Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) writes with deep concern over the listing of 105 Human Rights defenders, which included, lawyers, journalists, human rights and political activists, physicians, union leaders and religious leaders in Davao City, as militarys targets in a document reported to have come from a military source. The AHRC feels that it is vital to have this issue investigated so that the personnel behind the creation of this list may be exposed. Any such failure will, on the other hand, expose the listed persons to assassination.
CASE DETAILS: (according to various reliable sources)
The 67-page power-point presentation, which is reported to have been prepared by the 10th Infantry Division (ID) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), listed the names of 105 human rights defenders and several organizations, which it claims have colluded with the communist movement for the takeover of the seat of government.
One of those mentioned in this list, Celso Pojas, has already been killed on 15 May 2008. For further details please see: AHRC-UAC-106-2008
The military establishment has already denied the existence of this document. However, there has not been a credible and independent investigation conducted in order to hold those responsible for of needlessly exposing human rights activists to unnecessary risk. Furthermore, there has been no concrete action by the government to protect these persons.
Suspicion that the document originated with the AFPs intelligence gathering arose when a power-point presentation, entitled “Knowing the Enemy“, was exposed in early 2000. The said document also listed several names of organizations it claimed to have colluded with the communist movement.
The release of the latters power-point document was actually one of the reasons that prompted the Supreme Court (SC) to promulgate of judicial remedy, “Writ of Habeas Data“. This is a remedy available to any person whose right to privacy in life, liberty or security is violated or threatened by an unlawful act.
At the height of the extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, most of the targeted victims were human rights and political activists attached to the organizations mentioned in the “Knowing the Enemy” power-point presentation. There has been no credible investigation into this incident in order to identify and hold responsible those who released the document as it needlessly exposes the persons associated with the organization to attacks.
The AHRC is deeply concerned that by failing to investigate and to hold responsible those who created this leaked document, it compromises the safety and security of those persons named. In the Philippines, associating a person to a communist or armed movement, regardless of whether the accusations are true or not, results in serious repercussions on the persons involved, including abductions and killings.
For instances, some of the human rights and labour rights lawyers have lost their clients after having been needlessly accused of colluding with the communist, journalist are being discriminated against by the army and police in collecting news and human rights and political activist are being spied. Even though the military and the police are openly accusing these individuals of being communist fronts they have not filed any charges in court.
In this latest power-point presentation, even local politicians and media organization that have already ceased operating have been considered as targets. Also, some of the personalities mentioned are known to the AHRC and had been involved in providing legal and appropriate assistance to victims of human rights violations.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write letters to the concern authorities listed below requesting them to have the content of this document investigated by a credible and independent body in order to determine what actions that should be taken. There should be prompt and appropriate arrangements in terms of protection made available to persons mentioned in this document should they require such in order to ensure their security and safety.
The AHRC has also written letters to the Special Rapporteurs for the human rights defenders and Extra-judicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Executions.
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear _________,
Re: PHILIPPINES: 105 Human Rights defenders reportedly listed as military target in a leaked document
Names of persons listed as military targets:
1. Romualdo Basilio, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), BAYAN-SMR
2. Joel Maglungsod, KMU
3. Felix Irag, Anakpawis Party List
4. Omar Bantayan, Secretary General, KMU
5. Florante Ferrarin
6. Rudy Aranjuez, Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng Davao City Water District, (NAMADACWAD) –
7. Antonio Flores (a.k.a. Tonying, Davao City, Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (KMP)
8. Bobong Clarion
9. Maximo Goc-on
10. Boy Alcala
11. Dodong Intero
12. Segundo Naquilla,
13. Cesar Camarillo
14. Traquillano Goc-ong (a.k.a. Boy), Farmers Association of Davao City (FADC)
15. Amancio Carmelo
16. Bonifacio Bebera
17. Sergio Namate
18. Edilberto Gonzaga (a.k.a. Edil)
19. Celso Pojas (Deceased), Secretary General, FADC
20. Corazon Espinosa (a.k.a. Cora)
21. Joel Virador, Bayan Muna
22. Jeppie Ramada
23. Kelly Delgado, Secretary General, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY)
24. Prof Luzviminda Ilagan, GABRIELA Party List
25. Greg Cagula, Vice President, NAMADACWAD
26. Jake Coloma, Secretary, NAMADACWAD
27. Elsa Elorde, Treasurer, NAMADACWAD
28. Welmer Crasco, Auditor, NAMADACWAD
29. Jake Cadorna, PIO, NAMADACWAD
30. Lorna Maximo, Education Committee, NAMADACWAD
31. Romulo Reyes, Mobilizing Committee, NAMADACWAD
32. Ereneo Cubal, Social Welfare Committee, NAMADACWAD
33. Delia Olaer, Grievance Committee, NAMADACWAD
34. Inting Masucol, Para-Legal Committee, NAMADACWAD
35. Noel Legaspi, Chief Shop Steward, NAMADACWAD
36. Samuel Lasay, of lsla Village, Calinan, Davao City, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON)
37. Edel Gonzaga
38. Frank Kimpes
39. Antonio Dodong Petalcorin
40. Toto Vulcan
41. Bishop Felixberto Calang, Davao City, Phil Independent Catholic Church (PIC)
42. Dr. Robinson Montalba
43. Ariel Casilao, Secretary General, BAYAN
44. Emma Villegas, Deputy Secretary General, BAYAN
45. Sr. Luz mallo M.A, Treasurer, Missionaries of Assumption
46. Irene Caharian, TF Militarization
47. Dr. Eugene Nalian MD,
48. Atty. Noreen Manatad, TF Women & Children FLAG
49. Prof. Mae Templa, GABRIELA Party List
50. Jimmy Aragon, TF Prisoner- SELDA
51. Rev Constante Claro, National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP)
52. Fr Peter Lamata
53. Fr Paul Cunanan
54. Fr Bong Dublan
55. Fr Guillermo Afable
56. Bishop Ben Barloso
57. Bishop Valentino Lorejo Jr
58. Bishop Warlito Baldomero
59. Fr Bobby Parreno
60. Fr Eddie Pedregosa
61. Sis Antonietta Go
62. Nick Gonzales
63. Abundancio Bulac
64. Sr. Elsa Batalla, FMA
65. Sr. Maritta Banayo, FMA
66. Marcela Naloza
67. Terry Abundo
68. Helen Gaspar
69. Asuncion Carreon
70. Ofelia Malayao
71. Rogelio Gonzales
72. Nenita Batucan
73. Amante Villanueva
74. Lyda Canson, GABRIELA
75. Cacai Villegas, Secretary General, GABRIELA Youth
76. Evelyn Carias
77. Elizabeth Nuyad
78. Emily Sorongon
79. Belen Obeja
80. Olga Pacumbaba
81. Inriquita Sorongon
82. Carlos Conde, National Union of Journalist in the Phil. (NUJP)
83. Dr Shalom Lorenzana, RX Against Erap (RAGE)
84. Dr Ruben Robillo
85. Dr Rey Lasaca
86. Dr Lyn Lyndo
87. Dr Jose Lacuesta
88. Peter Lavina
89. Atty Angela Librado-Trinidad
90. Jimmy Dureza
91. Benjamin de Guzman
92. Atty Beverly Selima-Musni,
93. Gus Obenza
94. Antonio Apat, KAPI/WAP Agos Band
95. Gregorio Altarez
96. Glen Amoroso
97. Bobong Landero
98. Atty. Carlos Zarate
99. Cris Ranoa
100. Fe Salino
101. Ligaya Fuentes
102. Sr. Lita David
103. Dr Francisco Morales
104. Dr. Torralba
105. Bishop Anacleto Serafica
I am writing to express my grave concern over the listing of 105 Human Rights Defenders, whose names and group affiliations, are mentioned above, as they are described in a document that was reportedly created by the military. The origin and existence of this document should be investigated upon as it needlessly exposed the persons and organizations mentioned to serious risk of being targeted for attack.
In fact, one of those mentioned in this document, Celso Pojas, a peasant activist, was killed on the 15th May 2008. The concern of those mentioned in this list is rooted not only from Pojass murder but also from previous incidents, wherein subsequent killings have taken place after the release of a document. For instance, the other power-point presentation document entitled Knowing the Enemy in early 2000s, which mentions the names of organizations being targeted and accused of colluding with the communist.
As it is in the past, those who had been killed in recent years are human rights and political activists who are attached to the organization mentioned in the Knowing the Enemy presentation. I am deeply concerned that the security and safety of the persons mentioned in the latest presentation had been compromised and needlessly undermined.
Thus, the previous incidents and pattern should be a sufficient ground to commence an inquiry into this new leaked document. While I understand that the military establishment has either denied the existence of this document or that it originated from them I am unaware of any credible investigation that has been conducted to determined whether the militarys claims are true or not.
Thus, unless this is done, those mentioned in the document would be needlessly exposed to unnecessary risk and subjected to being discriminated against, as no one has so far been held to account for having their names included in the list of targets.
Also, if indeed that document did not come from the military establishment, the government must categorically reject this document and should initiate measures to protect these persons. Failing to do so would aggravate the already deep suspicions of the governments complicity in this incident. However, the latter are actions the government has yet to take.
I am deeply concerned that unless appropriate and prompt action is taken, the release of this document would result in needless justification of a persons abduction and killing, as has already happened in the past.
——————–
PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
1. Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel
Manila 1005
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 736 1010
Tel: +63 2 735 6201 / 564 1451 to 80
E-mail: corres@op.gov.ph
2. Ms. Leila De Lima
Commissioner
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 929 0102
Tel: +63 2 928 5655 / 926 6188
E-mail: chr.delima@yahoo.com or mtm_rodulfo@yahoo.com
3. Deputy Director General Jesus A. Verzosa
Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP)
Camp General Rafael Crame
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2724 8763
Tel: +63 2 726 4361/4366/8763
E-mail: bluetree73@gmail.com
4. Mr. Raul Gonzalez
Secretary
Department of Justice (DoJ)
DOJ Bldg., Padre Faura
1004 Manila
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 521 1614
E-mail: raulgonzalez_doj@yahoo.com
5. Mr. Ronaldo V. Puno
Secretary
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
A. Francisco Gold Condominium II
EDSA cor. Mapagmahal St., Diliman
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 925 0332
Tel: +63 2 925 0330 / 31
E-mail: rvpuno@dilg.gov.ph
6. Mr. Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr.
Secretary
Department of National Defense
Room 301 DND Building, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo,
E. de los Santos Avenue
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Tel: +63(2) 911-9281 / 911-0488
Fax: +63(2) 911 6213
E-mail: osnd@philonline.com
7. Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano
Chief of Staff
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
AFP-GHQ Offices, Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 911 6436
Tel: +63 2 911 6001 to 50
8. Mr. Emilio Gonzalez
Deputy Ombudsman
Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military
and Other Law Enforcement Offices
3rd Floor, Ombudsman Bldg., Agham Road, Diliman
1104 Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 926 8747
Tel: +63 2 926 9032
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)
