Activists in Davao City burn the effigy of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during her State of the Nation Address on July 23. According to the activists, Arroyo's promises mean nothing as they protest rampant human-rights violations and the implementation of the Human Security Act, which, they said, will worsen political repression in the Philippines. (Davao Today photos by Cheryll Fiel and Jon Mahinay) MORE ANTI-SONA PHOTOS HERE.
Davao residents join a signature drive calling for the release of kidnapped Italian priest Fr. Giancarlo Bossi at the NCCC mall in Davao City. The 57-year-old missionary from Milan, Italy, was kidnapped by gunmen on June 10 in Zamboanga Sibugay province. Rome-based artist Tomas Concepcion returned to the Philippines on Thursday with his latest masterpiece meant for a unique cause: to bring together Muslims and Christians toward the common call for the release of Bossi. Along with the signature campaign is the exhibit of Concepcion's paintings at the ground of the mall. (Photo by Keith Bacongco)
Following the Supreme Court decision this week junking with finality the rebellion charge against him and five other colleagues, Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran walks out of the hospital where he had been imprisoned for 16 months. Beltran's arrest and incarceration has drawn widespread condemnation here and abroad. (Photo by Arkibong Bayan, www.arkibongbayan.org)
Students staged a rally in front of the University of Mindanao campus on Bolton Street to protest the implementation of the Human Security Act, which, they said, would impinge on democratic rights. The law, which will take effect on July 15, allows the formation of an "inter-school coordinating body" that, according to the students, would suppress student councils and student publications. (davaotoday.com photo by Tyrone A. Velez)
Employees of Davao City Water District during a prayer rally on July 5 to oppose the proposed privatization of the government utility company. (Photo by Keith Bacongco)