Political Killings on the rise

[patsadahon]

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BAYAN MUNA MEMBERS KILLED: 95
PERIOD: April 15, 2001 - May 27, 2006

Ramon Ternida on 04/15/01 in Mindoro Oriental by a known military asset

2 Isidro Manlangit on 04/27/01 in Ligao City, Albay by CAFGU and 4 military elements

3 Peter Dangiwan on 04/30/01 in Kalinga by elements of the CPLA

4 Juanita Mesias, Jr. on 05/13/01 in Leyte by Melquiades and Omar Sumudlayon of the private army of a local politician

5 Ricardo Romero on 06/02/01 in Laguna by 2 CAFGU elements under the 1st IBPA

6 Camenia Abatan on 06/23/01 in Davao del Norte by the Intelligence unit of the 72nd IBPA

7 Constancio Gadon on 06/24/01 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of 6th SF coy TF Banahaw

8 Roberto Nepa on 06/24/01 in Davao del Norte by the Intelligence unit of the 72nd IBPA

9 Milagros Belga on 07/22/01 in Laguna by 2 CAFGU elements under the 5th SF Coy

10 Erwin Bacarra on 08/01/01 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 2nd Sct. Ranger

11 Wilfredo Mananghaya on 09/20/01 in Bulacan by Special Operations command

12 Rolando Cabagay on 10/06/01 in Mindoro Oriental by CAFGU elements under the 16th IBPA

13 Roger Fernando on 10/08/01 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 6th SF coy TF Banahaw

14 Felipe Lapa on 10/25/01 in Laguna by CAFGU elements

15 Nicanor de los Santos on 12/08/01 in Antipolo City by elements of TF Panther

16 Emilio Santillan on 03/12/02 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 68th IBPA

17 Ildefonso Brucal on 03/20/02 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 16th IBPA

18 Warlito Nagasao on 03/20/02 in Isabela by elements of the 45th and 54th IBPA

19 Expedito Albarillo on 04/08/02 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 16th IBPA

20 Manuela Albarillo on 04/08/02 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 16th IBPA

21 Osias Magarzo on 05/08/02 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 204th IB

22 Ruben Apolinar on 05/20/02 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 204th IB

23 Rodriga Apolinar on 05/20/02 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 204th IB

24 Nina Angela Apolinar on 05/20/02 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 204th IB

25 Edilberto Napoles, Jr. on 05/28/02 in Mindoro Oriental by CAFGU Elements of the 204th IB

26 Eduardo Mordido on 06/27/02 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 68th IBPA

27 Rizza Concha on 08/24/02 in Cebu by elements of the 78th IBPA

28 Oscar Sacdalan on 11/23/02 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 204th IB

29 Vedasco Lalong-Isip on 11/23/02 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 204th IB

30 Anthony Martinez on 11/23/02 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 204th IB

31 Jake Soriano on 05/15/03 in Isabela by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

32 Vicente Bico on 11/06/03 in San Pablo, Laguna by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

33 Romy Malabanan on 12/23/03 in Bay, Laguna by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

34 Felix Rosquites on 01/08/04 in Davao del Norte by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

35 Juvy Magsino on 02/13/04 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 204th IB

36 Leyma Fortu on 02/13/04 in Mindoro Oriental by elements of the 204th IB

37 Rodolfo Gogo on 04/01/04 in Compostela Valley by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

38 Jesus Bongalon on 04/01/04 in Bato, Camarines Sur by elements of the 42nd IBPA and CAFGU

39 Charlie Mandaya Davao on 04/24/04 in Compostela Valley by elements of the 60th IB

40 Ganadi Pinamaylan on 04/24/04 in Compostela Valley by elements of the 60th IB

41 Charlie Utag on 04/24/04 in Compostela Valley by elements of the 60th IB

42 Rogelio Perez on 04/29/04 in Pagbilao, Quezon by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

43 Conrado Katigbak on 05/13/04 in Pagbilao, Quezon by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

44 Henry Buduan on 05/13/2004 in Compostela Valley by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

45 Merly Cabatay on 06/09/04 in Pagbilao, Quezon by a lone assailant, a military asset

46 Pablito Ignacio on 01/11/05 in San Ildefonso, Bulacan by elements of the 56th IB PA

47 Ronnie Almaote on 02/06/05 in Lucena City, Quezon by 3 unidentified men and 2 women

48 Abel Ladera on 03/03/05 in Tarlac City, Tarlac by unidentified armed men

49 Romy Sanchez on 03/09/05 in Baguio City, Benguet by unidentified members of the 50thIB in Guimod Norte,

Ilocos Sur

50 lawyer Felidito C. Dacut on 03/14/05 in Tacloban City, Leyte by two unidentified men on a single motorcycle

51 Alfredo Davis on 04/14/05 in Mahaplag, Leyte by two unidentified men on a single motorcycle

52 Delio Apolinar on 04/ 25/05 in Pamplona, Camarines Sur by suspected military elements

53 Norberto Cabigayan on 04/25/05 in Calbiga, Western Samar by suspected military elements under the 8th ID

54 Diosdado Abunda on 05/03/05 in Borongan, Eastern Samar by two unidentified men

55 Rev Edison Lapus on 05/12/05 in San Isidro, Leyte by unidentified men suspected

56 Eddie Dimaano on 05/19/05 in Pamplona, Camarines Sur by suspected militry elements under the 7th ID

57 Vice-Mayor Adolfo Aquino on 07/06/05 in Mapandan, Pangasinan by an unknown assailant

58 Rev. Raul Domingo on 09/20/05 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan by an unknown assailant

59 lawyer Norman Bocar on 09/27/05 in Borongan, Eastern Samar by suspected military elements under the 7th ID

60 Celia Esteban on 10/02/05 in Guimba, Nueva Ecija by suspected military elements under the 7th ID

61 Rolando Mariano on 10/05/05 in Victoria, Tarlac by suspected military elements under the 7th ID

62 Florante Collantes on 10/15/05 in Camiling, Tarlac by suspected military elements under the 7th ID

63 Tito Macabitos on 10/20/05 in San Jose, Nueva Ecija by suspected military elements under the 7th ID

64 Bocap Rodante Bautista on 10/24/05 in Brgy. La Purisima, La Paz, Tarlac by suspected military elements under the 7th ID

65 Franscisco Rivera on 10/26/05 in Brgy, Pulung Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga by suspected military elements under the 7th ID

66 Jose Daculang on 11/10/05 in Ormoc, Leyte by suspected military elements under the 8th ID

67 Ben Bajado on 11/13/05 in Maydalong, Eastern Samar by suspected military elements under the 8th ID

68 Clarita M. Ramirez on 11/14/05 in Brgy. Bagong Flores. Lupao, Nueva Ecija by two unidentified armed men on a blue motorcycle w/ no plate

69 Ricardo Uy on 11/18/05 in Sorsogon, Sorsogon by suspected military elements under the 42nd IB

70 Errol Sending on 11/19/05 in Angeles City, Pampanga by suspected elements of the 69th IB

71 Gerry Almerino on 11/21/05 in Brgy. San Agustin, Palo, Leyte by elements of the 19th IB under the command of Lt. Benedicto

72 Alma Bartoline on 11/21/05 in Brgy. San Agustin, Palo, Leyte by elements of the 19th IB under the command of Lt. Benedicto

73 Pepe Manegdeg on 11/28/05 in Brgy. Apatot, San Esteban, Ilocos Sur by suspected elements of the 50th IB

74 Albert Terredaño on 11/29/05 in Bangued, Abra by suspected elements of the 5th ID

75 Junie Jacosalem on 12/06/05 in Calamba, Misamis Occidental by suspected elements of the 5th DRC (Division Reconaissance Company)

76 Jess Alcantara on 12/16/05 in San Ildefonso, Bulacan

77 Bgy. Capt. Victorina Gomez on 12/16/05 in Brgy. Parian, Mexico, Pampanga by suspected elements of the 16th IBPA

78 Allan Villacencio on 12/28/05 in Tuburan, Cebu by suspected elements of the 78th IBPA

79 Armando Liabres on 01/11/06 in Penaranda, Nueva Eccija

80 Antonio Alde, Jr. on 01/30/06 in Borongan, Eastern Samar by the 8th ID: 3 unidentified men in motorcycle

81 Coun. Maximo Frivaldo on 01/30/06 in Irosin, Sorsogon

82 Jensen Cristobal on 02/18/06 in Pasay City by unidentified assailants

83 Arturo Callosa on 03/04/06 in San Jose, Nueva Ecija

84 Crisanto Teodoro on 03/08/06 in Malolos, Bulacan

85 Lorenzo Cervantes on 04/05/06 in Rosario, Agusan de Sur

86 Marilou Rubio on 04/22/06 in Brgy. Magsikap, General Nakar, Quezon

88 Jayson Delen on 04/27/06 in Brgy. Gubat, Daet, Camarines Norte

88 Jimmy Mirafuente on 04/27/06 in Drarga, Albay

89 Jesus Bustenera on 04/27/06 in Baao, Camarines Sur

90 Ronald Comerciase on 04/29/06 in Iriga City, Albay by the 9th Infantry Division

91 Reverend Jemias Tinambacan on 05/09/06 in Misamis Occidental

92 Baby Mendiola on 05/10/06 in Echague, Isabela, shot by unidentified men from the 5th Infantry Divison

93 Ric Balauag on 05/10/06 in Echague, Isabela, shot by unidentified men from the 5th Infantry Divison

94 Manuel Nardo on 05/13/06 in Quebiawan, San Fernando, Pampanga

95 Noli Capulong on 05/27/06 in Calamba, Laguna

Source: Bayan Muna website (www.bayanmuna.net)

[patsadahon]

Media fatalities

2005

64) Edgar Amoro
Freelance broadcaster / Pagadian City
2005 - Feb. 2

65) Arnulfo Villanueva
Asian Star Express Balita / Naic, Cavite
2005 - Feb. 28

66) Romeo Sanchez
DZNL, Baguio
2005 - March 9

67) Marlene Garcia Esperat
The Midland Review / Tacurong City
2005 - March 24

6 Klein Cantoneros
DXAA-FM / Dipolog City
2005 - May 4

69) Philip Agustin
Starline Times Recorder / Dingalan, Aurora
2005 - May 10

70) Rolando Morales
DWMD-Radio Mindanao Network, South Cotabato
2005 – July 3

71) Ricardo “Ding” Uy
DZRS-AM Sorsogon City
2005 - November 18

72) Robert Ramos
Katapat, Laguna
2005 - November 21

73) George Benaojan
DYDD, Cebu City
2005 - December 2

2006

74) Rolly Cañete
DXPR, Pagadian City
2006 - January 20

75) Graciano Aquino
Central Luzon Forum, Bataan
2006 - January 21

76) Orlando Mendoza
Tarlac Profile / Tarlac Patrol
2006 - April 2

77) Nicolas Cervantes
Surigao
2006 - May 2

7 Albert Orsolino
Saksi Ngayon
2006 - May 16

79) Fernando “Dong” Batul
DYPR Puerto Princesa, Palawan
2006 - May 22

Source: NUJP website (www.nujp.org)

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Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2005
Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
March 8, 2006


The Philippines, with a population of 87 million, is a democratic republic with an elected president, an elected bicameral legislature, and a fractious but functioning multiparty system. The May 2004 national elections for president and both houses of congress continued to be a source of contention, and the political opposition called for the president's impeachment alleging election fraud and corruption. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces; however, some elements of the security forces committed human rights abuses.

The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens. However, pervasive weakness in the rule of law, official impunity, and the wide disparity between rich and poor contributed to cynicism about official justice. The constitutionally mandated Commission on Human Rights (CHR) described the Philippine National Police (PNP) as the worst abuser of human rights. The following human rights problems were reported:


arbitrary, unlawful, and extrajudicial killings by elements of the security services; and political killings, including killings of journalists, by a variety of actors, which often go unpunished
disappearances
physical and psychological abuse of suspects and detainees and instances of torture
arbitrary arrest and detention
police, prosecutorial, and judicial corruption
long delays in trials
harsh prison conditions
societal discrimination against Muslims
harassment of some human rights and left-wing political activists by local military and police forces
violence against women and abuse of children, as well as child prostitution, and trafficking in persons
child labor, including underage domestic servants
ineffective implementation and enforcement of worker rights

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Amnesty scores rise in RP abuses


Amnesty International on Tuesday scored a rise in human rights abuses and summary executions of leftist activists in the country.

In its 2006 Annual Human Rights Report, Amnesty said lack of confidence in government and the criminal justice system contributed to the apparent public tolerance on killings and rights violations in the Philippines.

It added that there is a consistent pattern of rising human rights violations in the country and in the international community.

In the annual report, the group said scores of leftist activists in the country were killed by unidentified assailants in the Philippines. It said most of the killing were often blamed on the military.

It said peace talks between the government and armed groups including Muslim separatists in Mindanao and communist rebels made limited or no progress last year.

The group also scored reports on arbitrary arrests, unlawful killings, torture and “disappearances” in the context of military counter-insurgency operations.

Amnesty, meanwhile, lauded the Commission on Human Rights for issuing a statement that held the government accountable for the spate of killings in the country.

It also hailed what it called a ”remarkable” level of human rights activism in Asia.

“Human rights defenders were at the forefront of struggles to advance economic, social and cultural rights, particularly in China, India and the Philippines,” it said.

Are going back tot he dark years of Marcos Martial rule?

[lalakingbisdak]

What about the people that this NPA's and co. abuses? How many of them? Cannot be counted?

[tolstoi]

What about the people that this NPA's and co. abuses? How many of them? Cannot be counted?

http://www.tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=203

[wanderlust]

What about the people that this NPA's and co. abuses? How many of them? Cannot be counted?

The CPP-NPA has had its share of human rights abuses (dare I say, the lion's share?) Lest people forget, thousands of its own party leaders and members were killed during its self-purging which occurred in the 1980s.

The CHR's summary accusations against the government should be taken with a grain of salt. The CHR has been acting more like a mouthpiece for the communists than an independent entity, ever since its inception.

[patsadahon]

CHR is part of the government. Are you saying you dont have faith in your own government? Please accept that the government can do evil things. The government is desperate now. It wants to eliminate all its enemies by hook or by crook. But this is wrong. The government should not resort to fascist style of eliminating its enemies otherwise it becomes criminal itself.

Tsk, tsk, tsk, you dont believe in your own government.

[patsadahon]

Even Amnesty International is already alarmed over the spate of killings of journalists and activisits.

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Despite government claims, murders
go unsolved —

CPJMay 16, 2006 at 3:21 pm · Posted by Avigail Olarte
Filed under Media Issues, In the News

THE New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists today sent a strongly worded letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, expressing concern about the government’s “misleading statements” on the killings of journalists in the Philippines.

In its letter, the CPJ said it is “deeply troubled by recent statements made by presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye and the Philippine National Police (PNP) that many of the cases of journalists killed in the country have been solved and that the cases are unrelated to the issue of press freedom.”

On May 5, Bunye, in response to inquiries by US Sen. Richard Lugar about the killings of journalists in the country, said that “15 of the 30 cases (2000-2005) cited by the senator have been solved and cases have been filed in the courts.”

According to CPJ research, there has been only one conviction among the cases of 23 journalists killed in the line of duty since 2000.

“Such misleading statements mask the alarming reality,” the CPJ said, “While the government has made efforts to solve the killings of journalists, none of the powerful figures behind some of these murders have been convicted.”

Just this morning, a photojournalist was killed in Caloocan City. Albert Orsolino, who works for the tabloid Saksi Ngayon, was ambushed while driving his car along the C-4 Road. He sustained at least five gunshot wounds. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines urged the police to immediately look into Orsolino’s killing and determine whether it was related to his work as a journalist.


“This lack of prosecutorial vigor on the part of the government suggests that those who would attack or kill a journalist in the Philippines can still do so with impunity,” the CPJ also said.

The PNP, also on May 5, denied reports “on the alleged existence of a culture of impunity in the killing of journalists in the country.” It added that the PNP has not been remiss in going after those responsible.

CPJ said that “by Bunye’s definition,” the cases of Roland Ureta and Marlene Garcia Esperat are considered “solved.”

“Simply filing a murder case is not the same as solving it,” CPJ said, as in the case of Ureta, a radio broadcaster in Aklan, who was shot dead in 2001 after reporting on alleged local government corruption and police involvement in the drug trade.”

A murder case was filed against the suspects on September 2004 but the charges were dropped two months after, despite the objection of Ureta’s family, CPJ said.

CPJ said the police should not consider as “solved” those cases where hired gunmen have been arrested but the masterminds have escaped arrest and prosecution. It reported that while four suspects are now being tried in the murder of Mindanao columnist Marlene Esperat, murder charges have been dropped against those who allegedly ordered her killing.

“As an independent organization dedicated to defending our colleagues worldwide, we urge you to ensure the arrest, trial and conviction of those responsible for killing Philippine journalists,” CPJ said.

The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility has reported that out of 57 journalist killings since 1986, there have been only three convictions.

The CMFR recently reported that in the last few months, at least three journalists faced serious threats. On May 6, dwLL local radio announcer Paul Manaog was shot by unidentified men in Naga City. Manaog was shot five times and hit three times while walking with his wife. Manaog is alive but remains in critical condition, CMFR said.

His wife said that Manaog “might have been the target of people he had criticized.” Police have yet to identify the suspects.

Last April, grenades were found in the residence of hard-hitting commentator, Fernando Batul of dyPR Palawan. Two grenades were found in their balcony and yard, with a letter penned in red ink, warning Batul “to hold his tongue or else….” The grenades were safely detonated but police have not arrested any suspects.

According to the CMFR, Batul has earned a reputation as a critic of Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn and his administration and has also earned the ire of the military for interviewing members of the New People’s Army.

Tacloban Star publisher Nestor Abrematea, meanwhile, received a phone call on the eve of February 4, warning him to stop writing about the projects of city mayor Alfredo Romualdez.

CMFR said the threat came after Abrematea exposed the involvement of a “suspicious” contractor in the P92-million public market building project of Romualdez

This is clear harassment of the media. It produce a chilling effect on press freedom.