Dear _________,
Re: SAUDI ARABIA/PHILIPPINES: Assault of four protesters at the Philippines Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Name of the victims: Leo Legaspi, Jackiline Pakpakin, Jessica Hapos, and Irene Mahinay
Date and place of incident: 16 July 2005 at the premises of the Philippines Consulate in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Alleged perpetrators: Yusof, Anwar Andang, Atong and Ali Aguam
I am writing to draw you attention to the assault of four Filipino workers, three of whom were women, and several others who participated in a demonstration at the premises of the Philippine's Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 16 July 2005. I have learned that four of the Saudi guards at the Consulate allegedly attacked and assaulted the protesters who at the time were holding a peaceful assembly.
I was shocked to learn that one of the victims, Jackiline Pakpakin, suffered injuries to her feet as a result of the scuffle with the Saudi guards. Three other victims, Leo Legaspi of the Migrante, Jessica Hapos, and Irene Mahinay, were also slightly injured during the said incident. They were at that time demonstrating on the present political crisis in Philippines, as well as delays in the process of the application for repatriation.
I am aware that under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Filipino citizen's rights to peaceful assembly, demonstration and speech is guaranteed. I was saddened to learn that entitlement of such rights under Philippine law have not been observed and respected during the said incident, although the demonstration took place within the Philippine Consulate's premises.
I therefore urge your immediate intervention to ensure that a proper and independent investigation be conducted regarding this case. The Philippine government, in particular the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), must initiate appropriate sanctions against perpetrators involved. It must also indemnify the victims.
Further, I also request the Consul General to take immediate action for the approval of the victim's application for repatriation. The office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) must also take appropriate steps to ensure the worker's protection and welfare.
Finally, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the Philippines must also intervene in this case as provided in the in Article XIII, section 18 (3) of the 1987 Constitution, which stipulates: 'provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights
as well as Filipinos residing abroad'.
I trust that you will take action in this case.
Sincerely yours,
__________________
PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO:
1. Secretary Alberto Romulo
Department of Foreign Affairs
2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City,
Philippines 1300
Tel: +63 2 834-3000 / +63 2 834-4000
2. Mr. Bahnarim A. Guinomla
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Site D3 Collector Road C, Diplomatic Quarter,
Riyadh, P.O. Box 94366,
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA 11693
Tel: +9661 482-3559 / 480 1918
Fax: 00-9661-488-3945
Email: filembry@sbm.net.sa / filembry@mailandnews.com
3. Mr. Pendosina N. Lomondot
Consul General
Al-Sayeddah Kaddija Street, Al Faisaliyah District 1
P.O. Box 4794, Jeddah 21412, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
Tel: +9662 6600-348, 6670-925, 6600-354
Fax: 00-9662-6630838
Email: jeddahpc@sps.net.sa, jeddah_pc@dfa.gov.ph
4. Commissioner Purificacion Quisumbing
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman, Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Tel: +63 2 928-5655/+63 2 926-6188
Fax: +63 2 929-0102
5. Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
President, Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila
NCR 1005
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +632 2929 3968
Email: pgma@compass.com.ph or opnet@ops.gov.ph
6. Ms. Gabriela Rodríguez Pizarro
Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants
Attn: Ms. Veronica Birga
Room: 3-040
8-14 Avenue de la Paix
1211 Geneva 10
SWITZERLAND
Tel: +41 22 917 9336
Fax: +41 22 917 9006
E-mail: vbirga@ohchr.org or urgent-action@ohchr.org (please include in the subject box: Special Rapporteur HR Migrants)
7. Mr. Ambeyi Ligabo
Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
Attn: Ms. Julie De Riviero
Room: 3-042
C/o OHCHR-UNOG
1211 Geneva 10
SWITZERLAND
Tel: +41 22 917 9177
Fax: +41 22 917 9006 (general)
jderiviero@ohchr.org
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
