Press release
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.
Karapatan, RMP, and Gabriela seek legal protection vs threats, vilification at the Supreme Court
Submitted on Mon, 05/06/2019 - 14:11
On May 6, 2019, Karapatan, together with Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) and Gabriela, with the assistance from lawyers of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), filed petition at the Supreme Court to seek legal protection from threats to life, liberty and security, amid accusations of being fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Rights group lauds people-driven initiatives in the US to decry rights violations in PH
Submitted on Mon, 04/29/2019 - 11:59Karapatan today lauded various initiatives in the US by solidarity groups and Filipino organizations to condemn human rights violations in the Philippines. Among the outcomes of which include the recent resolution of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the legislative body within the city and county government in California, condemning the Duterte administration’s war on drugs and attacks against human rights defenders in the country.
Killing of alleged female rebel whose genitals were “shattered with a bullet” is a war crime - Karapatan
Submitted on Thu, 04/25/2019 - 11:26
On April 15, 2019, a mainstream news outfit published a report on the death of Cindy Tirado, 28, an alleged woman combatant of the New People’s Army (NPA) who was killed during a reported encounter with the military in Brgy. Canocotan, Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The said report cited statements from Tirado’s mother, Emma, who belied the military’s claims that her daughter engaged soldiers in a firefight.
Karapatan mourns the death of human rights advocate Bernardino Patigas
Submitted on Wed, 04/24/2019 - 13:16
On the afternoon of April 22, 2019, 72-year-old Bernardino Patigas, fondly called “Tatay Toto” by colleagues, was gunned down while driving his motorcycle along the highway of Brgy. Washington, Escalante City, Negros Occidental. He was shot twice, in his leg and forehead, and he died instantly.
AFP, Parlade mastering the art of spinning lies and sowing intrigues - Karapatan-SMR
Submitted on Sat, 04/13/2019 - 11:17
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines through its deputy chief of staff for civil-military operations Antonio Parlade Jr. is getting more and more desperate in its vilification campaign.
