HK Statement - Global Action vs. Killings in the Philippines

Stop the Killings in the Philippines!

Defend Human Rights!





Today the world commemorates the dark years of Martial Law in the Philippines. Today the world condemns the continuing violation of human rights in the Philippines.

In 1972, former Philippine Pres. Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law which lasted for more than 10 years. Within this period, brutal human rights violations were committed against the Filipino people.
Thirty-four years after the Marcos dictatorship, human rights violations continued and even worsened.

Human rights violations under the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are fast becoming a notorious record. Since she assumed the presidency in 2001, human rights organizations have recorded a total of 743 victims of extrajudicial killings including assassinations, summary executions and massacres. Moreover, 181 people have been forcibly abducted and disappeared with no news up to now of their whereabouts.

The victims of human rights violations came from diverse backgrounds and sectors. Notable, however, is the fact that many of the victims came from organizations known for their activism and critical stance to various issues such as globalization, trade union rights, peasant struggles, women’s issues and young people’s concerns.

They were actively involved in fighting for peace, justice, and democracy but they were silenced.
In most cases, reports indicated the involvement of elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or paramilitary units under its wings. This is not surprising considering that the government’s blueprint for crushing what it deemed as “enemies of the state” as contained in the program Oplan Bantay Laya (Operation Plan Guard Freedom) included these activist organizations.

It was only after international pressure mounted – with many international organizations deploring the state of human rights in the Philippines – did the Arroyo government act. However, the actions were not enough as up to now, no case had been brought to justice.

Families and friends of the victims remained looking for justice.

Today, the people of Hong Kong grieve with the victims of human rights violations. Today, in this Global Day of Action to Stop the Killings, the people of Hong Kong pledge to support the fight for justice and for a just and lasting peace for the Filipino people.

Today we remember Martial Law. We remember the victims. We live up the genuine spirit of international solidarity. We vow to continue the struggle.

HKCAHRPP
21 September 2006