Atty. Alberto Sipaco Jr.
Regional Director
Commission on Human Rights, Region XI
Trinity Bldg., Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland
8000 Davao City
PHILIPPINES
Tel. no. +63 82 298-3749
Fax no. +63 82 298-2233
Dear Mr. Sipaco,
Re: PHILIPPINES: Commission on Human Rights confirms gross violation of human rights regarding the killing of three people by military
I have been informed that the Commission on Human Rights, Regional office in Davao City, has concluded in its investigation that there was indeed a gross violation of human rights in the 8 February killing of three people and the wounding of three others, all belongs to the B'laan Tribe, by elements of the 25 th Infantry Battalion in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur.
I write to commend your office immediate action taken to investigate the death of Francisco Bulane (32), Padilla Bulane (29), Prumencio Bulane (28) and wounding of Richard Bulane (31), Rogelio Bulane (42) and his son Ricky Bulane (16).
I have learnt that the Commission on Human Rights XI earlier assured the public that it would recommend for provision of financial assistance should there be reason to provide. It is of my understanding that based on the result of your investigation, they deserve to be afforded with immediate assistance. They should also be provided with necessary security protection while the case remains in progress in court.
Further I ask the Commission to ensure the immediate filing of the appropriate administrative charges against the perpetrators before the Office of the Ombudsman for the Military, based on the result of investigations. The case against them in court should also be monitored thoroughly and regularly.
Finally, I ask your office to initiate coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) in relation to the implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Acts (IPRA) in the area, which ensures that the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), like that of the victims, have their rights to be protected and secured in the event of armed conflict. Such a measure should be observed accordingly to prevent similar incident from happening.
I trust that you will take action in this matter.
Respectfully yours,
_______________
PLEASE ALSO SEND A COPY TO:
1. Ms Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
President, Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel
Manila, NCR 1005
PHILIPPINES
2. Commissioner Purificacion Quisumbing
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman, Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Tel. No. +63 2 928-5655/926-6188
Fax: +63 2 929-0102
Email: drpvq@chr.gov.ph
3. Ms Rosalina L. Bistoyong
Executive Director
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
2nd Floor N. dela Merced Building,
Cor. West and Quezon Avenues,
Quezon City, Metro Manila
PHILIPPINES
Tel. No. +63 2 373-97-87
Telefax +63 2 373-97-65
Emails: resource@ncip.gov.ph, rlbistoyong@ncip.gov.ph
4. Secretary Avelino J. Cruz Jr.
Department of National Defense
Room 301 DND Bldg.,
Camp Emilio Aguinaldo
E. de los Santos Avenue, Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2911 6213
Email: osnd@philonline.com
5. Secretary Raul M. Gonzalez
Department of Justice (DOJ)
Padre Faura St., Manila
PHILIPPINES
Direct Line +63 2 521-8344; 5213721
Trunkline +63 2 523-84-81 loc.214
Tel. Nos. +63 2 523-8481 to 98
Telefax: +63 2 521-1614
Email: sad@doj.gov.ph
6. Mr. Roque N. Agton, Jr.
Regional Director
National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP XI)
E. Valenoso Bldg., Sandawa Plaza, New Matina
8000 Davao City
PHILIPPINES
Tel. No: +63 82 298-04-95
Fax. No: +63 82 298-29-42
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
