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Benguet police chief admits lapses in Balao case

May 19, 2013 in Cordillera, Featured, human rights

By KIMBERLIE NGABIT-QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Benguet Provincial Police Office (PPO) Provincial Director Rodolfo Azurin admits lapses in the investigations conducted in relation to the disappearance of James Moy Balao.

Azurin in an interview pointed out that there were procedural lapses in the conduct of the investigations on the Balao case. Among the lapses he mentioned was the failure of the investigators to immediately verify the reported exchange of text messages between James and his family and colleagues as reported by the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA). Read the rest of this entry →

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Tinoc folk want soldiers out

May 5, 2013 in Cordillera, Featured, human rights

By KIMBERLIE NGABIT-QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Convenors of the Ulnoh ni Kalanguyan Tinek (Unity of Kalanguyas of Tinoc), a municipal wide alliance of peoples organizations went to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional office to submit a petition calling for the pull out of military troops in their municipality, May 2.

According to Ulnoh convenors, James Tiway and Modesto Hanggoy their petition was received personally by CHR Regional Director Atty. Harold Kubaron. Hanggoy disclosed that Kubaron interviewed them and advised them to encourage other complainants to submit a sworn statement to help the CHR in the resolution of the complaints. Read the rest of this entry →

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Napaay a pangpapatay idiay Lacub

April 21, 2013 in Cordillera, Featured, human rights

Ni BRENDA S. DACPANO
www.nordis.net

LACUB, Abra — Dua a residente ti Sucao, Licuan-Baay ti biktima ti napaay a panagpapatay a napasamak sadiay Brgy. Pacoc, Lacub, Abra idi Pebrero 20, 2013.

2013_0421mutyaAlas tres iti malem ti Pebrero 20 idi napan nangayo iti babaen ti eskwelaan ti Pacoc iti nasao a munisipalidad ti agkayong a Rommel Dican, 21, ken Jessie Ligiw, 27. Saan a nagbayag ket nakigtotda a nakangngeg iti putok ket natamaan ti nagbaetan da. Ti maikadua a putok ket nagistayan natamaan ti sikigan ni Ligiw ken ti maikatlo a putok ket limmabas iti ngatuen ti uloda. Naglingedda iti pupuon ti kaykayo ken nagpaliiw a siniim iti bangir a bantay ti Bantugo a naggapuan ti putok. Nakitada ti tallo a soldado a nakasiring iti paltogda a nakaturong iti ayanda.

Ti Bantay Bantugo iti Poblacion Lacub ket nakaitakderan ti ditatsment ti Charlie Company ti 41st Infantry Battalion Philippine Army nga idadauluan ni Lt. Elmer Totoy. Kaabay ti ditatsment ti medical clinic ken Lacub Elementary School. Bayat iti panagputputok ti paltog, mapan koma damagen ti maysa a titser no apay nga agpalpaltog dagiti soldado ngem pinapanaw ti soldado ti titser ken binagaanda a saan a makibiang. Read the rest of this entry →

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Agug-uging iti Lagangilang natortyur

April 21, 2013 in Cordillera, human rights

Ni BRENDA S. DACPANO
www.nordis.net

LAGANGILANG, Abra — Natortyur weno naparigat ti agug-uging a residente ti Sitio Palpalitpit, Brgy. Cayapa iti Lagangilang, Abra idi Enero 29, 2013.

Segun iti salaysay ti biktima a ni Maymar Alcantara, 24, alas diyes iti bigat idi napan nangala ti kayo nga aramiden nga uging idiay Bantay Sil-it, Cayapa. Nakigtot isuna idi adda nangkugtar iti luppona manipud iti likod. Tallo ti nakita na a nakauniporme ti camouflage a nakaabbungot ti rupada. Read the rest of this entry →

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More paper cranes in the continuing search for James

April 14, 2013 in Cordillera, human rights

By KIMBERLIE NGABIT-QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Together with many other families of victims of enforced disappearances, the Balao family with the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) and the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) continue the excruciatingly painful search for their loved ones.

This April 19, on the 52nd birthday of James Moy Balao, his family, friends and colleagues enjoins everyone to fold paper cranes with a short message for James and help make that one wish come true, for justice for James and all other victims of enforced disappearances as they be reunited with their families. Read the rest of this entry →

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Apayao envi defender killed

March 24, 2013 in Cordillera, Featured, human rights

By ALMA SINUMLAG
www.nordis.net

CONNER, Apayao — The people of this town are demanding for justice for an environment defender who was mercilessly killed by unidentified men who entered his house and shot him at around 8:30 in the evening of March 14.

ANOTHER WIDOW. The wife of environment defender and Barangay Ripang Councilman Enrico Cabasag of Conner, Apayao who was shot to death by unknown assailants, remembers her husband as a loving father and a staunch leader opposing the dredging project believed to bring adverse effect to their lives. Photo courtesy of SAPO

Enrico “Ike” Cabasag, a barangay councilor of Barangay Ripang was a very vocal opposition to the dredging project of the town’s Local Government Unit (LGU) in their area.

It can be recalled that the people of Barangay Ripang of this town were enraged by the imposition of the provincial and municipal government of a river dredging project in their area without consulting the people of the barangay.

Cabasag rallied his barangay members to a barricade to stop the dredging project and was fearless at confronting their government officials who pushed for the said project. His death shook the peoples’ movement against the issue in the municipality and some were threatened but to most of them, the crime has only further fueled their anger brought about by the initial entry of the project because they believe that there is no other cause for Ike’s death other than the opposition to the dredging.

The struggle and the search for justice

To the people in the movement against this dredging, their struggle continues. They are now working to overcome their fears to be able continue what Ike has started. “Ti laeng panangtunton iti hustisya para kaniana ket diay panangituloy idiay laban a narugian na nga uray pay mainayon kaniana nu isu ti kasapulan,” (The only way to seek justice for Ike’s death is to continue the struggle that he has started even though it will cost our life); Fr. Romando Canao, Parish Priest of the Conner Catholic Mission said in an interview.

Katribu President and First Nominee Beverly Longid talking to the widow during the wake. Photo courtesy of SAPO

He added that he did not expect this kind of violence to happen in the course of their struggle. The people he said only want the dredging project stopped and out of their land.

In the height of their protest against the said issue, one of their comrades is killed. This, Canao said, is what led the people to think that his death is really related to his strong stance on the issue. He added that even though they cannot prove it in court, the people feel that their protest against the LGU project and the cause of death of Ike are related. They are then challenged he reiterated to continue the protest until the dredging is stopped.

Kagawad Jovy Manera in a separate interview recalled that Ike with other people of Ripang gathered firewood for their commemoration of the International Women’s Day on March 14. She told this writer that Ike was even telling them that they will have to come early the next day to prepare the firewood. Ike, she said, was even warning his colleagues to be careful and never walk alone at night.

Manera sadly said that they didn’t even know that it was going to be his last day. He was a big loss to them, she added. She is greatly saddened that one of their leaders who was fighting for what is right is killed. She exclaimed that there is nothing wrong with what they are doing.

“Ti kayat mi laeng kuma ket nu madin ti umili dayta a project, respetaren da kuma met, Nu ania kuma ti asog dagiti tattao ket denggen kuma met ti ap-apo.” (What we only want is for the LGU to respect the choice of the community. We only want our officials to heed the pleas of the people) Manera stressed. She then said that despite what happened, they will still continue their fight until the project is finally stopped.

Meanwhile, during the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting held on March 18, 2013 in the municipal hall, Mayor Leonardo Dangoy said that the provincial government will still pursue the project because he said, “there is nothing wrong with it and it is for the development of the barangay and of the municipality”.

Kagawad Joel Liwan on the other hand said that they are mourning the death of their friend and big brother. “Awan sabali a makita mi a kagapuan ti pannakatay na nu di daytoy dredging project,” (There is no other reason for his death that we can think of other than the dredging issue) he said.

Another threat

There are rumours, Liwan said, that there will still be two other Councilors and one woman who are on the alleged liquidation list. Although these are only rumors, they still fear for their safety.

DIED WITH FIST RAISE. Ike Cabasag (far right) was killed by unidentified men on March 14, 2013. He died fighting for the betterment of his people in Barangay Ripang, Conner, Apayao who are threatened with the forcible entry of dredging project. Photo by Alma B. Sinumlag

This issue was brought out during the MPOC meeting but instead of resolving the security issue, the Mayor and other members of the MPOC went on castigating the people of Ripang and challenged whoever is spreading the hearsay to stand up and tell on the source of the information that he/she is spreading. Moreover, instead of seeking solutions or call for a speedy investigation, Mayor Dangoy, his wife and other members of the MPOC were publicly making defamatory statements against Save Apayao Peoples Organization (SAPO) that is one of the leading groups in the protest against the dredging issue.

However, despite the threat, Liwan said that they will still continue their fight because it is the only way to give justice to their friend’s death and for the betterment of the future generations. He added that he is ready whenever the Lord says that it is his time.

Further, on March 20, 2013, the people of Ripang conducted a stress debriefing session for the family and friends of Ike. # nordis.net

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PNP chief relieved for HR violations

March 17, 2013 in Featured, human rights, Ilocos

By ROD TAJON
www.nordis.net

VIGAN CITY — A chief of police has been relieved from his post as a result of the complaints filed against him at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Internal Affairs Services (RIAS).

According to Mila Marcelo, deputy secretary general of IHRA-KARAPATAN, PSI Ryan Retutar, chief-of-police of Currimao PNP has been removed from office while administrative complaints against him are being pursued at the RIAS.

This was reported by the Investigation Unit of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Regional Office 1 during their visit at the IHRA-KARAPATAN office last February.

Marcelo welcomed this development adds credence that “the police and military had a hand in the extrajudicial killing of Carlo Magbulos and frustrated extrajudicial killings of his four companions.”

Also, IHRA-KARAPATAN was able to obtain a copy of the result of the gun powder test conducted by the Regional Crime Laboratory of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Carlo Magbulos. The report attested that Magbulos was negative of gun powder burns, contradicting the allegations of the PNP-Ilocos Norte that he fired at them first.

“This confirmed our earlier findings that no encounter happened. The police and military, in fact, have already positioned themselves and directly fired at the unarmed Magbulos and his companions, and to cover-up their violations, they falsely accused the Currimao 5 as members of a Private Armed Group (PAG).” Marcelo said.

Meanwhile, Marcelo challenged the CHR, PNP, and other agencies to continue their investigation and facilitate actions to support the victims. “It has been months since the complaints were raised to these agencies but there has been no substantial development nor assistance extended or provided yet to the victims and their families.”

Marcelo said that these government offices should strive harder to serve justice to the victims and their families. “They should hold Retutar and his fellow policemen and the military responsible for the violations they have committed.”

In October 2012, joint elements of PNP and 81st IBPA fired at Magbulos and his 4 companions while on their way home after their farm work. Magbulos died, while one of his four companions was wounded and nearly died. Aside from the 5, the barangay captain of Gulpeng, Pinili, Ilocos Norte, and several residents of the same barangay were illegally arrested and detained after the incident.

The Currimao 5 filed a complaint at the CHR last December 2012 and are still waiting for its resolution. # nordis.net

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Editorial: Never again to Martial Law!

March 17, 2013 in editorials, Featured, human rights, national, opinion

www.nordis.net

In 1992, the victims of Martial Law won a class action suit against the ousted and exiled president Ferdinand E. Marcos estate in Hawaii. It was filed by many of whom were organized under the Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA).

Several other cases were filed against identified perpetrators of the many atrocities and human rights abuses during martial law but according to SELDA there has been no convictions of these perpetrators. Nor did any president or regimes after the dictatorship seriously go after Marcos and his henchmen for the atrocities committed under their martial rule.

Only this class suit filed by the courageous and organized political prisoners who fought hard against all kinds of attempts to quell the suit or the spirit behind it – blackpropaganda, rumour mongering and intrigues, misrepresentation, splitting their ranks and even trying to take on the case against legitimate or deserving victims. When in 1992, the victims won a class action suit against the Marcos estate in Hawaii there were also all kinds of attempts to take credit away from them. So the struggle for this claims still goes on today as a sector of psuedos expressed their fear that all that compensation from the case filed might go to the “left”.

Every one in his right mind, if they still do not know, will eventually realize the truth and condemn not only the lie but the liars too. Between the “leftists” and the “rightists”, only the “leftist” will ever conceive and be courageous enough to purse a plan like filing this class suit against the strongman, who has proven even after he has been ousted and exiled and dead that his maintained ‘stronghold’ still matters to enemies of the people.

So that it even took Pnoy three years into his presidency to get the Human Rights Violation Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013 promulgated and finally bear his presidential approval this February 25, the 27th anniversary of the People Power revolution puportedly led by his late mother and some 30 years after his father’s assasination.

This law finally puts official recognition that there was a great number of the population that suffered through all those years under martial law and the responsibility of human rights abuses committed then squarely on the Marcos regime, and that the victims of Martial law deserve justice and reparations, for this victory was mainly due to their persistence – the martial law victims themselves.

Considering that a number of sectors in Philippine society continue to suffer similar atrocities or human rights abuses today as evident in the many cases of enforced disappearances, massacre, extra judicial killings, illegal detentions, political vilifications and the characteristic display of impunity by state authorities; the victory of the plaintiffs in that class suit is but a beginning.

May this bill emblazzon a notice that should make all Filipinos realize “that never again should we allow the atrocities of the Marcos regime happen in this country.” # nordis.net

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MP town disturbed by military

February 17, 2013 in Cordillera, Featured, human rights

By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Sagada residents of Mountain Province as well as local and foreign tourists were surprised when troopers belonging to the 54th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army (IBPA) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) set up camps at Lake Danum and Pilao.

Tourist guides estimated a battalion size of fully armed soldiers arrived at the area on February 4. Residents complained that the soldiers just entered their private properties without even informing or getting consent from the owners.

In the morning of the said date, residents out on their usual early morning chores of checking on or pasturing their farm animals in the Northern Barrios of Sagada gave up finishing their chores when at the Langsayan ridge they saw in their path the battle ready soldiers of the AFP. They thought it more prudent to head home than meet with the AFP troopers.

Prior to that, Sagada residents said that three regular six by six trucks full AFP soldiers belonging to the 54th IB entered the municipaliy on January31 at around 6:00 AM. The day of the opening of the Sagada Town Fiesta and Etag Festival.

It was learned that two trucks proceeded to Besao. In an interview with Besao Mayor Wellington Pooten, he said the soldiers delivered chairs for the turn over of a school building funded by ABS-CBN. The third truck also delivered chairs to another ABS-CBN funded school at Peg-an of the same municipality.

At around 1:00 AM of February 4, nine elf and 6×6 trucks entered the municipality of Sagada and Besao.

Pooten said the soldiers asked permission from him to conduct a familiarization tour for the new 54th IB commanding officer of his area of responsibility.

The soldiers were spread out along the Pilao-Langsayan ridge, Datacan-Masameyeo, Banguitan-Suquib and Kin-iway of Sagada and Besao teritories. Residents of Aguid of Sagada complained that their communal forest below Mt. Sisipitan and nearby Bumay-eng were allegedly burned by the soldiers.

According to Sagada Mayor Eduardo Latawan Jr., there was no courtesy call nor notice from the 54th IB regarding their entry to Sagada territories. He said he requested the soldiers to immediately leave the area as it is a tourist destination. He said Sagada folks have bad experiences brought by militarization of the area in 1989 citing the shooting of a young boy by a drunk soldier and other cases of harassment and threats perpetrated by the AFP.

The soldier left Lake Danum on the afternoon of February 6. However, around 300 fully armed soldiers returned to the area. On February 8, soldiers entered Barangays Ankileng, Suyo and Balugan . Battle ready soldiers were also seen conducting a foot patrol at Pegeo area of Sagad.

The entry of soldiers took place coinciding with the ongoing Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) consultations with the people in the communities affected wind farm in Sagada and Besao. On February 12, an FPIC consultations was held between the communities of Central Sagada and the FPIC team of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Mt. Province, the owners and operators of the proposed windmill project Pentagon and PhilCarbon and representatives from the Sagada LGU. # nordis.net

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AFP detains charcoal maker in Abra

February 10, 2013 in Cordillera, human rights

By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — According to a report from the Abra Human Rights Movement (AHRM), a 25-year old charcoal maker and resident of Sitio Palpalitpit, Barangay Kayapa of Lagangilang, Abra was taken and held by military elements for nearly three days.

Irene Timbreza of the AHRM reported that in their interview with the relatives of the victim Meymar Alcantara, the charcoal maker went to a nearby forest of Barangay Kayapa to gather firewood for charcoal on January 30 and only came back home on February 2. AHRM, findings show that relatives described Alcantara sustained bruises on the lower part of his eyes and an “X” laceration mark on his chest. This made the human rights group and his relatives suspect he was tortured.

On February 2, Alcantara called his parents who were at Barangay Kileng-Lenneg of Baay-Licuan. According to the fact sheet, Alcantara talked to his brother who told him that they are afraid to go down the mountains as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troopers are operating in the Paganao River area.

Timbreza said they tried to invite Alcantara for further interview but they were told by his relatives that he was afraid to talk about what happened to him. “Napabutngan idiay napasamak kanyana,” (he was traumatized by what was done to him) she added.

Another report from the AHRM stated that the soldiers held another four residents from Barangay Kayapa on January 30. The men were identified as: Ceferino Poclani, Anacleto Tugadi , Jimmy Bageng , and Bonifacio Bagang.

The report said that the men went to the forest of Kayapa to collect “uyukan” (honey) when they met the military. AHRM added that they were able to go home only at 1:00 PM of February 2. No added details were given.

According to Timbreza, the soldiers in the province have started to hold residents they chance upon after an alleged encounter on January 30 between the AFP troopers and the New Peoples Army (NPA). “Amin ket pangipapasan dan,” (They are now suspicious of anyone) Timbreza said.

The Agustin Begnalen Command (ABC) of the NPA-Abra through an online statement, said an encounter occured between the fighters of the Procopio Tauro Front and troopers of the 41st IB of the Philippine Army in Manipit, Kayapa at around 9:00 AM on January 30. The NPA command stated they did not suffer any casualties while two AFP soldiers were wounded in the encounter. # nordis.net

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CHRA, partners meet with Canadian ambassador

January 27, 2013 in human rights, international

By CORDILLERA HUMAN RIGHTS ALLIANCE (PR)

BAGUIO CITY — The Beaconsfield Initiative and its partner, the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) met with Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, Christopher Thornley and his staff, Ms. Karra-Lee Geritts and Mr. Benoit Girouard on human rights concerns in the Philippines.

Representatives of various human rights groups met with Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornley (fifth from left). (From left) Honorio Guerrero (CPSHR), Audrey Beltran (CHRA), Jude Baggo (CHRA), Beth Dollaga (UCC and CPSHR), Tess Tesalona (CPC), and Benoit Girouard (Canadian Embassy). Photo courtesy of CHRA

Representatives from both groups encouraged the Embassy to look into the cases, and to extend support for the promotion and respect of human rights in the Philippines.

Cases of human rights violations in the Philippines brought to his attention were the subject of concern of different Canadian institutions and organizations such as the United Church of Canada (UCC), KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, Canada Philippines Solidarity for Human Rights, the Center for Philippine Concerns, the Philippine Network on Justice and Peace (Toronto) and the Ontario Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines.

Different letters to President Benigno Aquino III were issued by the said groups in response to the CHRA Urgent Action Alert since November last year. The Urgent Action Alert was prompted by human rights violations perpetrated by the 86th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (IBPA) in Tinoc, Ifugao including the discovery of their “Target List” containing the names of 28 members and leaders of different people’s organizations in the region including Jude Baggo, Secretary General of the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance.

In the letter of concern issued by the United Church of Canada (UCC) signed by The Right Reverend Gary James Paterson, Moderator of the United Church of Canada, the UCC urged President Aquino to ensure the safety of the listed individuals and to conduct an independent, thorough and prompt investigation into the threats made against the individuals listed.

The UCC letter stated that “The labeling and political vilification of CPA and CHRA unjustly make them open targets of various human rights violations…The United Church upholds the rights and dignity of persons as an integral part of our Christian faith and the common mission we share with partners around the world.

The Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) and its human rights arm, the CHRA, have been partners of the United Church for over 25 years. Those individuals labeled in the military document as “supporters of the New Peoples Army” are leaders and members of indigenous communities who work in community development and education, policy development and human rights advocacy that the United Church has collaborated with and supported.”

The delegation presented its views on the reported human rights abuses in Zamboanga del Sur, area of operation of TVI Resource Development (Phils), Inc. (TVIRD), a subsidiary of the Canadian mining company TVI Pacific Inc. The cases were submitted during a hearing by the Committee on Human Rights by the House of Representatives of the Philippine government last November. The perpetrators named in the cases belong to the 53rd Infantry Battalion and the Special Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units Active Auxiliaries (SCAA) from the 1st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army but placed under the command of the TVIRD’s Balabag site officer-in-charge and Security Manager, retired Army Col. Valentino Edang.

Human rights concerns in the Philippines have been consistently brought to the attention of the Canadian government through series of delegations and visits by church and human rights leaders to Canada. Last October 30, 2012, Representative Neri Colmenares of Bayan Muna and president of the National Union of People’s Lawyers addressed the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the House of Commons on their 54th meeting. Representative Colmenares invited the Subcommittee to conduct a study mission in the Philippines to look into these cases and come out with recommendations to both the Canadian and Philippine government in strengthening human rights protection.

Ambassador Thornley said he would welcome the possibility of a Canadian Parliament Study Mission to the Philippines.

The meeting took place last January 16, 2012 at the Canadian Embassy in Makati City and was attended by Beth Dollaga of the United Church of Canada and the Canada-Philippines Solidarity for Human Rights (CPSHR), Honorio Guerrero, also of the CPSHR, Tess Tesalona of the Centre for Philippine Concerns (CPC), Jude Baggo and Audrey Beltran of the CHRA. # nordis.net

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Editorial: Genuine Freedom of Information Bill

January 27, 2013 in editorials, Featured, human rights, law, media, national, opinion

www.nordis.net

In the interest of good journalism and an informed community, the progress of the bill on Freedom of Information in congress is watched and covered by your community paper, especially on these last session days of the 15th Congress.

Last week just when the momentum for a final push for the bill was high, the principal sponsors of the bill withdrew their authorship after Malacaang entered its provisions. One of sponsors said, “It’s no longer Freedom of Information but Freedom of Exemption.”

The consolidated bill HB 6766 listed ten points of exemptions from public access among which include those pertaining to national security or defense, information that refers to the foreign affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, records of minutes during decision-making and policy-formulation, including the opinions and advice given then, are not to be disclosed. Drafts of resolution, order, memorandum or audit reports of any branch of government are also to be exempted from access.

The number and breadth of coverage of the said exemptions would, at a whim, restrict public access to information. Information that would limit the public’s capability to decide intelligently even on matters that has bearing on their day to day lives and perspectives as a community.

The already alarming situation of corruption both in government and in the ranks of the 4th estate remains a big threat to our democracy. These exemptions in an FOI bill is an articulation of politician’s wish to add restrictions over the peoples’ freedom to be informed and an attempt to legitimize violations of the masses’ basic human rights.

It is responsible and but right that the Makabayan bloc of progressive partylist groups in Congress withdraw their authorship from that mangled up copy of an FOI bill as much as it is but right for them to keep up their best to represent the people’s aspiration for a genuine Freedom of Information Bill. # nordis.net

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Campus scribes denounce RA 10171

January 20, 2013 in Baguio City, human rights

By ANNALYN REBECCA EISMA
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — College Editors Guild of the Philippines Baguio- Benguet and other youth organizations staged a protest action to mark the 23-day countdown and start of oral arguments on the Cybercrime Prevention Law (CPL) or the RA 10175 last January 15, at Malcolm Square.

JUNK RA10175. In line with the start of Supreme Court deliberation on the Cybercrime Prevention Law, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines Baguio-Benguet along with several youth organizations called out to junk said law last January 15, Malcolm Square. Photo courtesy of Levi Glen Ingente/UPB Outcrop

“CPL is a clear manifestation of the state’s infringement of every Filipino’s, in our case journalist’s, rights. It will countermand the supposed freedom of the press in the country and will aggravate the present condition of Philippine media,” said Ivan Emil Labayne, CEGP-BB Chairperson.

Labayne also said that CPL is a redundant law having more than enough laws of usage and limits protecting internet users from anomalies online.

Speakers from the Progressive Igorots for Social Action also condemned the CPL and its attempt to silence initiatives from private individuals on issues about basic social services and other socio-political concerns.

Anakbayan Cordillera spokesperson Tracy Anne Keshia Dumalo expressed dismay on the officials who endorsed CPL and warned the public of such intentions.

“We all have to be reminded that CPL is just another law that is masked with good intentions but is actually anti-people and self-serving for those who authored it,” Dumalo exclaimed.

Member publications of CEGP like the UPB Outcrop, The Alternative were present in the activity. The Outcrop, in a statement, expressed full support for CEGP taking on the issue to junk the CPL as it is a limiting and oppressive act. # nordis.net

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Stop killing IPs — Katribu

January 20, 2013 in human rights, national

By KATRIBU (PR)

BAGUIO CITY — Katribu Indigenous Peoples’ Partylist, in a press statement strongly condemns the recent killing of Cheryl Ananayo and relative Randy Nabayay in the hands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya.

Days before the celebration of the International Human Rights Day (10 Dec), these anti-mining advocates from the people’s organization Didipio Earthsavers’ Multipurpose Association (DESAMA), were shot dead as they were riding to Didipio last December 7.

The statement described Ananayo and Nabayay as fiercely opposed to the Didipio gold-copper project in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya by the large-scale mining company Oceana Gold Corporation. The company, even before the commencement of its actual operations last November 2012, already committed various and numerous cases of ecological destruction and violation of indigenous peoples’ rights.

“The granting of the Aquino government and its agencies of the Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) to mining companies like Oceana Gold gives these destructive foreigners not only justification in destroying the livelihood and lands of the communities, but also the taking of their lives with the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Furthermore, the government turns a blind eye on cases like this where people are harmed, stripped of their lives, and killed,” stated Samuel Anongos, Katribu Indigenous People’s Partylist Cordillera Region spokesperson.

He added that the Aquino administration has done more actions to aid foreign investors than the FIlipino people. The pleas of the people to end these destructive projects on their lands remain ignored, inspite of PNOy’s pronouncements that the people are his bosses (kayo ang boss ko).Numerous cases of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations of indigenous peoples’ and communities were even committed at the start of his term.

From the onset of the PNoy Administration, national oppression has continued to be the chains binding the indigenous peoples from self-determination. National oppression is legitimized under the different neo-liberal policies implemented in the country, which are anti-indigenous peoples and anti-indigenous people’s rights, he said.

The statement hits, “The sexual abuse on indigenous women and children, violation of the collective land rights and other numerous cases of human rights violations on indigenous peoples indicate the kind of discriminatory treatment under the Aquino Administration.”

“The cases of human rights violations in Didipio that our indigenous brothers and sisters experience are a concrete example of national oppression.”

Katribu also calls, “We must be vigilant in cases such as this where the people and activists are directly assaulted by the government and military just to push through their goals of attracting foreigners into our country. The government must not forget whom it must serve—otherwise it has only further proven ineffective in addressing and advancing the needs and rights of its people.” # nordis.net

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Dialogue between PNP, Mankayan residents reset

January 13, 2013 in Cordillera, human rights

By DELIA BAGNI
www.nordis.net

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Andress Gondayao reset the date for the inquest and dialogue between police officers and residents of Mankayan at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor Justice Hall, here January 11, 2013.

Police officers who filed cases of direct assault, resistance and disobedience of an agent in authority and disturbing a peaceful assembly against six Mankayan residents did not show up at the scheduled meet.

According to Marlou Pablo, president of the Save Mankayan Movement (SMM) the case was filed after the residents asserted their rights to participate in the General Consultative Community Assembly (GCCA) for the Free Prior and Inform Consent (FPIC) conducted by National Commission on Indigeneous People (NCIP) on the conversion of the Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company’s (LCMCo) Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) into a Financial Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) with the Far Southeast Gold Resources Incorporated (FSRGI) at the Plaza gym of Poblacion, Mankayan

Pablo said that during the GCCA in November 15 the police locked the gate of the gym because residents and some members of SMM and the Mankayan Ancestral Domain Indigenous Peoples Organization (MADIPO) refused to register their names in the attendance sheet provided but tried to enter the gym to be part of the consultation.

Pablo added that they believed that the registration was unnecessary because it was only the natives (te-eng) of Mankayan will decide on the said conversion but there was an order to let all participants sign their names in the attendance.

Based on the affidavit of complaint submitted by the police officers they said they locked the gate using a pair of handcuffs because some of the residents led by Segundo Bekesan, Oscar Foster, Lilian Bolinget and Jaqueline Buli-e “turned violent and entered the gym without registering their names. Moments after, Peter Ngedayan and Hector Reyes both from Tabio Mankayan tried force open the gate using an iron pipe and shouting to stop the assembly. Police Officer 2 Tirso Botiwtiw was hit in the abdomen while Peter Ngedayan repeatedly shoved the gate using the pipe that destroyed the handcuff(s).”

Furthermore, PO3 Noren Bandao, PO2 Joemar Altiga, PO3 Jhonny Costan, PO2 Robert Velasco, PO3 Danny Killiaen, PO2 Mayer Pladio led by police Chief Inspector Ferdinand Oydoc accosted the residents but they were aided by the Tabio residents”.

Pablo said that the dialogue was reset for Tuesday, January 15, 2013. # nordis.net

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Killings, rights violations in mining affected areas continue

January 13, 2013 in human rights, mining, national

By KALIKASAN (PR)

QUEZON CITY — Environmental groups reported the mining-related killing of a barangay official and  tanod who were allegedly kept silent from the public last December 29 by a mining company in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.

Brgy. Didipio councilor Gerry Linagga and Valentino Wanaton were responding to a suspected illegal entry into the home of Marivic Ude-e, an employee of large-scale mining company Oceana Copper-Gold Philippines Inc. (OCGPI). OCGPI security personnel who were likewise notified by Ude-e responded later and allegedly opened fire upon Linagga and Wanaton, who they supposedly suspected as the culprits of the forced entry.

“Accident or not, it is clear the presence of Oceana Gold and its heavily armed security forces have caused the death of Linagga and Wanaton. Oceana Gold’s intrusion into Didipio has caused much violence in the area, including a spate of killings and brutal demolitions. An independent investigation must be conducted especially since the company tried to cover up this incident,” said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment.

A paraffin test administered on OCGPI’s security guards revealed that two of their personnel, Lyndon Tayaban and Joseph Pugong, reacted positive for the presence of gunpowder residues.

Task Force-Justice for Environment Defenders (TF-JED) likewise raised the alarm over the increasing violence caused by OCGPI and other large-scale miners in Nueva Vizcaya. They cited earlier incidents last December, including the assassination of Cheryl Ananayo, a member of Didipio Earthsavers’ Multipurpose Association (DESAMA), and Randy Nabayay, a small-scale miner who had differences with OCGPI over property, while they were travelling home last December 7.

“It must be noted that the death of Linagga and Wanaton came successively after Ananayo and Nabayay, both opposed to Oceana Gold’s entry into Didipio, were murdered. At least six villagers were also hurt by demolition operations last December 12 to pave way for the road construction of British mining firm FCF Minerals. Nueva Vizcaya is set afire once again as a hotspot of mining-induced human rights violations,” said Fr. Oliver Castor, spokesperson of TF-JED.

Linagga and Wanaton cap the 66 killings involving environmental advocates and issues recorded since 2001, 52 of which are involved in mining. 2012 is considered the bloodiest year for environmental advocates, with 18 deaths occurring last year alone. On New Year’s Day, the first killing of environmental advocate in 2013 was recorded.  Alfredo Almueda, an official of Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO), was shot dead while manning an anti-logging check point by unknown assailants.

“The spate of killings shows how inutile President Aquino and his administration in protecting the rights and lives of environmental advocates. It is from the likes of Pres. Benigno Aquino III’s Executive Order 79 on mining and the counterinsurgency plan Oplan Bayanihan that the pervading culture of impunity towards earth’s defenders emanate from. It must be stopped,” ended Bautista. # nordis.net

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Cagayan dev’t worker arrested

January 6, 2013 in Cagayan Valley, Featured, human rights, politics

By KIMBERLIE NGABIT-QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Development workers of Northern Luzon call for the immediate release of Virgilio Corpuz of Santiago City, and an end to the vilification, criminalization campaign by state security forces against development workers and community leaders.

Corpuz was picked up and detained at the PNP 116th station in Santiago City late afternoon, January 4 on an arrest warrant issued from Branch 14 of the Lagawe court in Ifugao. He was picked up on charges of murder related to the ambush of army troopers in Tinoc, Ifugao sometime April of 2012.

Corpuz is a development worker for Kaduami working to assist marginalized communities threatened by massive landgrabbing, food insecurity and disenfranchisement. He also contributes articles on peoples issues and the struggles in Cagayan Valley to regional newspapers. Recently he wrote on the bio-ethanol project of a foreign company in Isabela that has converted an agricultural area into an energy consortium enfringing on the right of the people to land and food availability.

He was elected to be the Region 2 coordinator of the Piston Partylist.

Piston Partylist nominee George San Mateo in an interview said that Corpuz called him up when he was arrested. According to San Mateo, Corpuz said that he was not named in the warrant of arrest that the police showed him but police authorities still arrested him.

He added that on Saturday, January 5 from Santiago City Corpuz was transferred to the Lagawe Justice Hall.

In a statement, development workers from the Katinnulong Dagiti Umili iti Amianan (Kaduami, Regional Development Center-Northern Luzon) condemned Corpuz’ arrest as unjust and based on false charges. The group also called on authorities to drop all false charges against him.

Kaduami further reiterated that Corpuz’s arrest is not isolated and that the pattern of imputing false charges and vilifying development workers is part of the counter-insurgency program of the government that seeks to isolate people working for development, change, peace and justice, and attempts to brand them as enemies of the state.

Corpuz’ arrest comes in the wake of harassments and threats to life and security of development workers in Cagayan Valley. Earlier, Isabelo Adviento, another regional development worker of RDC-NL in Cagayan was arrested on charges of usurpation of authority for allegedly impersonating a police officer.

Described as “another laughable and ridiculous charge for which he was arrested,” Corpuz posted bail and was arraigned, revealed the Kaduami statement.

It can also be recalled that Agnes Mesina, a coordinator for Religious Missionaries of the Philippines was arrested last year on trumped up charges of frustrated murder in Tuguegarao, Cagayan in the presence of ACT Partylist Representative Congressman Antonio Tinio, who just finished a talk with public school teachers.

In the Cordilleras, health workers of Community Health Education Services and Trainings in the Cordillera Region (Chestcore) and the Consotium of Development Programs in the Cordillera are facing similar harassment and branding by state security forces.

The groups added that this pattern of vilification is happening all over the country and arrests and harassment are happening especially against indigenous community leaders.

“We have seen that the work for justice and for human rights is dangerous in our country but as development workers we have the obligation to stand side by side and shoulder to shoulder with the poor and deprived communities who are at the fringes of society. As development workers we are bound to work for justice, for human rights, for progress available to all, thus we need to be protected not charged, arrested or detained,” the statement ended. # nordis.net

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Araw ng Karapatang Pantao, sinalubong ng protesta sa Ilocos

December 16, 2012 in human rights, Ilocos

Ni ROD TAJON
www.nordis.net

SAN FERNANDO, LA Union — Mainit at nangangalit ang sikat ng araw, ngunit hindi natinag ang mahigit 400 mamamayan ng Ilocos na nagmartsa sa San Fernando City, La Union bilang paggunita sa pandaigdigang araw ng Karapatang Pantao.

RIGHTS DAY. AMidst the scorching heat of the sun,around 400 residents of Ilocos Region marched the streets of San Fernando, La Union to demand respect for human rights. Photo courtesy of IHRA

Ang mga biktima mula sa mga komunidad na apektado ng militarisasyon, gayundin ang mga nagtataguyod ng karapatang pantao ay nagsuot ng pula bilang tanda ng galit at pagtatakwil sa rehimeng Aquino sa patuloy at tumitinding paglabag sa karapatang pantao, militarisasyon, at impunity ayon sa Ilocos Human Rights Alliance (IHRA).

Binigyan diin rin sa paggunita sa araw ng kara-patang pantao ang pakikibaka para sa karapatan ng mama-mayan sa serbisyo panlipunan tulad ng sa kalusugan at edukasyon. Kinondena rin ng mga nagprotesta ang karahasan sa kababaihan at bata ng pulisya at militar.

“Walang pinagiba ang gobyerno ni Benigno Simeon Aquino III sa mga nakaraang rehimen. Isa rin itong pahirap, pasista at papet na rehimen na nararapat lang itakwil ng mamamayan,” pahayag ni Mila Marcelo, pangalawang pang-kalahatang kalihim ng IHRA.

Sa tala ng IHRA-KARAPATAN, sa 129 na biktima ng extrajudicial killings, tatlo dito ay mula sa Ilocos. Nito lamang taon, isa ang naging biktima ng pamamaslang samantalang apat naman ang naging biktima ng nabigong pagpatay.

Nitong taong ito, nakapagtala rin ang IHRA ng mga kaso ng tortyur, pananakit, pananakot, paninira, paggamit sa mga paaralan at pam-publikong lugar ng mga militar, at sekswal na panlilinlang.

Dalawa sa tatlong biktima ng extrajudicial killing ay pinaslang ng mga militar noong unang anim na buwan ng panunungkulan ni Aquino.

Piket sa CHR

Nagpiket sa opisina ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Rehiyon ng Ilocos ang mga nagprotesta upang singilin ang komisyon ng gobyerno sa patuloy na pagkakait ng hustisya sa mga biktima. Kasabay nito, nagpila ng reklamo ang mga biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao sa Currimao, Ilocos Norte bilang pagpapatotoo sa mga paglabag na ginagawa ng militar at pulis.

Ayon kay Rizalino “Tatang Sali” Valdez, ama ni Elmer Valdez na pinaslang ng mga militar noong 2010, magdadalawang taon na mula noong nagpila sila ng reklamo ngunit wala silang nakitang ginawa ng CHR upang umusad ang kaso.

Aniya, “hanggang ngayon ay naghihintay pa rin kami ng hustisya, nakakadismaya at minsan pa nga’y ayaw ko nang ituloy ang paghananap nito dahil patuloy naman itong ipinagka-kait sa anak ko.”

“Mailap man ang hustisya para sa amin, ipagpapatuloy namin ang pakikibaka hangga’t kaya upang makamit ito hindi lamang para sa aking anak kundi maging sa iba pang biktima,” dagdag pa aniya.

Ipinaliwanag ni Regional Director Atty. Rommel Daguimol na hindi umuusad ang mga reklamong naipipila sa ilang kadahilanang teknikal at sa kaso nga ni Valdez ay wala na sa poder ng 5th Infantry Division ang mga dating namumuno tulad ni Col. Rogelio Migote.

Pahayag naman ni Zoilo Baladad, public information officer ng IHRA, pinatunayan lamang ng ganitong paliwanag ng CHR na walang hustisya sa ilalim ng “daang matuwid” ni Aquino.

Panagutin ang PNP

“Katarungan para sa kahayupan ng mga pulis!” ito naman ang sigaw ng mga nagprotesta sa harap ng opisina ng pulisya.

Ayon kay Linda Caluza, tagapagsalita ng Gabriela-Ilocos, isang bilanggong babae na ginahasa ng hepe ng pulisya ng Pugo, La Union ang pinag-kaitan ng hustisya matapos ibasura ang kaso ng pangga-gahasa laban sa naturang hepe.

Bukod sa kaso ng pangga-gahasa, may mga kaso rin ng pamamaslang at iligal na pag-aresto sa mga magsasaka ang mga elemento ng pulisya nito ring taon.

Ani Zaldy Alfiler, pangka-lahatang kalihim ng Solidarity of Peasants Against Exploitation (STOP Exploitation), “dapat panagutin ang pulisya lalo na ang mga nasa PNP Currimao, Ilocos Norte sa pamamaslang at bigong pamamaslang sa limang magsasaka.

Karapatan sa kalusugan ipaglaban

Matapos ang mga programa sa CHR at PNP, nagtungo sa loob ng Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) ang mga nagprotesta upang ipanawagan sa publiko na makiisa sa pagtataguyod ng karapatan sa kalusugan at akses sa serbisyong panlipunan.

Isa ang ITRMC sa mga nakatakdang maisapribado ng gobyernong Aquino, ayon kay Lee Biscarra ng Kabataan Partylist.

“Ipinagkakait sa atin ng gobyernong Aquino ang mga batayang serbisyo habang naglalaan siya ng napakalaking badyet sa militar at pagbabayad ng utang panlabas,” diin ni Biscarra.

Pahayag naman ni Anabel Narvasa ng Timek ken Namnama dagiti Mangngalap ti La Union (Timek), higit na maaapektuhan ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa ganitong plano ng gobyerno ni PNoy.

“Kulang at mahal na nga ang serbisyo, dagdag pahirap pa ang pagsasapribado sa mga mahihirap na mamamayan tulad ng magsasaka at mangingisda.”

Isa sa mga naging biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao si Donna Rabang Peta, tagapagsalita ng Defend Ilocos against Mining Plunder (Defend-Ilocos). Aniya, “pinoprotektahan ni PNoy ang interes ng mga kumpanya ng pagmimina kung kaya pati mga environmental advocates ay ginigipit.”

“Ngunit ipagpapatuloy namin ang pakikibaka laban sa karahasan ng estado at maging sa mga mapanirang proyekto na ipinatutupad ng gobyernong ito,” aniya.

Bahagi rin ng programa ang pagpapalabas ng wishlist ng mamamayan ngayong pasko. Ilan mga kahilingan ng mamamayan ng Ilocos ang pagpapatigil ng pamamaslang, sapilitang pagkawala at iba pang paglabag sa karapatan ng mamamayan; pagpapatuloy ng usapang pangkapayapaan; pagdagdag ng badyet sa serbisyong panlipunan; hustisya para sa mga biktima; pagpapatigil ng operasyon ng pagmimina sa Ilocos; reporma sa lupa; makatarungang sahod at sapat na trabaho. Sinaliwan ito ng bersyo ng KABATAAN Partylist ng pamaskong awitin na “Ang pasko ay sumapit” at “Ngayong pasko”.

“Sa araw ng paggunita sa pandaigdigang araw ng karapatang pantao, marapat na ipagpatuloy ang pakikibaka, dahil walang saysay ang konsepto ng karapatang pantao kung walang hustisya, kapayapaan, at tunay na kalayaan,” pangwakas ni Marcelo. # nordis.net

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MP laments development violate their rights

December 16, 2012 in Cordillera, human rights

By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Members of multi-sectoral groups and individuals from the different municipalities of Mountain Province lament the heightened human rights violations at the entry of various applications for geothermal, wind and hydro power plants and militarization.

In a program held in front of the Bontoc municipal hall in commemoration of the International Human Rights Day on December 10 spearheaded by Cordillera Peoples Alliance-Mountain Province (CPA-MP) and Mountain Province Human Rights Advocates (MPHRA), speakers from different organizations cited these hightened violations in each sectoral situation reported.

Binnadang – Innabuyog – Gabriela presented the vulnerability of women married or single and even the youngsters to abuses perpetrated by soldiers stationed within the communities in the province.

According to Marcelo Daweg of CPA-MP, soldiers belonging to the engineering brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are encamped in Barangay Ballugan of Sagada and Baguitan in Besao. He also said AFP Peace and Development Teams (PDTs) are deployed in the municipalities of Natonin and Paracelis in the communities of Camatagan, Lagan, Tambingan and Napua of the municipality of Sabangan.

He described that the community members are always uncomfortable with the presence of armed soldiers inside their villages. He added the mere presence of a battle-ready group poses danger to the people, including the unfriendly attitude of the soldiers towards the residents.

Daweg said that almost all the municipalities of the province have applications for geothermal energy projects by various companies.

In 2010, a geothermal project was being eyed in the Mainit, Bontoc-Sadanga area covering a total land area of 58,911 hectares and a power-generation potential of 60-100 Megawatts. 25 wind turbines of a wind farm projected to produce 15 megawatts will be erected by PhilCarbon along the Pilao-Langsayan Ridge within the boundary of Sagada and Besao.

Asia-Pac Capital Services Ltd. is planning to build Hydro electric power plants along the Talubin River in Bontoc; Siffu river in Kadaclan, Barlig flowing to Natonin to Paracelis to Cagayan and Tanudan River in Barlig.

The people of Mt. Province are also facing the threat of the entry of large scale mining corporations.

In 2008, residents of Tadian, Bauko and Sagada opposed the encroachment of the world’s largest transnational mining company Anglo-American PLC’s subsidiary Cordillera Exploration Company Inc. into their lands.

The application of the said company covered 1,872.50 hectares within the ancestral domain of the nine barangays of Bauko, two barangays of Tadian and one barangay of Sagada as early as October 1997.

Until now, the applications of the said mining company are still pending before the Mines and Geo sciences Board (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Daweg said with the entry of energy projects and large-scale mining companies comes with militarization notably in the areas where opposition to anything about the proposed project is expressed.

According to Daweg, the vilification of development workers and even the members of the League of Progressive Students continues.

He said because of this, they are subjected to harassments and surveillance by state agents.

Daweg said after the program, they staged a mach-rally from the municipal grounds to the Mt. Province multipurpose hall. There he added that they held an electoral education seminar in the afternoon. # nordis.net

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Casiño calls for immediate enactment of Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill

December 16, 2012 in human rights, law, national

By VINCE BORNEO

QUEZON CITY — Party list Rep. Teddy Casiño today called on the Aquino administration to push for the passage of House Bill 5379 or the Human Rights Defenders Act as more human rights violations are being reported by the day.

Based on a new preliminary report from the Geneva-based Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, “There is compelling evidence that human rights defenders, in particular those advocating for land and environmental rights, are under serious threat, are constantly vilified, intimidated and ‘terrorized.’ A climate of pervasive and systematic impunity is at the heart of this alarming situation. Urgent protection measures and unequivocal steps to address the lack of accountability for attacks on human rights defenders are now required.”

The Observatory is a project of the World Organization against Torture (OMCT) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).

“As the world commemorates International Human Rights Day, it is high time that the Aquino government stop playing blind and deaf to the real human rights situation in our country. There are at least 129 victims of extrajudicial killings that have been documented by Karapatan, among these, 69 are farmers and 25 are from indigenous peoples. Most of those killed in Mindanao, for instance, are anti-mining activists and Lumad leaders who defend their land and the environment against the intrusion of big foreign mining corporations,” Casiño said.

“As can be seen, human rights defenders in the Philippines face human rights violations themselves in the course of their work and these violations include killings, death threats, abductions and kidnappings, arbitrary arrest and detention, and other actions of harassment and intimidation, for example through defamation campaigns. All these violations also target the immediate family members of human rights defenders, including their children and their other relatives, so as to prevent them from continuing their activities,” Casiño added.

“Human rights campaigners are affected in many regions in the country by restrictions on their activities and their persecution as human rights defenders,” Casiño added.

The bill states the following rights for human rights defenders: 1) Right to promote and protect human rights;  2) Right to information about human rights;  3) Right to develop and advocate human rights ideas;  4) Right to participate in public affairs;  5) Right to access to human rights violations victims and, if necessary, provide legal assistance or facilitate the provision of the same; 6) Right to unhindered access to communication with human rights bodies;  7) Right to refuse to violate human rights;  8) Right to participate in activities against human rights violations (HRVs);  9) Right to solicit, receive and utilize resources;  10) Right to establish a sanctuary to human rights victims;  11) Right to file an action involving human rights violations – human rights organizations as complainants;  and, 12) Right to access documents of government units and personnel, paramilitary units and personnel, and military affiliate and government assets.

As for the government it should ensure that the rights of human rights defenders are protected. It should also inform its officers and employees to under pain of punishment not to violate human rights. It also mandate schools, universities and colleges to teach human rights from elementary to college and make it part of their curriculum. The bill also mandates officers and their subordinates to have all their orders or commands written so that there would be accountability.

“Kailan ba matitigil ang mga HRVs? Ang mga magsasaka na isinusulong lamang ay ang kanilang karapatan sa lupa ay pinapatay, ang mga katutubo na ipinagtatanggol lamang ang kanilang lupang ninuno ay pinapatay din. Ang masakit pa mismong mga sundalo ng gobyerno at mga tauhan nila kasabwat ang mga malalaking kumpanya ang gumagawa nito at di ito pinipigilan ng pamahalaan. Katarungan ang isinisigaw ng mga biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao at ang pagsasabatas ng HR Defenders Bill ay isang paraan para din a maulit ang ganitong kalagayan,” ended Casiño. # nordis.net

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