The violent dispersal of the indigenous peoples’ peaceful assembly on 19 October 2016 at the US Embassy in Manila, Philippines is beyond deplorable and calls for immediate retribution. Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) condemns the overt violation of the rights of indigenous peoples and other protesters to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
On October 14, 2016, Davao Today published an article entitled “Group mounts ‘anti-GMO’ protest on World Food Day celebration” which talks about the rally done by different cause-oriented groups in order to fulfil their goal of stopping the use of pesticides, and also production of genetically modified crops.
Manila Police District members confronted Balanquit when they saw him taking photos of them pinning down an elderly protester. A police officer allegedly shouted, “Wala akong pakialam kung taga-media ka, halika rito.”
We hope that the justices of our Supreme Court will remember these compelling reasons why dictator former President Ferdinand E. Marcos must not be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Up to now, the family has not returned the wealth they robbed from the country’s coffers.
Statement of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform for the 5th Ecumenical Church Leaders Summit on September 22, 2016 in Davao City, Philippines