Latest News
Karapatan renews calls for release of trade unionist Maoj Maga, asserts that unionism is not a crime
Submitted on Mon, 05/27/2019 - 21:43
The Free Maojo Maga campaign has designated May 28, 2019 as the global day of action to call for the release of trade unionist Maoj Maga of the Kilusang Mayo Uno. Maga is set to face judgment for trumped-up charges of illegal possession of firearms on June 3, 2019. He was illegally arrested in February 2018 while playing basketball in his neighborhood.
Rights violations, dire state of Marawi evacuees, plunder of resources and corrupt dealings mark 2nd year ML in Mindanao
Submitted on Fri, 05/24/2019 - 11:06
“May 23, 2019 marks the 2nd year of martial law implementation in Mindanao. The Duterte government has perpetrated several myths about military rule and has intentionally propagated fear to justify the extension and passage of repressive policies. Martial law did not bring about safety, but rather atrocities such as the Patikul massacre of 7 youths in September 2018, the Jolo twin bombings, and corruption and abuses among the ranks of security forces,” said Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay.
Karapatan supports key findings of int’l NGO mission, challenges the PH gov’t to adopt measures to protect defenders
Submitted on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 09:04
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), has recently concluded its international mission on the situation of human rights defenders in the Philippines, in a press conference held at the Commission on Human Rights in Quezon City on Wednesday, May 22. FIDH and OMCT met with various stakeholders, including victims of human rights violations and their kin, and human rights organizations.
Slain rights advocate in Negros reelected as city councilor in Negros - Karapatan
Submitted on Thu, 05/16/2019 - 10:51
On April 22, 2019, Bernardino Patigas, 72, was gunned down by motorcycle-riding gunmen along the highway of Brgy. Washington, Escalante City, Negros Occidental. Patigas, or “Tatay Toto” to many of his colleagues, was a Sangguniang Panglunsod member in Escalante City. He was running for re-election and was on his way home from an election campaign activity when he was killed. On May 13, 2019, as per partial and unofficial results from the Commission on Elections, Tatay Toto has won a seat as the city’s 10th councilor, with 18,011 votes.
Karapatan: Investigate PNP for distributing black propaganda outside election precincts
Submitted on Wed, 05/15/2019 - 10:09
“In an effort to pursue their smear campaign against progressive partylists, elements of the police were seen distributing materials which red-tagged groups under the Makabayan bloc on May 13, within the vicinity of election precincts. This is a blatant disregard of the law. We likewise raise the possibility of these materials being published and distributed at the expense of taxpayer’s money. The country’s security forces have shown its skewed priorities, choosing to target partylists which not only have a solid track record, but are truly representative of the marginalized,” said Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay.
