“We believe that James’ disappearance is either the latest in the military’s arsenal of dirty tricks to force his brother Alan to surface… given the military’s continuing failure to arrest Alan.”
Brother of NDFP peace consultant reported missing
Anne Marxze Umil
Court’s denial of protection to 2 environmental activists perpetuates impunity, rights groups say
“Its claim of insufficient evidence to support the allegations of state-sponsored abduction contradicts the broader documented pattern of state attacks against environmental defenders.”
Malolos court junks terrorism case against human rights defenders
“In the effort of the State to implicate individuals in these cases, especially leaders and members of civil society organizations, they used these kind of witnesses who willingly implicate these individuals by simply saying that they are familiar with them, and that they are known members of the CPP-NPA. This kind of identification is unreliable, and are obviously contrived.”
Nothing new in ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ for ordinary Filipinos
“The true state of the nation is one of debilitating economic crisis, rising fascism, surrender of sovereignty, lack of accountability and endless fighting among the ruling elite.”
Educators, legislators slam wrongful conviction of Castro, Ocampo et al
“Talaingod 18 should be commended for their bravery, not punished for it.”
Ozamiz court acquits Aglipayan bishop, peace consultant
“Indeed, to a fair and impartial judge, who assert her independence, a contrived case, similar to what Bishop Carlo and Rommel had to endure, cannot survive judicial scrutiny. Lest we forget, this is the exception rather than the rule. It is a glitch in the system that tilted the scale and favored the innocent.”
Rights groups support UN expert’s recommendations to abolish NTF-ELAC, repeal Anti-Terror Act
“It appears that the NTF-ELCAC is using its powers to protect key economic interests in the country. This has nothing to do with anti-terrorism or anti-communism. The gross overreaction to people trying to defend their right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is totally unacceptable.”
‘Country’s educational system, not designed to develop critical and creative thinking’ – teachers group
“The government should provide the education system full funding it needs to address the chronic shortages, uplift the conditions of our teachers and personnel and improve education quality. Through these, we can produce creative and critical young Filipinos who can propel the country to genuine progress.”
Raids, harassment prelude to crackdown – rights group
Cristina Palabay, secretary-general of Karapatan, said in a statement that these incidents may be a “prelude to a major crackdown against peasant leaders, activists and farmers’ rights advocates.”
Filipino lawyers get prestigious award
“Finally, we shall eternally remember the inspiring words of Ebru Timtik who had to make the extraordinary sacrifice of giving up her life fighting for the basic principle of a fair trial: ‘Only those who resist are hopeful. Our hope is great, our faith is complete.'”
‘Marcos Jr’s human rights committee will not address rights abuses’ – rights groups
The composition is the most fundamental defect of the Special Committee, agencies, which civil society organizations said, “not only failed to address the many human rights issues relating to the brutal ‘war on drugs’ and suppression of freedoms and dissent but are, in fact, part of the problem.”