It is difficult for our brothers and sisters in the war-torn areas of Basilan to observe one of the important pillars of Islam when the guns and bombs of the Philippine Army are aimed at them, said Amirah Ali Lidasan of Suara Bangsamoro, adding that Moro civilians are vulnerable to the military operation conducted during Ramadhan for most of them are weak due to whole day of fasting.
DAVAO CITY — BAYAN in Southern Mindanao denounces the massive human rights violations and killings of political activists in Myanmar,…
By CHERYLL D. FIEL | Davao Today
Journalists, some of whom experienced being denied information related to the last elections, have committed to campaign among colleagues and lawmakers for the “Freedom of Information Act of 2007,” which, once passed into law, will require government to release public documents within a specific number of working days upon receipt of a request and will eliminate the excessive cost of acquiring these data, which is imposed by government agencies.
By CHERYLL D. FIEL | Davao Today
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who was scheduled to undergo surgery last week, said he had no qualms leaving his post because he has complete trust in his daughter. Asked about the possibility of criminals on the loose while he is away, the mayor retorted, “When the cat is away, the tiger takes over,” apparently alluding to his daughter.
During the commemoration of the 35th year of declaration of martial law on Sept. 21, different lawyers’ organizations in Davao City came together at the Centennial Park not only to light candles for judges, lawyers, and paralegals who were victims of the abusive law. They were also there to denounce the Human Security Act, which they called “illegal.” The lawyers describe the present state of the country as even worse than during martial law. They see more human-rights abuses under the law. On the same occasion, the lawyers launched HOTLINE 296-0070; people who are faced with HSA-related violations can call and ask for help. (davaotoday.com photo by Cheryll D. Fiel)
In aftermath
of Estrada verdict, a focus
on Arroyo
COMMENTARY
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is not yet off the hook. She may have to face her day of reckoning as a private citizen, probably even before her term ends in 2010.
This short film, by the independent filmmaker Jon Red, is one of the public service advertisements on extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in the Philippines that were banned for public exhibition by government censors, who said these films “are presented unfairly, one-sided and undermines the faith and confidence of the government and duly constituted authorities for public exhibition.” Click here to view the other films.
Martial Law still exists in Mindanao, particularly in Moro areas under the pretext of pulverizing terrorists. Thirty-five years later, the public is still being made to believe that the terrorist scare justifies anti-people measures like the Human Security Act and all-out war in Moro communities, even during Ramadhan, the holy month of fasting.
With HSA, poor communities most vulnerable to rights abuses
