“The pattern of the police’s use of search warrants, planting evidence and effecting the arbitrary arrests and detention of individuals like Pastor Dan Balucio is a glaring form of weaponization of the judiciary against activists and dissenters.”
Tags: UCCP
Bishops hold Aquino accountable over torching of Lumad sanctuary
“They will ‘turn aside justice’ and ‘deprive the people of their rights’ just as long as their wanton greed is fed, though not even sated.”
Arroyo’s camp no show at mediation for UCCP damage suit
Lawyers for former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo filed several petitions to suspend the proceedings and dismiss the class suit, but all were denied.
Church to DILG: Effect arrest of suspect in murder of tribe leader
By RONALYN V. OLEA Bulatlat.com MANILA – Determined to seek justice for slain tribe leader Jimmy Liguyon, bishops of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) took to task the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to effect the arrest of the primary suspect. Liguyon, a vocal anti-mining leader and a local…
Non-Catholic groups recognize value of RH bill to maternal health
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com MANILA — Not all religious leaders are against the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill. A leader of the Protestant Church in Davao City has said that the RH Bill is not evil because it aims to do good for the Filipino people. Bishop Modesto Villasanta of the United Church…
Arroyo denies hand in murder, torture of Church people during her reign
By RONALYN V. OLEA Bulatlat.com MANILA — Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo urged a local court in Quezon City to dismiss the civil suit filed against her and several of her military officials for human rights violations committed against church workers. In June 2011, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) sued Arroyo for…
Hold Arroyo liable for human rights violations, Aquino told

By RONALYN V. OLEA
“The culture of impunity in the Philippines must end. Extra-judicial killings of respected pastors and church leaders, most of whom were speaking against injustice in our country, show how horrible and unacceptable the human rights situation in our nation has been.” – UCCP Bishop Reuel Norman Marigza
Visiting Canadian church leaders link destructive mining to militarization, rights violations

By MARYA SALAMAT
The Rev. Marie-Claud Manga, pastor at Saint-Jean-sur-Richeliu, told the Philippine press in Manila that they would engage the general council of the United Church of Christ in Canada to bring these mining-related human rights violations to the Canadian Parliament.
Church leaders join efforts to bring Palparan to justice

By RONALYN V. OLEA
“We are watching very closely. The present administration must demonstrate that the Philippines has turned the page and a new chapter where freedom and justice prevail has begun.” – Beaconsfield United Church of Canada
Bringing hope to Mangyan communities (Last of 4 parts)
By RONALYN V. OLEA ABRA DE ILOG, Occidental Mindoro – Ernie Uybad, 25, a Hanunuo-Mangyan, said the miserable conditions of his fellow tribesmen encouraged him to start teaching. “Most of the Mangyans could not even write their names. Often, they are being fooled whenever they sell their goods because they do not know how to…
New UCCP Gen Sec Hails From Baguio
By MALOU M. MARIGZA Northern Dispatch Posted by Bulatlat.com BAGUIO CITY — Who would have known that a small boy flying kites in what they called a “plateau” at Malvar Street, Aurora Hill or playing ‘siyatong’ in Burnham Park would one day become the general secretary of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines…