Karapatan today expressed support for Atty. Catherine Dannug Salucon as she files petitions for writ of amparo and writ of habeas data at the Court of Appeals for the continuous harassment and surveillance by members of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, specifically Philippine Army and the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP).
Karapatan today expressed support for Atty. Catherine Dannug Salucon as she files petitions for writ of amparo and writ of habeas data at the Court of Appeals for the continuous harassment and surveillance by members of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, specifically Philippine Army and the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP).
"Everyone who stands by the people has become a target by the Aquino regime," Cristina Palabay secretary general of Karapatan said in condemnation of the ongoing harassment of Atty. Salucon. "Political opponents, including activists and NDFP consultants for the peace negotiations are charged with trumped-up criminal cases, if not killed or disappeared. The very few lawyers who are willing to defend the poor and victims of human rights violations are now themselves being subjected to human rights violations," Palabay said.
On March 24, Atty. Salucon was with William Bugatti, a human rights worker who was gunned down on the evening of the same day. The two attended a hearing of political prisoners Rene Boy Abiva and Virgilio Corpuz, both leaders of people’s organizations in Cagayan Valley charged with a trumped-up case in Lagawe, Ifugao. Bugatti had earlier warned Atty. Salucon to change her routine in going to hearings for her own safety.
After Bugatti’s death, Atty. Salucon was able to piece together details that confirmed she is also under surveillance and is also included in the military’s watch list of "Communist Terrorist" for defending in court alleged rebels. A long-time public defender, Atty. Salucon is the National Auditor of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL).
"The harassment and surveillance of Atty. Salucon is not only a violation of her rights but also of the right of the people to counsel, especially the poor who are falsely charged," Palabay said.
Respondents to the petitions are Pres. BS Aquino in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, ISAFP Commanding Officer Gen. Eduardo Año, Philippine Army Commanding Gen. Hernando Irriberri, and 5th Infantry Division Commanding Gen. Joel Ibañez.
Atty. Salucon asked the CA for a temporary protection order and to disclose to her and to provide her with copies of all the facts, information, statements, records, photographs, dossier and all other evidence, documentary or otherwise, pertaining to her in their files or record; and to direct the respondents, and/or any persons acting on their behalf, to destroy any information gathered on Atty. Salucon.