?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, which
already claimed thirteen (13) lives and hundreds incarcerated. The
economic and political crisis in Myanmar, which triggered series of
protests tackling variety of issues from oil price increases and human
rights violations, is similar to what the Filipinos are experiencing
under the Arroyo administration.
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)