Read more about the article Lowly miners leave tunnels to camp out vs. US mining firm
UP IN ARMS. Small-scale miners and peasants in Pantukan town unite against the destructive large-scale mining operations by US and Canada-owned Russel Mines. They scored the Aquino government for ignoring their interests and welfare in favor of big and foreign mining companies. (davaotoday.com photo by Medel V. Hernani)

Lowly miners leave tunnels to camp out vs. US mining firm

Small-scale miners and peasants in this town have been up in arms against the no-habitation policy, saying it displaced and deprived them of their livelihood.  They reckoned, the move is in favor of big and foreign mining capitalists.      

Continue ReadingLowly miners leave tunnels to camp out vs. US mining firm

North Cotabato residents gripe over daily brownouts, as governor slams fake power shortage

“The power outages are but a way of conditioning the minds of consumers that there is a power crisis,” says North Cotabato Governor Taliño-Mendoza, adding that such conditioning has something to do with the privatization of the remaining government-owned power utilities in Mindanao.

Continue ReadingNorth Cotabato residents gripe over daily brownouts, as governor slams fake power shortage

Widow of Arakan human rights victim longs to visit husband’s grave

Military operations in Arakan valley hinder Gina Batoy, wife of slain peasant leader, Ramon, from going back home. Ramon Batoy was killed in a raid by the 10th Special Forces three days after Fr. Fausto “Pops” Tentorio was gunned down, also in the same town. Advocates link the killing of Fr. Tentorio and Batoy as part of the abuses of the AFP counter-insurgency policy Oplan Bayanihan in North Cotabato.

Continue ReadingWidow of Arakan human rights victim longs to visit husband’s grave
Read more about the article NPA admits killing of Swiss-Filipino businessman linked to Italian priest slay
QUEST FOR JUSTICE. Thousands of movers and supporters of the Justice for Fr. Pops Movement hold a caravan for justice and against the government’s counter-insurgency Oplan Bayanihan in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato last year. (davaotoday.com photo by Medel V. Hernani)

NPA admits killing of Swiss-Filipino businessman linked to Italian priest slay

“Clearly, he deserved the NPA's punishment” and his death “is a first step towards achieving full revolutionary justice for the beloved Fr. Tentorio.” -- New People's Army

Continue ReadingNPA admits killing of Swiss-Filipino businessman linked to Italian priest slay
Read more about the article Wanted:  Peoples’ lawyers
EMPHASIS. Laywers Neri Colmenares (right) and Roan Libarios (left) stress the importance of public interest lawyers at these times. Laywers group Union of People’s Lawyers in Mindanao had their 4th assembly in Davao City recently. (davaotoday.com photo by Medel V. Hernani)

Wanted: Peoples’ lawyers

 “A lot have become victims of injustice and they have no one to defend them.  That’s why public interest lawyering is very much needed and remains relevant” -- Roan Libarios, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) president

Continue ReadingWanted: Peoples’ lawyers