmed that indeed, 'soldiers do bad things to people like (Ben Villeno).'
Through arts and play, the children were able to see that they have a voice to speak out their concerns.
“We deserve a government that does not play with 'human rights' rhetoric and inflicts grave human rights violations against women and the people.”– Cristina Palabay, convener of Tanggol Bayi and Karapatan secretary general
“In this [Ampatuan] case, our criminal justice system is not working. The much-needed reforms in our institutions never happened.” Harry Roque, lawyer for the families of 14 victims
“How long will the trial take? 10 years? 20 years? We are getting old.” – Maria Cipriana Gatchalian, 61, widow of journalist Santos P. Gatchalian Jr.
RELATED STORY | Kin of Ampatuan massacre victims seek UN help
"The [Ampatuan massacre] case is an encapsulation of 'justice delayed, justice denied.'" – Dean Roland Tolentino, UP College of Mass Communications
There is a simple explanation to call President Aquino the country’s “Impunity King”: He allows the perpetuation of the culture of impunity as he has not done anything to end it
Accused Major Harry Baliaga’s lawyer attempted to have the arraignment deferred but the motion was denied.
"By June next year, it would be the eighth year since Sherlyn disappeared. I am looking for my daughter. Her life is at stake here. This should be urgent." – Mrs. Erlinda Cadapan
The farmers were living peacefully, tilling the land to feed their families until two private companies began evicting them and claimed their land.
The resources gathered from contributions may serve only a small per cent of 8,000 families still displaced, “But this would not stop us from doing what we can to help the victims and let everyone know the situation of the people in Zamboanga.” ...
"[Major Harry] Baliaga is even fortunate. He was given the right to bail, the right to defend himself. These are the same rights they denied to Jonas.” – Mrs. Edita Burgos
"This is good news. I just hope the developments will continue." – Mrs. Edita Burgos, mother of Jonas
KASAKA presses its demand for the military to leave their community, saying the troops are in the area to prepare entry of a foreign palm oil investment in Loreto.
“As families and friends commemorate the death of Juvy Capion and her two sons, the decision comes as an insult to the family and to all the victims of human rights violations and also shows the weakness of the Aquino administration to render justice to its aggrieved citizens.” – Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate
This anachronistic, malicious accusation and insinuation of a military officer, a public affairs spokesman at that, reminds us of Cold war-era politics and martial law, 41 years ago, when anyone critical of the Marcos dictatorship was branded as a communist, leftist and subversive, and therefore was subjected to arrest, detention, torture, and worse, enforced disappearance or extrajudicial killing.
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