Anti-terror law draws flak from HR activists in HK

We made sure our voices are heard and that the Philippine government heard it well.

Today, July 12, we held a picket protest at the Philippine Consulate to condemn the implementation of the Human Security Act of 2007. We saw it as another means for the Philippine government to legalize further the repression it has wrought all over the country already besieged with extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and an array of human rights violations.

Various local organizations joined and supported the picket. Bruce Van Voorhis of the HKCAHRPP led his colleagues from the Asian Human Rights Commission. He opened the program by denouncing the anti-terror legislation and that it should be repealed soon.

Following him was Father Dwight dela Torre of the Philippine Independent Church who read the statement of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines.

Elizabeth Tang of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions also expressed condemnation for the law, comparing it to the Article 23, an anti-subversion legislation which was resisted by the Hong Kong people in 2003 and later on shelved. She said it was a sign of cowardice on the part of the government to push for a very repressive law such as the HSA.

Dolores Balladares of the United Filipinos in Hong Kong closed the program by stating that the migrant workers will not be cowed into silence by this act from the government. She pledged that more migrant workers will come and protest against the HSA, and that no dictatorship has ever succeeded with people remaining critical and ready to fight.

Below is a statement of the HKCAHRPP.


“License for graver rights abuses”
Anti-terror law draws flak from HR activists in HK

The new Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007 is a license for the Philippine government and its military to commit even graver human rights abuses.

This was predicted by the Hong Kong Campaign for the Advancement of Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines (HKCAHRPP) as the Philippine government gears for the implementation of this anti-terrorism law on July 15.

HKCAHRPP is among groups outside the Philippines that is campaigning for an end to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in the country as well as rendering of justice to the victims of such abuses.

“The Philippine government is yet to act on the hundreds of cases of human rights violations that have caused protests both in the Philippines and around the world. Now with the HSA the issue of terrorism is in danger of being used to perpetuate more repressive moves against government critics,” said Bruce Van Voorhis, co-convener of the group.

Van Voorhis criticized the fast-track pace that the act’s approval and implementation took while the call to resolve the country’s extrajudicial killings has still not been answered and has been met by promises, the creation of task forces that were eventually proven ineffective and even outright denial that human rights in the Philippines has worsened.

“Intensified repression appears to be the top priority of the Philippine government and not justice nor human rights,” he added.

Meanwhile, Eman Villanueva, also co-convener of HKCAHRPP and the secretary-general of the militant United Filipinos in Hong Kong (UNIFIL-MIGRANTE-HK), expressed his fear of the act’s repercussions to legal activist organizations of Filipinos within and outside the country.

“We migrant workers are also one of the sectors that are vocal in our opposition to various policies of the government. Does this mean that we will also start to live in fear every time we come home, that the threat of being charged and prosecuted as a ‘terrorist’ under the HSA will loom above our heads?” he averred.

Villanueva said that even prior to the HSA the Philippine government and its military had already been arbitrarily arresting and detaining people affiliated with known opposition groups, such as the cases of the Batasan 5 and Congressman Crispin Beltran.

“The HSA will mean that us ordinary people who only practice our civil and political rights to air our grievances can also easily be subjected to unjust deprivation of our rights and liberties,” he furthered.

Villanueva said that HKCAHRPP will continue to exert pressure for the resolution of human rights violations in the Philippines and the immediate repeal of the HSA.

“The existing rule of lawlessness in the Philippines is already condemnable. To make repression legal as well with the HSA is a mockery of justice and human rights,” Villanueva concluded.#

Disappeared's families demand AFP to release Cadapan, Empeno and Merino

This is a press release by the Desaparecidos, an organization of families and loved ones of victims of enforced disappearances in the Philippines. Please read through it. Thanks.


Press Release June 26, 2007
AFP should release Sherlyn Cadapan, Karen Empeño and Manuel Merino

The Families of Desaparecidos for Justice (Desaparecidos ) today called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to release the two abducted University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño and peasant Manuel Merino, whom they have detained and kept hidden one year to this day.

"Sherlyn is alive, and is being kept captive against her will. We hold Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. and his men responsible for their abduction and disappearance, and we call on the military to release Sherlyn and her companions immediately, and face punishment to their deeds," said Ghay Portajada, Desaparecidos spokesperson.

Several witnesses in Bulacan and Bataan had informed the local chapter of the human rights group Karapatan in the province that Sherlyn went to a witness' home in early April of this year. Sherlyn was accompanied by two women and four burly men in civilian clothes who were apparently meant to keep her from saying anything. Karapatan is keeping secret the identities of the witnesses for their protection.

One witness said Sherlyn came to her house and said she was going to get her clothes. The witness tried to ask what happened to her, but Sherlyn just kept silent and went inside the house, closely followed by the six. The witness said Sherlyn and the six others left in a red car. The witness described one of the two females as appearing to be a "tomboy".

Portajada said that Sherlyn's appearance had raised hopes for most families of desaparecidos that their loved ones may still be alive. "We are heartened by Sherlyn's momentary appearance, although we know she and her child remain in danger. It shows that the relentless search by the families and human rights workers is the path that will eventually lead to justice."

Desaparecidos and Karapatan accompanied the Cadapan family on a search in Bataan camps yesterday.

In November 2006, witness Oscar Leuterio, a former security guard who was abducted in Doña Remedios Trinidad in April that year, said he saw two women who looked like Sherlyn and Karen inside a safe house in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija where he was kept captive. Leuterio took the witness stand at the habeas corpus petition hearing for Sherlyn and her companions at the Court of Appeals.
Leuterio said he was abducted by military and CAFGU men and was first held captive inside Camp Tecson in Bulacan, but was later transferred to Fort Magsaysay where he saw other victims being kept in cells. He said he was being forced by the military to be their informer if he wanted to keep alive. Leuterio was released in September 2006.

The Court of Appeals had denied the habeas corpus petition despite its findings that the soldier-respondents were "not telling the whole truth as they appeared evasive in their declarations."

June 24: Asian Day Against Torture

Yesterday, June 24, we held the Asian Day against Torture as part of the commemoration of the June 26 United Nations International Day in Support of the Victims of Torture. This was held in the central lawn of the Victoria Park, Causeway Bay a popular place among Indonesian migrant workers during their rest day.

The Asian Human Rights Commission, Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants and the Asian Students Association worked together and coordinated closely in ensuring the success of the first ever Asian Day.

The whole program was filled with informative and moving speeches as well as cultural presentations that kept the attention as well as moved some of the audience to tears.

Basil Fernando of the AHRC opened the program with a strong speech followed by equally powerful speeches from the various leaders of the AMCB.

Booths set up near the main stage also provided the people with information about the situation of torture in the various countries, especially where the migrants came from. They are, namely, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and the Philippines.

Here is the statement of the Asian Human Rights Commission on that day:

A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission on the Occasion ofthe UN International Day in Support of the Victims of Torture, June26, 2007

PHILIPPINES: Lack of law against torture and court delays deny redress for torture victims

Torture victims in the Philippines have suffered from the physical and mental pain inflicted on them by those who have mercilessly tortured them and have suffered a second time from the lack of a law criminalising torture. For years, torture victims in the country have been waiting for redress and a legal tool they can use to prosecute their torturers. Even filing complaints supported with substantial proof and medical evidence to support torture claims are later found to be a meaningless exercise by victims and their legal counsel. Because torture is not a criminal offence under the Philippines’ penal code, torture victims can file a complaint, but usually it makes little or no progress in the court system, if it even reaches the courts. It can even take prosecutors years—for instance, 11 years in one case—without resolving a complaint. Often those accused are able to retire or commit similar offences again and again without being held accountable for their violent actions.

It is a fact of life that the use of torture by the police and military as methods of criminal investigation and punishment is endemic in the country. What is shocking is the negligible effort to eradicate torture or the lack of legal remedies available to victims and their legal counsel to challenge these illegal practices employed by the security forces. While the authorities deny the prevalence of torture in the country, the reality is otherwise: torture is endemic and is commonly practiced in the Philippines. Often the burden to prove the use of torture rests with the victims themselves, not with those who violently abused them. Some public prosecutors have even argued that it is normal for suspects to claim they were tortured, thus, in effect, implying that anyone who makes such an accusation is not trustworthy.

What is more worrisome is that some prosecutors fail to comprehend the significance of having a law against torture. They do not find it necessary to enact such a law, arguing that the 1987 Constitution’s Bill of Rights already prohibits torture. This assertion is made even though they know that in order to give meaning to this constitutional provision it requires an enabling law thatdefines torture as a criminal act and provides adequate remedies. They likewise maintain that such a law would “overcriminalise” the offence instead of protecting the victim’s rights. There is consequently a negligible understanding by some public prosecutors of the absolute right against torture. This mentality is endemic, however, not only among prosecutors but also the public. Their understanding of torture is so flawed that it has subconsciously become an acceptable practice, a normal part of criminal investigations. Brutality and cruelty in police stations and military camps against any person suspected of committing a crime in their view deserve to be tortured. As a result of this attitude, the basic foundation of criminal justice—the presumption of innocence—is diluted and becomes irrelevant.

In recent times, allegations of torture against policemen have surfaced. For instance, in January, a man claimed to have been brutally tortured while in police custody at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Quezon City. The victim claimed he was electrocuted and deprived of sleep. Although his release was later ordered by the court, despite the gravity of his allegations, no known credible investigation or sanctions against those involved took place afterwards. Internal Affairs Services (IAS), a quasijudicial body of the PNP, is mandated to conduct automatic investigations of alleged human rights violations committed by the police, but there has been no known action taken in this case. Not only have the allegations of torture not been investigated, but the policemen have not been held accountable.

Justice for torture victims is absent even in cases in which the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has concluded in their investigation that the police tortured a suspect, such as the case of the “Abadilla Five”—five men who were tortured to confess to killing a senior police officer and sentenced to death. Inthe case of the “Abadilla Five,” the victims’ complaints have been pending for 11 years but have not yet even reached the court. Although the commission determined that the victims were tortured and recommended that charges be filed against the policemen who arrested and tortured them, no action has been taken. One of the police officers in the torture complaint, Senior Superintendent Bartolome Baluyot, was later accused of torturing other suspects in General Santos City—three years after his alleged involvement in the “Abadilla Five” case—and was able to retire from the police force. Six of the policemen in the torture complaint died before being prosecuted.

In this case, the Office of the Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices (Moleo), where the case is presently pending, has yet to resolve whether or not the policemen involved should be held for trial even though this complaint has been pending for 11 years, first with the Department of Justice (DoJ) and now with the Moleo. There is a likelihood that the case could suffer even further delays, for the ombudsman in charge of this case was replaced two months ago. Not only have the victims been denied redress due to the absence of laws and the non-prosecution of their perpetrators, theyhave also been denied speedy disposition of their case.

Thus, there is an unwillingness on the part of torture victims to pursue a case in court, not only because of the lack of a law against torture, but also due to excessive delays—the length of time and resources they have to expend to get redress and prosecute the perpetrators that, in the end, results in a meaningless and exhausting exercise for them. This reality reflects the nearimpossibility of obtaining remedies for torture victims. Moreover, the victims are forced to accept these harsh realities, and the government has continually failed to ensure that torture victims attain justice; the government, indeed, has ultimately neglected them.

The absence of a law against torture and remedies for torture victims, in essence, reflects tolerance for torture by all three branches of government. There is little apparent concern for the lack of accountability of the security forces that are accused of torture. Suspects consequently can be tortured with impunity. It also sends a strong message to victims that redress and prosecution of those responsible for torturing them is difficult—almost unachievable. When victims have the experience that their complaints are not taken seriously or they witness no progress in the court system, they come to believe that it is futile for them to complain. No complaint means no prosecution of their case and virtual acceptance and acquiescence for these illegal acts. This tragedy isentirely due to the lack of remedies and the inability of the government to protect and upheld its citizens’ constitutional rights.

The continued failure by the government to enact enabling laws against torture casts serious doubts on its ability to uphold the highest standards of human rights as a newly re-elected member of the U.N. Human Rights Council. It is inexcusable for a state party that signed and ratified the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) to fail to ensure that domestic laws exist to give meaning to the provisions of CAT. The international community, including the people of the Philippines, must resist the continuing state-sanctioned violence against suspects in police stations and military camps and the absence of remedies for torture victims. To do otherwise is to tolerate the torture of Filipinos.

Pictures of the PPT2 Forum in HK

Expressing Solidarity is Meaningful

Expressing Solidarity is Meaningful

Narrative of the June 15 Forum on the Verdict of the Permanent People’s Tribunal on the Philippine Government and the Challenges Ahead

June 15, 2007

June 15 would mark the day when solidarity flowed like sun’s rays through dark clouds of rain.

Today we held the forum on the Permanent People’s Tribunal’s verdict on the US-Arroyo government.

Thanks to the Kowloon Union Church for providing us the space tonight. Thanks to the Bethune House Women Migrant Workers’ Refuge for providing the food.

The place was just teeming with people, old and new faces. There were journalists, human rights workers, church people, students, social workers, domestic helpers, peace advocates. They sat and had dinner with us, conversed about the issue with us, listened intently to the speakers and asked questions.

To name a few of our guests, there were our friends from the Asian Human Rights Commission and HK Christian Institute, Kit from the HK Human Rights Monitor, Pastor Dan and Malou Borlado, Milabel of Amnesty International HK, Atty. Daisy Mandap and Leo Deocadiz of The Sun, Fr. Jim Mulroney and colleagues from the ACPP, Thomas of the Chinese University Student Press, Jimmy from the HK AIDS Foundation.

At 7:30PM, Bruce Van Vhooris of the Asian Human Rights Commission started the program with welcoming the guests. He introduced the HKCAHRPP to them as well as the objective of the forum and briefly about the PPT.

The documentary film “Sa Ngalan ng Tubo” (In the Name of Profit) was shown right after. For both those who’ve seen it before and the first-timers, it was another awakening moment as the reality of poverty, the farmers’ struggle and the violent response of the government and the landowners in the Philippines was shown right before their very eyes.

Silence gripped the whole audience as sounds of gunfire were heard from the documentary. Gunfire that killed 13 of the protesting farmers.

Jackie Hung from the Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese shared about her experience in the PPT and further discussed about the whole running of the tribunal, its indictments and results. Ramon Bultron of the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants detailed the current developments in the human rights campaign as well as the current political situation in the country.

Throughout the whole open forum, the audience asked questions: What mechanisms of the United Nations have been exhausted in this campaign? What is being done in the PhilippinesPhilippines to the spate of human rights violations? What else can the HKCAHRPP and other people do for this campaign? What is the solution to this problem? to stop these killings? What is the response of the Catholic Church in the

Bruce, Jackie and Ramon helped in answering all of them.

Jun Tellez from the Mission for Migrant Workers shared about similar PPT’s in Australia and Japan being initiated by some parliamentarians supportive of the cause. Bruce highlighted the need to pressure governments to discontinue their financial support to the Philippine government. Ramon raised the continuous struggles of the Filipino people against the repressive government despite the attacks.

Jackie stated her and other people’s involvement in this cause is not geared only to finding the solution but finding meaning in expressing solidarity and giving support to the Filipino people.

Towards the end, Rey Asis of the Asian Students Association read the message of solidarity from Hustisya! (organization of the families of the victims of extra-judicial killings), Desaparecidos (families of the victims of enforced disappearances) and Selda (political prisoners and their families). It was a heart-warming moment as these groups expressed their gratitude to the continuous efforts of friends outside the country in supporting the cause as well as their commitment to continue fighting for it.

Concluding the program, Bruce encouraged the people to join the HKCAHRPP and support the ongoing campaign. It is good to spread the word and let the people know, he said, so as the people and the campaign would generate more support.

Truly, it was a very good night. Amidst the continuous violations of rights back home, people here in Hong Kong generously gave their solidarity further strengthening our hearts and our resolve to go on.

Thanks to everyone who attended the forum. We will go on.

March, picket, mass, candle-lighting and vigil

For more photos, please click here

Bishop Ramento’s murder spurs indignation of thousands in Hong Kong

His brutal death did not eclipse our hopes; it fueled our rage.

The gruesome murder of Bishop Alberto Ramento, co-chairperson of the Ecumenical Bishops’ Forum and erstwhile Obispo Maximo (Supreme Bishop) of the Philippine Independent Church, last October 3 did not stop the people in the Philippines and the world over from intensifying its campaign to stop the political killings in the country.

Here in Hong Kong, for two straight days, people from all walks of life gathered once again to condemn Bishop Ramento’s death and intensify the said campaign.

Led by the Hong Kong Campaign for the Advancement of Human Rights in the Philippines, together mainly with the Asian Human Rights Commission and the Philippine Independent Church-HK, a series of activities were conducted: a signature and postcard campaign as well as a candlelight vigil and prayer service on October 8 and a picket protest at the Philippine Consulate General on October 9.

Many people joined. Many people signed. Many people sympathized.

October 8

The day started with the mounting of petition signing centers in Central. Initiated by the AHRC and the United Filipinos in Hong Kong, the petition signing posts were designed to publicize the campaign and target mainly the Filipino migrant workers to sign the petition and the postcards, all of which will be sent to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Postcard

Three posts were set up: one in World-Wide House, Divisoria’s Cluster Building of Hong Kong; another in Statue Square near Chater Road; and the third in Star Ferry pier in Central. All three are popular spots teeming with Filipino migrant workers on Sundays.

A total of 2,611 signed postcards were gathered on that day – truly an outstanding number as the consciousness builds up and people start to take notice, get involved in our campaign.

People were unafraid to ask questions and sign up on the petition. Others even asked for some more postcards which they said they will bring to their respective churches for their fellows to sign.

Concluding the day was a candle-light vigil set near the subway along Chater Road. A procession was held prior to the vigil, led by the Philippine Independent Church – Hong Kong and the Mission For Filipino Migrant Workers and attended by more than 60 people.

Darkness fell quite early yet that part of Chater Road glowed when white candles were altogether lit and white roses and flowers showered the whole place. Bishop Ramento’s picture was held larger-than-life and placed in front of the vigil. Candles in small paper cups were arranged to spell out “justice”. People gathered and stayed, reaching an estimate of 260.

Father Dwight dela Torre, chairperson of the PIC-HK and chaplain of the Mission for Migrant Workers, started the prayer service by introducing Bishop Ramento. A close friend, he shared with the people how the poor-loving bishop lived his days by standing up for the poor and defending their human rights. No doubt grief, anger and agitation enveloped the vigil area.

Several prayers were given with various migrant leaders taking turns in reading specified verses. Towards the end of the service, people were encouraged to sign their names, their wishes and their organizations’ name on a white cloth, which will be given to Bishop Ramento’s family. Songs were sung and flowers were laid in front of the bishop’s picture and around the white cloth.

Jackie Hung of the Justice and Peace Commission of the HK Catholic Diocese and Debby Chan of the HK Christian Institute were there to attend the service. Our friend Kai Shing from the Asian Human Rights Commission stayed on even after the postcard signing.

October 9

On the morning of the following day, October 9, people once again trooped to the Philippine Consulate General to register the HKCAHRPP’s condemnation of Bishop Ramento’s brutal killing.

Although not surprising, it was still a shock to us that the glass doors of the Consulate were already smoked prohibiting people inside from seeing what was happening in the lobby, where we usually held our picket protests. Nonetheless, this did not dampen our spirits and we rallied on with the calls.

A short program was conducted with Father Dwight dela Torre of PIC-HK reading the statement of his church on Bishop Ramento’s death while various members of the HKCAHRPP read in parts their statement rather loudly during the program.

One could feel the anger in our friends’ voices as they shouted slogans. Bruce Van Vhooris of the Asian Human Rights Commission, a staunch defender of human rights and a very reliable ally and friend of the Filipino people in this campaign, made sure that the Consulate people heard well what we have got to say.

We then concluded our program and prepared for more activities and programs in the future.

With the death of Bishop Ramento, we express our unwavering commitment to intensify the campaign until justice has been served to all victims of human rights violations and all the perpetrators have been punished.

Justice for Bishop Ramento

Filipinos are joined by Hong Kong Chinese friends to pay tribute to Bishop Ramento

Photo courtesy of Azon Amaya-Canete

HKCAHRPP Statement on the Killing of Bishop Ramento

6 October 2006
Hong Kong SAR


Reference:
Bruce Van Voorhis (26986913)
Rev. Dwight Q. dela Torre, IFI/PIC (98105070)
Eman C. Villanueva (97585935)
Convenors


Justice for Bishop Ramento

Bishop Alberto Ramento, a leader of his church, a key figure of the ecumenical movement in the Philippines, an advocate for the poor, a worker for justice, a promoter of peace¬such a man was suddenly awakened at about 4:00 a.m. in his room in the convent in Tarlac City and brutally stabbed to death on October 3. Why was a bishop of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), or Philippine Independent Church¬a man of God and the people¬killed so violently?

The initial explanation of the police is robbery and homicide. Why though would robbers go to the second floor of a convent to rob a bishop who had lived simply all his life and who had been a champion of the poor? What valuables would such a man possess? To steal goods from a 69-year-old man in his sleep, why would he have to be stabbed seven times?

The explanation of the churches and human rights groups in the Philippines and around the world is that Bishop Ramento’s violent death rather fits the pattern of hundreds of others in the Philippines over the past few years, i.e., another extrajudicial killing. The common denominator of the death of these priests and church workers, journalists, lawyers, peasants, workers and students is that they have upheld the rights of the poor, the majority of the population in the Philippines, and consequently, they have been critics of the policies of the Philippine government and the actions of the country’s vested economic interests. Like many of the other victims, Bishop Ramento had also received death threats prior to being killed.

Why then did the police not reach the same conclusion as well? The country’s extrajudicial killings are not a secret. What do the police have to fear? Who are they trying to protect? Are the police not implicating themselves or the military in Bishop Ramento’s death by claiming it was a robbery and homicide?

Thus, the Hong Kong Campaign for the Advancement of Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines (HKCAHRPP), a local coalition of concerned human rights, migrant and student organizations and individuals, joins others in the Philippines and throughout the world in condemning the violent death of Bishop Ramento and calls for an immediate and independent investigation into his killing. This case is an opportunity for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to honor her pledge in September to invite a delegation from Europe to monitor the Philippine government’s response to the country’s extrajudicial killings. The European monitors should play a proactive role in the process to ensure that a proper and impartial investigation is conducted.

Bishop Ramento was a church leader who sought to give witness to his faith by seeking justice for the poor. Like the Christ he followed, he was crucified by the powerful forces of his time for his words and deeds. President Arroyo though cannot wash her hands and deny her responsibility for ensuring that his case ends with justice. Bishop Ramento’s death is an opportunity for President Arroyo to prove to all Filipinos and the international community that she truly wants to solve the scourge of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

HKCAHRPP members: Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC); Asian Migrants’ Coordinating Body (AMCB); Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM); Asian Students Association (ASA); Association of Indonesian Migrant Workers (ATKI); Christian Conference of Asia – Decade to Overcome Violence (CCA-DOV); Hong Kong Christian Institute (HKCI); Justice and peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese; Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW); Iglesia Filipina Independiente (PIC) Hong Kong; Thai Regional Alliance in Hong Kong (TRA-HK); United Filipinos in Hong Kong (UNIFIL-MIGRANTE-HK); World Student Christian Federation – Asia Pacific (WSCF-AP) and individuals from the media, the academe and non-governmental organizations.

Candle-lighting to Stop the Killings

HKCAHRPP led a candlelight vigil condemning the brutal killing of Bishop Alberto Ramento

"Bishop of the Poor Peasants and Workers"

Fr. Dwight Q. dela Torre (IFI/PIC), convenor and spokesperson of the HKCAHRPP in his testimony about how the late Bishp Alberto Ramento was known as the "Bishop of the poor peasants and workers".


Photo courtesy of Azon Amaya-Canete

HK - Tribute to Bishop Ramento

Fr. Dwight dela Torre, IFI/PIC, led the prayer to pay tribute to the late Bishop Alberto Ramento.

Photo courtesy of Azon Amaya-Canete

JUSTICE FOR BISHOP RAMENTO, JUSTICE FOR ALL THE VICTIMS OF POLITICAL KILLINGS

Supreme Bishop Alberto Ramento (center), former head of the Philippine Independent Church (PIC) and co-chairman of the Ecumenical Bishops' Forum (EBF) with Hong Kong fact-finding mission delegates Serenade Woo, Chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalists Association and Jackie Hung of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese last July in the Philippines. Bishop Ramento was stabbed to death by assailants believed to be from the military inside his parish church yesterday morning.

UNIFIL-MIGRANTE-HK Press Statement on the Killing of Bishop Alberto Ramento

Press Statement
October 4, 2006


Reference: Eman Villanueva
Secretary General
Tel no.: 97585935


Justice for Bishop Ramento, human rights defender and man of peace

There is no relent for this murderous government to silence the vocal, the fearless and the defenders of human rights and of the people. Now they have killed a man of peace, a man of the church, a man of the people.

We in the United Filipinos in Hong Kong condemn in the strongest possible terms the recent killing of Bishop Alberto Ramento, known human rights defender, co-chairperson of the Ecumenical Bishops’ Forum and founding convenor of the Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties.

Bishop Ramento, former Obispo Maximo (Supreme Bishop) of the progressive Philippine Independent Church, was stabbed to death on October 3 inside his rectory in Tarlac. He was stabbed seven times at the back and to his heart.

The local police are quick to claim that Bishop Ramento’s death was a case of robbery with homicide even without holding an initial investigation.

We think otherwise. Who would steal from a poor man from a poor church? Who would kill an old and defenseless man?

Bishop Ramento’s murder is clearly political. He was a man of peace and a defender of the people. He had been vocal in questioning the legitimacy of Gloria Arroyo’s presidency and unafraid in expressing his condemnation of the present government’s hand in the political killings. Although weakened by old age, he is wizened and made strong by his principles and stance – the very reasons he was killed.

He rallied support to the struggle of the farm workers of Hacienda Luisita, a vast sugar plantation in Tarlac. His commitment to their cause has earned him their love and respect. To them and many others, he was the “Bishop of the Poor Peasants and Workers”.

To us migrant workers, he was a symbol of hope and empowerment. We have had the opportunity to meet with him and discuss the matters of human rights situation in our country in one of his many visits to Hong Kong to meet with his congregation in the Philippine Independent Church. At his age, he stood undaunted for justice and peace. He showed us what it meant to have faith with action.

We knew that when he opened his mouth to speak and moved his arms to take action, he was speaking not only for those in the Philippines but for us migrant workers as well.

He was vocal and they silenced him. He was active and unafraid, and they killed him.

Bishop Ramento’s death adds to the growing accountability of the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo government in this spate of political killings. We will not be easily deceived by a mere change in tactic from motorcycle-riding assassins to so-called “burglars”. This is a part of a national campaign under the guise of “all-out war policy” to silence and “neutralize” their perceived “enemies of the state”.

We join his family and friends and the Filipino people in mourning the loss of a man who has shown unwavering love and commitment to serve the poor and call for a swift and independent investigation on his death to bring the perpetrators to justice.

We likewise call on all peace-loving people, the religious and human rights advocates and the international community in joining us in this campaign to call for justice not only for Bishop Ramento’s death but of those many others.

While we lost another strong comrade and friend in the movement to defend human rights and peace in the Philippines, his death will not cow us from speaking up and fighting for the cause.

We will continue his legacy and shall remain as steadfast and vigilant as he was.

UNITED FILIPINOS IN HONG KONG (UNIFIL-MIGRANTE-HK)
2/F., New Hall, St. John's Cathedral, 4 Garden Road,
Central, Hong Kong SAR

IFI Statement on the brutal killing of The Most Rev. Alberto B. Ramento

A STATEMENT OF THE IGLESIA FILIPINA INDEPENDIENTE ON THE BRUTAL KILLING OF THE MOST REVEREND ALBERTO B. RAMENTO,THE NINTH IFI OBISPO MAXIMO

"I KNOW THEY ARE GOING TO KILL ME NEXT BUT NEVER WILL I ABANDON MY DUTY TO GOD AND MY MINISTRY TO THE PEOPLE"
(A statement of Bishop Alberto B Ramento to his family.)


The Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) has once again made a precious offering in the continuing task of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the brutal killing of the Most Reverend Alberto B. Ramento,the 9th Obispo Maximo of the Church.

The good bishop was slain by faceless assassins who broke through the rectory where he was staying at around four o'clock in the morning of October 03, 2006 in the Parish of San Sebastian, Tarlac City. He was awakened in his sleep when the assassins had entered his room and stabbed him seven times to death. We denounced in the strongest possible terms this barbaric and dastardly act against a man of the cloth within the premises of his own church.

Initial police investigation reports point to the incident as a mere case of robbery with homicide. However, the Ramento family, the clergy and the faithful of the Diocese of Tarlac believe that the motive is much deeper than what has come out from the spot investigation. There are glaring indications that Bishop Ramento's murder was thoroughly
planned and politically motivated. We believe that the brutal killing was the inevitable consequence of his principled engagement with the people and their struggle for the fullness of life.

Bishop Ramento, aside from being a well-loved pastor by his clergy and faithful, has earned the reputation as a social prophet, and an icon in the nationalist struggle of the Filipino masses with his uncompromising stand for national sovereignty and patrimony. He was a true advocate of just peace. As a matter of fact, Bishop Ramento is part of the
Monitoring Group in the Peace Talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front Philippines.

He was a known figure in the ecumenical movement in and outside the country. Bishop Ramento has served as the Chairperson of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines. He was also a Co-Chairperson of the Ecumenical Bishops Forum (EBF) which is composed of bishops from the various Churches in the Philippines

Bishop Ramento, as the Chairman of the IFI Supreme Council of Bishops (SCB), has strongly condemned the state of political repression and grave situation of human rights violation in the country. He has particularly denounced the unabated extra judicial killings of militant leaders, social activists, lawyers, journalists, church people and innocent civilians under the watch of the current administration. As an outspoken critic of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, he has consistently questioned the legitimacy of her presidency, and urged her to step down from office. In the last pastoral letter he signed as SCB Chairman, Bishop Ramento has urged the faithful "to find courage and confront the darkness that is engulfing the very soul of the nation and continue to thread the path towards the establishment of a just society under a government that genuinely serves the interest and welfare of the Filipinos."

Honored as the "Bishop of the Poor Peasants and Workers", Bishop Ramento has earned the love and respect of the farm workers at Hacienda Luisita, a vast sugar plantation in Tarlac, as he rallied support to their cause and advocated for their struggle.

The people behind his death might think that they have silenced him and maimed the prophetic voice of the Church. They are mistaken. His death has become like a candle in a burning incense, sparking more fire, enflaming the hearts of the clergy and faithful of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente to remain faithful to her pro-people and pro-labor
heritage. Indeed, we grieved over his death, yet we celebrate his life. They may have taken his life by opening his body with wounds - but these wounds have become the doorway from which Bishop Ramento's valiant spirit has been poured out and shared to many.

Truly, the death of Bishop Alberto B. Ramento is a great loss not only for the Iglesia Filipina Independiente but also for the ecumenical movement and peoples' organizations. The Iglesia Filipina Independiente strongly urges the authorities to immediately conduct a thorough and impartial investigation on the murder of Bishop Ramento and bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

We ask the prayers of the faithful for Bishop Alberto B. Ramento, a fatherly pastor, a social prophet, an uncompromising nationalist, a peacemaker, and a champion of the peoples' cause, who now joins his Creator. As we mourn the death of a beloved member of the IFI family, may we find inspiration from his life and death even as we commit to stand firmly for what he believed in and fought for. Let his death find meaning in our continuing resolve to live-out the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ upon which Bishop Ramento dedicated his life.

PRO DEO ET PATRIA

+ GODOFREDO J. DAVID
11th Obispo Maximo

[ENS] Filipino bishop Alberto Ramento found stabbed to death

Filipino bishop Alberto Ramento found stabbed to death

By Matthew Davies
Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Bishop Alberto Ramento of Tarlac in the Philippines was found stabbed to death at his rectory on the morning of October 3.


[Episcopal News Service] Bishop Alberto Ramento of Tarlac in the Philippines, former Prime Bishop of the Philippine Independent Church, or Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), was found stabbed to death at his rectory on the morning of October 3.

The initial police report said that he may have been killed by robbers, but others suspect Ramento, an outspoken critic of the Philippine government, could have been the victim of a political killing, the Manila Times reported.

"The true circumstances are still unknown though the initial report describes it as a robbery with homicide," according to the IFI website.

Those who knew Ramento and his advocacy work for peace and human rights joined in mourning his death, while vigils have been planned in Tarlac and at the cathedral in Manila.

The Rev. Winifred Vergara, missioner for Asian American Ministries in the Episcopal Church, was a priest in the IFI and remembers Ramento as "a prophetic voice in the Philippines" even after his retirement.

"He remained a committed nationalist, devoted to the cause of the Philippine Independent Church," he said. "He was very bold and always standing up for the oppressed and struggling for a free, humane and just Philippine society."

"We at the Episcopal Church Center were shocked to receive this horrible news," said Canon Margaret S. Larom, director of Anglican and Global Relations. "How terrible that this bold church leader should lose his life as a victim of a crime. But if his death is attributable to the foes of justice, how much worse.

"Our prayers are with the faithful members of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, and all people in the Philippines who looked to him as a voice of conscience in the wider society. May his soul rest in peace, and all who loved him find strength and patience at this time."

The Student Christian Movement of the Philippines recalled his last public speech at an Interfaith Rally on June 12, this year's National Independence Day, when he voiced strong objections against the country's political killings and corruption, as well as the government's move to amend the Philippine Constitution. "We have lost again a voice of conscience."

Mervin Toquero of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines said that Ramento's death is a big loss to the ecumenical movement in the country.

The Ecumenical Bishops' Forum, which Ramento co-chaired, has called for "an immediate and thorough investigation because Bishop Ramento was a staunch peace and human rights advocate" and had received death threats in connection with his advocacy, Toquero said. "A fact-finding team is now on its way to Central Luzon to investigate."

Ramento's death is the latest in a string of killings of Christian leaders in the Philippines. On June 17, Tito Marata, provincial officer of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines and a member of the Farmers for Agrarian Reform Movement, was gunned down by passing motorcyclists, taking the death toll of Christian activists to 17 in less than two years.

Ramento was also the chair of the Supreme Council of Bishops of the IFI as well as a convener of the Pilgrims for Peace, an alliance of peace advocates in the Philippines.

A Concordat of Full Communion that commits to mutual mission and ministry between the U.S.-based Episcopal Church and the IFI was first signed in 1961.

At the 75th General Convention, an updated version of the Concordat was signed by its current Obispo Maximo, the Most Rev. Godofredo David, and Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, as part of a June 19 reception for ecumenical and interfaith guests. Vergara noted that Ramento had been instrumental in the drafting process.

David will partake in the Thanksgiving Day Mass at the Silver Anniversary of Aglipay Central Theological Seminary (ACTS) on Saturday, October 7. A posthumous plaque and speech will be presented as recognition of Ramento's involvement in the re-opening of the seminary and his "unwavering support."

-- Matthew Davies is international correspondent for the Episcopal News Service

Letter of His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Zen, S.D.B. - Stop extra-judicial killings

CARDINAL JOSEPH ZEN, S.D.B.
BISHOP OF HONG KONG

26 September 2006.

Consul General Alejandrino A. Vicente
Consulate General of the Philippines, HKSAR
14/F, United Centre,
95 Queensway,
Admiralty,
Hong Kong.

Re: Stop extra-judicial killings in the Philippines

Dear Consul-General Vicente,

I am writing to express my deep concern about the spree of extra-judicial killings repeatedly occurring in your country that have caused the deaths of at least 700 political activists, journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders and members of the Clergy since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took office in 2001, according to human rights groups' reports and news reports.

These incidents not only shock the international community, the Catholic Church, which is a predominant community in your country, also feels deeply dismayed over such killings suspected as sympathizers of insurgents allegedly by some ultra-rightist elements in the military.

The Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Fernando Filoni and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) have denounced such killings as not respecting or implementing the rights of the human race.

The repeated occurrence of the incidence highlights the contradictory commitment of your government's intention to abolish death penalty and challenges your country's rule of law.

As a humanitarian concern and solidarity for Church people and peace activists in your country, I ask you to communicate to President Arroyo to seriously look into the matter and strongly urge your government to take appropriate measures to immediately stop such killings.

Yours sincerely,

+ Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun
Bishop of Hong Kong

Bishop Ramento with HK Mission Delegates

Bishop Ramento with HK Mission (fact-finding) delegates Fr. Dwight Q. dela Torre of St. John's Cathedral and Jackie Hung of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese last July in the Philippines.

Statement of BAYAN on Bp. Ramento killing

News Release
October 3, 2006


Bayan expresses deep sorrow over loss of Bishop Alberto Ramento Human rights defender, peace advocate

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a “staunch human rights defender and peace advocate in the person of Obispo Maximo Alberto Ramento”, the former head of the Philippine Independent Church.

Ramento died of stab wounds in his convent in Tarlac, according to reports reaching the Bayan office. Bayan has immediately called for a swift investigation into the death of Ramento.

The Aglipayan bishop was active in human rights and civil liberties issues, being a founding convenor of the Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties (MCCCL). He spoke out against the spate of extrajudicial killings under the Arroyo administration. Progressive church leaders and workers have been among the targets of political assassination in the provinces.

In the June 12 Interfaith Rally against Charter Change, Ramento again took to the stage in Liwasang Bonifacio to denounce the administration’s moves to revise the constitution. During his speech, he proudly announced that during its deliberations, the leadership of the Philippine Independent Church was unanimous in its opposition to charter change. This announcement drew applause from the audience and leaders of other churches and faiths present at the rally.

“The loss of Ramento, especially in these times of intense repression and crisis, will truly be felt by all. His death is as heavy as the Sierra Madre,” Bayan said in its statement.

HKCAHRPP Press Release - 21 September 2006

Press Release
21 September 2006


For reference:

Eman Villanueva
HKCAHRPP Convenor
Tel. No.: 97585935

“Macapagal-Arroyo is another Marcos”
Rights groups in HK join global action against killings


“It’s Martial Law all over again.”

This was declared today by the HK Campaign for the Advancement of Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines (HKCAHRPP) as about 100 people attended the candlelighting and cultural program the group organized today at Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui.

The action was conducted as part of the Global Day of Action vs Political Killings in the Philippines in commemoration of the declaration of Martial Law by former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos in 1972. Martial Law was in effect for more than 10 years and was characterized by widespread human rights violations.

“As we commemorate Martial Law, we remember the victims of human rights violation then and until now under the government of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” said Eman Villanueva, HKCAHRPP convenor.

HKCAHRPP reported that since 2001, human rights groups in the Philippines have recorded more than 780 cases of extrajudicial killings and around 180 cases of forced disappearance all over the country with victims mainly coming from activist organizations critical of government policies.

“A state of national terror is being implemented in the country nowadays. Nobody is being spared with the killings becoming more and more brazen and repressive laws being institutionalized,” Villanueva reported.

The HKCAHRPP is a group composed of local organizations and individuals in Hong Kong that strive to gather the support of the international community to stop the extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. In July this year, the group organized a Fact Finding Mission in the country to investigate cases of human rights violations.

“The HK Mission for Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines came up with the same findings as numerous other similar international missions organized – human rights violations do exist where elements of the armed forces of the state are the ones involved. Even worse, actions of the government have remained inadequate as proven by the fact that up to now, none of the cases has been resolved,” he added.

HKCARHPP said that they are planning to organize even more actions to popularize the issue in Hong Kong and urge the HK public to take part in solidarity activities to stop the killings in the Philippines.

“GMA is another Marcos. As pressure from the international community played a part in the eventual lifting of Martial Law, the broadening international solidarity and support for the current campaign will also surely force this government to effectively address human rights violations in the country,” Villanueva concluded.#

September 21 - Candle-Lighting Vigil

The message from Hong Kong is clear

September 21 - Candle-Lighting Vigil

Program emcees Aaron Ceradoy of the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants and Jackie Hung of the Justice & Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese. Jackie is one of the members of the HK fact-finding team to the Philippines last July 2006

September 21 - Candle-Lighting Vigil

Fr. Dwight dela Torre, IFI/PIC and convenor of the HKCAHRPP in his opening speech with a local Chinese friend helping with the translation to Cantonese

September 21 - Candle-Lighting Vigil

Vicky Casia-Cabantac, Chairperson of the MIGRANTE Sectoral Party Hong Kong, delivered a poem entitled “The Reign of Empress Glorius Marius Arius the Terrible” by Tomas Talledo, CONTEND-UP

September 21 - Candle-Lighting Vigil

Debby Chan of the Hong Kong Christian Institute (HKCI) and a member of the Hong Kong fact-finding team to the Philippines last July gave a testimonial from her 5-days stay in the Philippines

September 21 - Candle-Lighting Vigil

Serenade Woo, Chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) and a member of the Hong Kong fact-finding team to the Philippines last July talked about the killings of journalists and the lack of freedom of the press in the Philippines

September 21 - Candle-Lighting Vigil

Rose Wu, Executive Director of the HKCI, leading the closing prayer

September 21 - Candle-Lighting Vigil

Maricel, a Filipino migrant worker and member of the LIKHA Migrants Cultural Group, performed a dance interpretation of “Awit sa Bayani” sang by Tambisan sa Sining

September 21 - Candle-Lighting Vigil

A member of the Hong Kong People's Alliance on Globalization (HKPA) distributing statements to passers-by

September 21 - Candle-Lighting Vigil

Ben, a student from the Chinese University and a member of SCM-HK while soliciting signatures from the public for the Stop the Killings petition

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

立即終止菲律賓的政治殺害！

立即終止菲律賓的政治殺害！

共同捍衛人權與公義！

今天全球紀念菲律賓軍法管治的黑暗時代。不幸的是，全球今天仍要繼續譴責菲律賓的持續不斷的人權侵犯事件。

在1972年，菲律賓前總統馬可斯實施了長達10多年的軍法統治。期間，菲律賓人民的人權遭受殘暴不仁的踐踏。

然而目前菲律賓的人權卻仍然備受侵犯，甚至較馬可斯獨裁統治期間更為惡化。

在阿羅約的管治下，人權的狀況不斷惡化。自2001年阿羅約就任總統以來，人權組織已紀錄了743人死於法外謀殺，當中包括暗殺、即時處決及屠殺。此外，181人被擄走或強逼失蹤，下落不明。

受害人的背景各異。值得注意的是，很多受害人皆來自民間組織，並一直致力於不同的社會運動，其中議題包括：全球化、工人權益、農民抗爭、婦女、青年等議題。

他們曾積極投身在爭取和平、公義及民主的工作中，但現在他們不能再發聲了。

報告顯示，大部份的個案都與軍隊或受其包庇的民兵組織有關。這正好與政府的「保衛自由行動計劃」不謀而合，其工作藍本之一，銳意打垮那些被政府認定為「國家敵人」的份子，而這些民間組織都在打擊名單之列。

隨著眾多國際組織加入譴責菲律賓的人權狀況，阿羅約政府有感國際壓力，才稍作行動。不過，這些行動卻無甚效果，因為直至目前為止，仍然沒有個案得到公正的處理，政治殺害亦未有止息。

受害者的親友只能盼望公義到來。。

今天，香港的市民與菲律賓的死難者家屬一同哀悼。在作為「全球抗議政治殺害日」的今天，一群香港市民承諾支援菲律賓人民，共同為公義與和平而努力。

我們不會忘記軍法統治、我們不會忘記人權侵犯的受害者。我們會繼續抗爭，顯示全球人民的團結精神和力量。

香港促進菲律賓人權與和平運動

2006年9月21日