FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS!
We, Canadians for just peace in the Philippines, strongly support the Peace Talks between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDPF). We believe that the Peace Process is key to solving the long-standing armed conflict and we hope fervently for its success.
FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS!
We, Canadians for just peace in the Philippines, strongly support the Peace Talks between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDPF). We believe that the Peace Process is key to solving the long-standing armed conflict and we hope fervently for its success.
For this reason, we appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte to release all political prisoners. It is our firm belief that the release of all political prisoners is a critical step to achieve success in the Peace Talks. The president himself recognized this when he made his promise to free all political prisoners in conjunction with his declaration to resume the Peace Talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
We believe in the sincerity of President Duterte to pursue the peace negotiations and end the war that has cost so many lives and caused untold human suffering. We welcome the goodwill gesture of the President in releasing 22 consultants of the NDFP so they could participate at the Peace Talks last October in Oslo, Norway. It was in this spirit of fostering a favourable condition for the negotiations that the agreement signed by GRP and NDFP panels stipulates that the government panel will recommend to President Duterte the issuance of an Amnesty Proclamation for the release of prisoners who are listed by the NDFP.
We are therefore deeply concerned by recent statements from the President that signal a reversal of his commitment to release all political prisoners and pursuit of a successful Peace Process. We are particularly disturbed that his government is now backtracking on previous commitments adding new conditions such as a signed ceasefire agreement between the GRP and NDFP panel as a precondition to the release of political prisoners. We fear that this condition which is not stipulated in the joint agreements between the GRP and NDFP panels could deteriorate the relationship of trust and confidence that is so crucial for the Peace Talks to succeed.
In solidarity with the Filipino people who have long aspired and struggled for just and lasting peace,
– We appeal to President Duterte to ensure the continuance and success of the Peace Talks and guarantee that the peace negotiation does not collapse by the failure to release all political prisoners.
– We urge the President to abide by the agreement signed by the GRP and NDFP panel and take immediate steps towards the issuance of an Amnesty Proclamation and to use his persuasive leadership to get the proclamation approved by Congress.
– We call on him to release the 3 consultants of the NDFP who remain in detention as a confidence-building measure.
– We call on him to release immediately on humanitarian grounds all the 130 ailing political prisoners. The tragic death of political prisoner Bernabe Ocasla on November 28highlights the urgency of their release.
– We call on President Duterte to further foster favourable conditions for the Peace Talks by putting an end to the counter-insurgency program, Operation Plan Bayanihan, and returning military troops to their barracks.
The release of all political prisoners is an issue of justice. We appeal to President Duterte to protect the right of his country’s citizens to speak and act on their political beliefs. We urge him to rectify the injustice committed against those who are imprisoned for exercising their right by releasing all political prisoners NOW.
Signatories
NATIONAL and REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
1. Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)
2. Hassan Yussef, National President, Canadian Labour Congress
3. Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)
4. National Union of General and Public Employees (NUPGE)
5. Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)
6. Kelly Moist, National Executive Member CUPE Manitoba
7. Paul Moist, Past President, Canadian Union Of Public Employees
8. Mining Watch Canada
9. Rev. Rosemarie Lambie, Executive Secretary, Montreal and Ottawa Conference, United Church Of Canada
10. Jennifer Henry, Executive Director, KAIROS Canada
11. Rev. Japhet Ndhlovu, Program Coordinator, South Asia The United Church of Canada
12. Thomas S. Saras, President and CEO, National Ethnic Press and Media Council Canada
13. John Cartwright, President, Ontario Federation of Labour
14. International Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP-Canada)
15. Bern Jagunos, Global Council Member International Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines – ICCHRP
16. Douglas Booker, Global Council Member International Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines –ICCHRP
17. Rose Tijam, President – Philippine Press Club of Ontario
18. Joceylne Dubois, International Director, Canadian Labour Congress
19. Louise Casselman, Global Justice Officer Public Service Alliance of Canada BRITISH COLUMBIA
20. Mable Elmore – NDP Candidate Vancouver-Kensington
21. CUPE BC International Solidarity
22. Lawyers Rights Watch Canada (LRWC)
23. Alliance for People’s Health (APH)
24. Grassroots Women
25. Red Sparks Union
26. Ayotzi68 Cultural Society
27. South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy (SANSAD)
28. Migrante BC
29. Canada-Philippines Solidarity for Human Rights (CPSHR)
30. Philippine Artist Network for Community Integrative Training Collective (PANCIT)
31. Mining Justice Alliance (MJA)
32. Dr. Valerie Raoul, Professor Emerita Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice University of British Columbia
33. Rev. Stuart Lyster, St. Stephen’s United Church, B.C.
34. Dr. Leonora C. Angeles, Associate Professor of Community and Regional Planning and Women’s and Gender Studies University of British Columbia
35. Bert Monterona, International visual artist
36. Andrew Leger, President CUPE Local 1004
37. Katie Techen, BC Ferry and Marine Workers Union
38. Ronnie Nicolasora, UNIFOR 468W
39. Simon Lau, UNIFOR BC Young Workers Committee
40. Val Cadamia CUPE Local 728 – Surrey Schools Support Worker
41. Linda Harding, Regional VP Pacific, Government Services Union, PSAC WESTERN CANADA
42. Dhon Mojica, Chairperson of Migrante Alberta
43. Joel Zillman, UNIFOR Local 830, Winnipeg
44. Ryan Bradford, Teamsters Canada Local 987
45. Samuel Dutton, Teamsters Canada Local 987
46. Melanie Euero, UNIFOR Local 2169, Winnipeg TORONTO
47. John Cartwright, President, Toronto District Labour Council
48. Medhi Kouhestaninejad, Ontario Region Representative, Canadian Labour Congress
49. Hermie Garcia Publisher and Editor Philippine Reporter
50. Mila Astorga-Garcia, co-publisher and managing Editor of The Philippine Reporter
51. Ben Corpuz, Filipino Workers Network, CUPE Local 1750.
52. Philip Fernandez – CPCML
53. Thomas S. Saras, President and CEO, National Ethnic Press and Media Council Canada
54. Camilla Gibb, June Callwood Professor in Social Justice, University of Toronto
55. Rev. Dante Coloma – Parish Priest, Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Toronto
56. Rev Irene Ty, Minister, Thornhill United Church
57. Ethel Tungohan, Assistant Professor in Political Science, York University
58. Philip Kelly, Director York University Centre for Asian Research (YCAR)
59. Petronila Cleto, PEN Canada Writers-in-Exile Network; journalist and member. National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada
60. Dr. Rupa Banerjee, Associate professor, Ryerson University.
61. Carol Peck, Secretary Treasurer, Advent Lutheran Church
62. Sonia Da Costsa, Catholic Women’s League
63. Winsome Fletcher, Catholic Women’s League
64. Lillian D’Souza, Catholic Women’s League
65. June Dyer Anglican Church Women, Christ Church Stoufville
66. Cheryl Smith
67. Janet Barclay, Catholic Women’s Guild, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Pickering
68. Maryanne Farrell, Catholic Women’s Guild, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church
69. Susan Johnson, Manor Road United Church
70. Lehtel Shand, Coordinator WDP, Church of St. Andrew
71. Anna Crossthwaite, President Holy Redeemer Catholic Women’s Guild
72. Mary Fernando, President Catholic Women’s League St. Maria Goretti.
73. Cecila M Caughey, Spiritual Convener Catholic Women’s Guild
74. Shirley Knoutz, Spiritual Convener, Church of the Holy Trinity
75. Lynn Smart, former Chair of Festival Day, Our Lady of Lourdes Newman Center
76. Sonia Chetr, Coordinator WDP, Deer Park United Church
77. Joan Chang Outreach, Church of St. Andrew Scarborough
78. Maureen Maguire, Area 6-7 WDP Convener, Metropolitan Church – United Church
79. Angela Schwarz, Member of Women’s Inter Church Council, (WICC), United Church
80. Lynne Lamb, Lay Minister, St. Matthews United Church
81. Clare Barry, Rosedale United Church
82. Mary Pattison, Melrose Catholic Church
83. Uilia Fera, Immanuel United Church, Brampton
84. Daphne Haist, President Anglican Church Women, Church of our Savior
85. Marjorie Mower, Fairlawn Avenue United Church,
86. Luz Sanamaria, Outreach, Church of St. Jude
87. Michael Guzman, SEIU Healthcare
88. Zenee Maceda, United Food and Commercial Workers Toronto
89. Abdi Hagi Yusef, CUPW – Toronto
90. Maria Sherry Tan, Filicare Support Group/Pinoy Radio
91. Paldo Godoy, United Food and Commercial Workers Union
92. Gabriel Bako, United Food and Commercial Workers Union
93. Paige Galette, Continuing Education Students Association of Ryerson
94. Alex Banaog, United Food and Commercial Workers Union
95. Patrick Riley, Ontario Public Service Employees Union
96. Darcy Aime, Canadian Union of Postal Workers
97. Ennrika Beausoeur, Canadian Union of Postal Workers
98. Carole Robidoux, Canadian Union of Postal Workers
99. Rudy Persuad, United Food and Commercial Workers Union
100. Naveen Metha, United Food and Commercial Workers Union
101. Sam Akinsanya, Public Service Alliance of Canada
102. Pascale Trott Nelson, Service Employees International Union
103. Hyancintha Jayasuram, Graduates Student Union
104. Janet Moffat, United Steelworkers Union
105. Shari Jensen, United Food and Commercial Workers Union
106. Monica Staff, United Food and Commercial Workers Union
107. Frances Maher, Canadian Union of Postal Workers
108. Greg Dwulit, SEIU Healthcare
109. Christine Maclin, UNIFOR Local 195
110. Adrienne Plumley, Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO/ETT)
111. Tim Ruddy, Ontario Professional Firefighters Association (OPFFA)
112. Doug Warren, CUPW Toronto 626
113. Alex Josgh, Independent
114. Muriam Salman, Anakbayan Toronto
115. Fe Grzincic, International Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRPCanada)
116. Josie Forcadilla, United Church of Canada
117. Celia Conn, Independent
118. Dorthy McElhinney, United Church of Canada, Toronto
119. Bob McElhinney, United for Mining Justice.
120. Maria Simesa, Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Toronto
121. Hennie Bose, Iglesia Filipina Independiente, GTA
122. Gloria Ascuncion, Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Toronto
123. Leny Rose Scimbre, Iglesia Filipina Independiente/Migrante Ontario
124. Marisol Bobadillia, Migrante Ontario
125. Enrico Esguerra, ICHRP-Toronto
126. Maridel Dela Cruz, Migrante Ontario
127. Authur Pederico, Migrante Ontario
128. Anselmo Bobomo Migrante Ontario
129. Nancy Quinon, Filpino Migrant Workers Movement (FMWM)
130. Bayani Edades, Migrante Ontario
131. Lui Queano, Philippine Press Club of Ontario (PPCO)
132. Gemma Geronimo, Migrante Ontario
133. Steve Ruchinski MLPC
134. Bob McCabe, MLPC
135. Enver Harbans, National Representative at United Food & Commercial Workers International Union
136. Brenda Carmichael, UFCW 175
137. Ryan Donelly, Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union Local 343
138. Lauren Baert, PSAC- Customs and Immigration Union
139. Christoff Kyere, Unifor Local 1285 Brampton
140. Iraj Pakzamir, OPSEU Local 112
141. Jacqueline Murray, CUPE LOCAL 7797
142. Andre G. Vogue, Union of Environmental Workers (UEW/STE)
143. Bayit Sardlui, Hospital Employees Union
144. Renee Frost, Society of Energy Professionals – IFPTE Local 160
145. Harjinder Badial, Vice President, Teamsters Canada Local 419
146. Brigitte Sottile, Teamsters Canada
147. Lei Eigo, Unite Here Local 75
148. Susan McMurray, UNIFOR
149. Allan Basa, CUPE Local 79
150. Luisa Lampitoc, Shop Steward, OPSEU Local 502
151. Toni Eyre, United Steel Workers, Local 1998
152. Magdalena Diaz, Independent
153. Andrea Bobadilla, Independent OTTAWA
154. Ontario Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines
155. Pilipino Migrante Sa Canada (PMSC – Ottawa)
156. CUPE 4600 Teaching and Research Assistants and Contract Instructors, Carleton University
157. Hassan Husseini, President Ottawa Carleton CUPE District Council
158. Carl Laguerre, Regional Representative for Human Rights NCR, Public Service Alliance of Canada,
159. Don Swartz – Professor Carleton University School of Public Administration
160. Dr. Brian MacDougall, Contract Instructor, Carleton University.
161. Dr. Ravi Pendakur, Professeur / Professor Affaires publiques et internationales / Public and International Affairs Université d’Ottawa / University of Ottawa
162. Dr. Denise L. Spitzer, Ph.D. Professeure titulaire – Professor Institut d’études féministes et de genre-Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies, Université d’Ottawa-University of Ottawa
163. Gustavo Gottret – Professor Psychology, Université d’Ottawa-University of Ottawa
164. Fr. Pedro Arana, Priest Assumption Catholic Church
165. Rev. Brian Cornelius, First United Church, Ottawa
166. J.J. Smith, First United Church, Ottawa
167. James Scott, First United Church, Ottawa
168. Maridel Labuga, Philippine Migrants Society of Canada
169. Mary Jane DeGuzman, Philippine Migrants Society of Canada
170. Siobhan Kerwin, Student University of Ottawa,
171. Kelsey Marion, Student University of Ottawa,
172. Cathy Remus, Canadian Union of Public Employees
173. Yasmin Khan, Ontario Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines
174. Kelti Cameron, Ontario Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines
175. Stuart Ryan, Ontario Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines
176. Mackenzie Cubid, CKCU Radio – Talakayang Bayan
177. Alyssa Rufo, CKCU Radio – Talakayang Bayan
178. Stuart Ryan
179. Linda Green – Retired
180. Louise Belisile
181. Kim Good – Total Communication Environment
182. Cheryl Grant
183. Pam Griffin-Hody CUPE 2424
184. Wendy Bye
185. Jasmine Bye
186. Sonia Chamberlain
187. April Harrison – Student
188. Gaelle Giroux – Student
189. Tyler Labonte
190. Laura Kaeding PSAC-UTE
191. Kayria Tagholi – Student
192. Maria Khorkhordina Student
193. Jen May – Student
194. Kristine Castenos – Unifor Local 414
195. Meron Asefaw – Student
196. Laxy Saunthararajan – SEIU Local 2
197. Dr. Suzan Ilcan, Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology and Legal Studies, University of Waterloo, and Balsillie School of International Affairs, Waterloo, Canada Director, MA Global Governance Balsillie School of International Affairs
198. Dr. Daniel O’Connor, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Legal Studies, University of Waterloo Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology and Legal Studies, University of Waterloo QUEBEC
199. Ainsley Starton, Syndicat des employées et employés professionnels-les et de bureau (SEPB)
200. Kate Baldwin, SEPB 577
201. Cantal Dumoulin, SEPB Quebec
202. Susan Lewis, Christ Church Alymer Quebec
203. Rev. Eric Morin, Christ Church, Alymer Quebec ATLANTIC
204. Sharon Hubley, CUPE Nova Scotia Local 1867
205. Mario Rodriguez, CUPE Local 1655 – New Brunswick
206. Neville David, Atlantic Region, Public Service Alliance of Canada NORTH
207. Rashmi Patel, United Northern Workers – Yellowknife