Campaign for Human Rights in the Philippines

Summary

This report analyses the progress made by the Philippines on implementing recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions following his visit to the Philippines from 12-21 February 2007 (A/HRC/8/3/Add.2). Progress has been mixed on the implementation of the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations. Since the Special Rapporteur’s visit, there has been a drastic reduction in the number of leftist activists killed. The Supreme Court has promulgated and improved the operation of two important writs. And the Commission on Human Rights is taking serious steps to begin investigations of unlawful killings. However, the Davao death squad continues to operate, and increased numbers of death squad killings have been recorded. Reforms directed at institutionalizing the reduction of killings of leftist activists and others, and in ensuring command responsibility for abuses have not been implemented. Witness protection remains grossly inadequate, and impunity for unlawful killings widespread. Likewise, no improvement has been made by the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army to reduce the extrajudicial executions for which they bear responsibility.

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Youth leaders cry against military spying, harassment in schools

CBCP News – http://www.cbcpnews.com/?q=node/6986

24 January 2009

QUEZON CITY—The Tanggulan Youth Network for Human Rights and Civil Liberties (TANGGULAN) complained against alleged military agents at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) yesterday, January 23, for allegedly spying on activities and harassing student leaders from different universities and colleges in Metro -Manila. [Read more →]

Amnesty International urgent action on James Balao

PUBLIC AI Index: ASA 35/001/2009

23 January 2009

urther Information on UA 274/08 (ASA 35/007/2008 25 September 2008) and follow-up (ASA 35/009/2008 6 November 2008; ASA 35/010/2008 19 November 2008) – Enforced disappearance

PHILIPPINES James Balao (m), aged 47, Indigenous rights activist

On 19 January 2009, the Regional Trial Court in La Trinidad, Benguet province, ruled that the authorities must disclose the whereabouts of abducted Indigenous people’s rights activist James Balao immediately. However, the ruling does not grant permission for his relatives and their representatives to inspect places of detention where he may be held, nor does it compel the authorities to hand over documents relating to his case, or offer protection to those who witnessed his abduction. [Read more →]