Terrorism

Child-rights groups warn vs HSA’s effect on kids

By COLLETTE CUIZON | Davao Today

The Philippines's anti-terrorism law could be misused by the military, the groups said, adding that there would be constant disruptions in the lives of children because of the HSA. "Even in places where there is no actual fighting, classrooms are oftentimes transformed into evacuation centers, disrupting school classes. Children bear the trauma when their parents are illegally arrested and detained, or, in worst cases, killed."

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Since 2000, more than 1,700 civilians killed, wounded in terror attacks, mostly in Mindanao


Clarita Gragasin, 61, traveled to the Koronadal market on May 10, 2003. She was sitting in a rickshaw tricycle when a bomb detonated about five meters from her. Shrapnel from the bomb killed her instantly. ? 2006 John Sifton/Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch: Since January 2000, radical armed Islamist groups in the Philippines have carried out over 40 major bombings against civilians and civilian property, mostly in the south of the country. They have killed civilians indiscriminately -- Christians and Muslims, men and women, parents and children -- and left behind orphans, widows, and widowers. Hundreds of other victims have suffered severe wounds, burns, and lost limbs. In all, the bombings and other attacks have caused over 1,700 casualties in the last seven years, more than the number of people killed and injured in bombing attacks during the same period in neighboring Indonesia (including the 2002 Bali bombings), and considerably more than the number of those killed and injured in bombings in Morocco, Spain, Turkey, or Britain.

Continue ReadingSince 2000, more than 1,700 civilians killed, wounded in terror attacks, mostly in Mindanao

Anti-SONA protest in Davao City

Below are Davao Today’s pictures taken during the protest rally against the State of the Nation Address by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on July 23. Arroyo’s promises mean nothing to the activists as they protest the rampant human rights violations and the implementation of the Human Security Act, which, they said, will worsen political repression in the Philippines. (Photos by Cheryll Fiel and Jon Mahinay)
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Protests mount vs anti-terrorism law


Activists led by Bayan and its allied groups have been mounting protest actions against the Human Security Act, the Philippines's anti-terrorism law that is set to take effect tomorrow, July 15. Critics said the law is the most repressive piece of legislation ever crafted by the Philippine congress. (Photo by Arkibong Bayan, www.arkibongbayan.org)

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