Human Rights

Davao Councilor Decries ‘Threats’ of Terror Law


Terrorized. Councilor Angela Librado-Trinidad delivering a privilege speech at the City Council today denouncing the anti-terrorism bill that President Arroyo promised to sign. (davaotoday.com photo by Barry Ohaylan)

In a privilege speech at the City Council today, Davao City Councilor Angging Librado expressed the fear that the recently passed Anti-Terrorism Bill might be used against local officials. “Deceptively titled the ‘Human Security Act of 2007,’ there is nothing more perilous than this draconian measure which is certain to curtail the rights of critics of the present administration, the rights of ordinary folks, and even the rights and privileges of local public officials like us,” the activist councilor told her colleagues.

Related item: Congress — A Hall of Injustice

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Congress: A Hall of Injustice

The senators who voted for the anti-terrorism bill have nothing to say against the constitutional anomaly that while the measure gives the chief executive and the military vast authoritarian powers it is silent on Congress? lack of power as a ?check and balance mechanism? to executive abuse.

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An Invitation to Murder

What started as an invitation to lunch by a persistent former colleague in the activist movement turned into an attempt on the life of the secretary-general for Southern Mindanao of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.

Related item: ‘Killing of Bayan Muna Misamis Oriental Leader Part of Arroyo Election Plan’


Marked for Death. Tatay Mancio narrates how he was nearly killed by assassins in Tagum City. (davaotoday.com photo by Barry Ohaylan)

By Grace S. Uddin
davaotoday.com

DAVAO CITY — It all started with a visit by a woman named Nene at around noon on Jan. 22. She invited Amancio Carmelo to lunch so they could catch up on old times.

Tatay Mancio, as Carmelo is known among friends and colleagues, told Nene that they were busy preparing for an anti-government demonstration in Tagum City that day in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Mendiola Massacre and that, given how busy they were preparing for the rally, going out for lunch was out of the question.

But the woman, whom Tatay Mancio recalled as having used the nickname Len in the past, was persistent. It?s been a while since they talked, she told him. Tatay Mancio had known Nene as a fellow organizer for a Lumad group in Montevista town, Davao del Norte, years back. He finally relented and agreed to meet with Nene after the rally.

Later that day, after having dinner with Nene at a restaurant, two men on a motorcycle tried to kill Tatay Mancio. The assassins missed, and the old man scampered away to safety. The woman disappeared. Tatay Mancio, in an interview with davaotoday.com, was convinced that the woman set him up.

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Moros Fearful of Terror Bill?s Potential for Abuse


Terrorized. Members of the Suara Bangsamoro partylist group hold a demonstration on Friday against the anti-terrorism bill. (davaotoday.com photo by Barry Ohaylan)


By Grace S. Uddin
davaotoday.com

DAVAO CITY — Three months ago, Naif Yaken applied for a job in one of the plywood companies here. The work was simple: all Yaken had to do was stick the plywood together.

But the 20-year-old Moro, who supports his parents and four siblings, did not get the job. A man who applied at the same time with Yaken got it instead. Yaken now speculates that, had it not been for his religion, which is Islam, he would have gotten the job.

Related item: Terror Law Undermines Efforts for Justice and Peace in Mindanao

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