Karapatan condemns the killing of 66-year-old Nora Apique, a peasant leader of the Kapunungan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Surigao del Sur (a member organization of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas), at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
Karapatan condemns the killing of 66-year-old Nora Apique, a peasant leader of the Kapunungan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Surigao del Sur (a member organization of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas), at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
It is deplorable that the killings, harassment, and threats against human rights defenders and our communities continue amid the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency. Mass arrests of those from rural and urban poor communities have been conducted to control populations. State terror indeed goes hand in hand with wanton disrespect of people’s rights, when militarist framework of governance takes precedence over public interest.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, communities continue to bear the brunt of heightened militarization, leading to great distress among the rural and urban poor. Apique, a staunch leader of peasants in the Caraga region, is the latest victim of state-sponsored terrorism.
We call on the Duterte government to stop the killings and attacks against the poor, including peasant human rights defenders. We have had enough of this murder spree, and we will continue to fight and work for justice and accountability for all victims of State terror.
Justice for Nora Apique! Justice for all victims of State terrorism!