Child advocates decry CHR decision on Grecil

They're urging for independent autopsy of Grecil's remains, particularly since there were traces of powder burns on the child's head -- an indication that she may have been shot at close range, the groups said.

The CHR, according to Kabiba, is ?passing the burden of proof to the victim and is trying to vindicate human-rights violators.? It added that the CHR?s conclusion -- that Grecil died in a crossfire during a legitimate encounter -- "is actually inconclusive because the CHR did not actually employ scientific and defensible probing methods like the conduct of autopsy.?


Lack of Merit? Grecil's parents, shown here during a press conference in Manila in April, have also filed charges against the soldiers before the courts and the ombudsman. (Photo by arkibongbayan.org)

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Protesters picket Asia-Pacific mining conference in Philippines

MANILA – A wide spectrum of sectors and organizations affiliated with Defend Patrimony alliance today protested against the wanton extraction and plunder of the Philippine’s mineral reserves as it challenged industry players to uphold a mining policy that would benefit the people foremost.
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Philippines: Mining for the people, not for profit!

MANILA — We are rallying before the 7th Asia-Pacific Mining Conference and the Asean Federation of Mining Associations (AFMA) because we wish to protect our country, as well as other struggling countries throughout the Asia Pacific region, from the environmental tsunami brought about by foreign mining giants.
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IP Philippines marks 10 years of code

MANILA — The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines) commemorates 10 years of the Intellectual Property Code or Republic Act 8293, the law that created the office, with a series of activities in June. The office launches the 10th year anniversary logo of the code with the theme ?Celebrating Creativity? and a diamond as visual symbol.
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Burma: EU?s Inconsistent Policy Falls Flat at ASEM Meeting

European and Asian Foreign Ministers Should Be United in Their Burma Strategy

(New York, June 4, 2007) ? The European Union?s attempts to engage with Burma by allowing the Burmese foreign minister to attend the annual Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) has failed to bring any improvements in human rights in the country, Human Rights Watch said today.

The eighth ASEM foreign ministers? meeting was held in Hamburg on May 28-29 and attended by 45 foreign ministers from Asia and Europe, and the EU High Representative for Common and Security Policy, Javier Solana.
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