The RMP called on the Office of the Prosecutor to drop the case against Sr. Elenita Belardo so that “she can continue her advocacy of defending the people especially the marginalized sectors of our society.”
“State forces in Mindanao are intensifying attacks against civilians in Northern Mindanao as Martial Law continues to be in place in the whole island.”
It should be pointed out that these organizations are being targeted for the invaluable work they do – the defense of human rights of the poor and marginalized.
Cristina Palabay,secretary general of Karapatan, said, “We have not been given the chance to be heard.”
“We reiterate that activism and the full exercise of our civil and political rights is not a crime. While we continue with our everyday human rights work, we are also resolute in our commitment to see this through.”
“Human rights advocacy is not a crime, yet human rights workers are being killed, threatened, harassed, and jailed on trumped-up charges.”
BIFF Spokesman Abu Misry Mama told a television interview on Wednesday night that it is not their practice to target civilians.
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
The Lumad families left their community and set up a protest camp in Bukidnon after their village leader Jimmy Liguyon was killed by Alde “Butchoy” Salusad of the New Indigenous Peoples’ Army Reform (NIPAR) and his father, Nonong Salusad, a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographic Unit (CAFGU). But paramilitary forces continue to attack them with impunity.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“It is very clear that the priest’s murder was pre-meditated as there was already a threat on his life by the Bagani paramilitary group under the jurisdiction of the 73rd IB, eight years ago due to his love for the Lumads, particularly in organizing them to have their voice heard…” — Rural Missionaries of the Philippines