Know, defend, assert our Rights!

* Inilathala ng Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) at isinalin sa Filipino ng Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ)

PCIJ Know Your Rights 4

ANUMAN ANG SITWASYON, NANANATILING LUBOS AT HINDI DAPAT YURAKAN ANG ATING MGA BATAYANG KARAPATAN. KABILANG DITO ANG MGA SUMUSUNOD:
(In any situation, you do not lose your basic rights, such as….)

Karapatang mabuhay (The right to life);

Karapatang hindi ma-torture o isailalim sa malupit, di-makatao, at kahiya-hiyang pakitungo o parusa (The right not to be trotured nor subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment);

Karapatang hindi sapilitang pagtrabahuhin (The right not to be subjected to forced labor)

Karapatang hindi makulong dahil sa hindi pagbayad ng utang (The right not to be imprisoned for non-payment of debt);

• Karapatang huwag maparusahan para sa mga gawaing hindi pa naisabatas na krimen nang ito ay mangyari (The right not to be punished for an act which was not yet a crime at the time of its commission);

Karapatan na kilalanin at tratuhin bilang tao (The right to be recognized and treated as a person); and

Karapatan sa malayang pag-iisip, konsiyensiya, at pananampalataya or relihiyon (The right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion).

PCIJ Know Your Rights 2

Lubos o absolute ang lahat ng karapatang ito. Sa anumang kondisyon o pangyayari, hindi maaring pigilan o suspendihin ang pag-ako natin ng mga karapatang ito. Ito ay totoo kahit sa ilalim ng martial law o state of public emergency na naideklara ng pamahalaan. Ang mga karapatang ito ay “non-derogable” sa ilalim ng United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights na sakop ang pamahalaan ng Pilipinas bilang signatory.

(These rights ate absolute. Under no condition can their fulfillment or enjoyment be suspended. This is true even when martial law or any other state of emergency has been declared. These are non-derogable rights under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which the Philippines is a signatory.)

May iba pang mga karapatan na itinuturing na inalienable o inviolable o hindi maikakait at hindi dapat labagin kailanman kabilang na ang:

(There are other rights that are considered inalienable and inviolable, such as…)

* Karapatan na hindi halughugin ang iyong tahanan kung walang search warrant na pirmado ng isang hukom o judge, at karapatang huwag samsamin ang anumang gamit sa iyong bahay na hindi nakadetalye sa search warrant. Gayunman, kung ikaw ay nahuli ng ligal, ikaw at ang iyong immediate surroundings o kinalalagyan ay maaring ma-search para sa dangerous weapons o iba pang ebidensiya, at anuman ang makita sa iyong sarili at immediate vicinity ay maaring kunin ng mga otoridad kung ito ay ginamit diumano sa krimen na dahilan ng iyong pagkahuli.

(The right not to have your house searched without a search warrant issued by a judge, and not to have anything seized which is not specified in the search warrant. However, if you are legally arrested, your person and immediate surroundings may be searched for dangerous weapons, and any evidence found on your person or immediate vicinity (only on your person and immediate vicinity) which may have been used to commit the crime for which you are being arrested may be seized.)

* Karapatan na maging malaya at walang pangamba sa iyong personal na seguridad. Maari kang pagkaitan ng kalayaan ayon lamang sa mga batayan at proseso na nakatala sa Konstitusyon at batas.

(The right to liberty and security of person. You can be deprived of liberty only on grounds and procedures established by the Constitution and existing law.)

Ang Ating Mga Karapatan, 1, PCIJ, july 2016

* Karapatan na hindi arestuhin kung walang ebidensiya na may krimen nang naganap at diumano’y kalahok ka sa gawaing ito. Maari ka lamang arestuhin sa bisa ng isang arrest warrant na pirmado ng isang hukom o judge, liban na lang kung:

(The right not to be arrested except on evidence that a crime gas been committed and that you probably committed it. You may be arrested only on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by a judge, except:)

* Kung ikaw ay may ginawa o ginagawang krimen, o nagbabalak gumawa ng kasalanan (offense) sa batas, sa harap ng isang arresting officer;

(When you have committed, are actually committing, or are attempting to commit an offense in the presence of the arresting officer);

* Kung, batay sa personal na kaalaman ng arresting officer sa mga pangyayari at datos ng kasalanang naganap, naniniwala siyang ikaw ang maysala;

(When an offense has been committed and the arresting office has probable cause to believe, based on personal knowledge of the facts and circumstance, that you committed the offense);

* Kung ikaw ay tumakas mula sa kulungan o piitan, o habang inililipat ng kulungan;

(When you have escaped from prison or detention or while being transferred from one confinement to another.)

Isang sibilyan na prosecutor ang dapat magsuri sa isang inquest proceeding kung ligal o iligal ang iyong pagka-aresto. Sa inquest proceeding na ito, maaring magdesisyon ang prosecutor na:

(The legality of your arrest must be determined in an inquest proceeding conducted by a civilian prosecutor. The prosecutor, in a summary proceeding, can):

* Palayain ka (ito ay pwedeng maganap kahit man wala pang kumpletong preliminary investigation na naganap);

(Order your release [this may or may not be subject to a full-blwm preliminary invetsigation]};

* Ipagtibay na ligal ang iyong pagka-aresto at isampa ang kaukulang complaint o impormasyon laban sa iyo sa trial court;

(Affirm the legality of your arrest and prepare the corresponding complaint or information with the trial court};

* Isangguni sa nahuli kung nais niyang magkaroon ng preliminary investigation at pumirma sa isang waiver. Ito ay kadalasang nangyayari. Huwag pumirma sa waiver kung hindi nabigyan ng sapat na impormasyon ng kahihinatnan ng pagpirma nito. Ang pag-pirma mo sa waiver ay nangangahulugang pumapayag kang manatili sa kulungan, habang naghinihintay sa preliminary investigation. Ang pagpirma mo sa waiver ay maari ring ituring na wala kang planong magsampa ng kaso sa mga nanghuli sa iyo.

(Often the inquest prosecutor will ask the person arrested if s/he desires a preliminary investigation, in which case s/he will be asked to sign a waiver. Do not sign the waiver without beng fully informed of the nature and consequences of signing it. Signing the waiver may — and often does — mean that you are going to remain in detention, pending preliminary investigation. It may also mean that you are waiving your right to file cases against those who arrested you.)

Kapag na-aresto at habang nasa kulungan, at ikaw ay tinanong o inimbestiga ng mga pulis o sundalo, nananatiling lubos ang iyong mga karapatang pantao tulad ng:

(While under arrest or detention, if you are questioned or investigated by the police and military, you have the following rights:)

* Malinaw na masabihan at basahan ng iyong mga karapatan sa Konstitusyon, kasama na ang manatling tikom ang bibig;

(To be informed of your right to remain silent and other constitutional rights);

* Magkaroon ng mahusay at walang kinikilingang abogado, at mas maiman pa, personal mong pinili;

(To have competent and independent counsel preferably of your own choice; and)

* Bigyan ng abogado, kung hindi mo kayang kumuha ng sarili mong tagapatanggol;

(To be provided with counsel if you cannot afford one.)

PCIJ Know Your Rights 3

Sa lahat ng pag-uusig ng krimen, ito ang iyong mga karapatan:

(In all criminal prosecutions, you have the following rights:)

* Huwag piliting tumestigo laban sa sarili mo
(Not to be compelled to testify against yourself);

* Manatiling tikom ang bibig kapag nahuli at magkaroon ng abogado
(To remain silent and to counsel);

* Bigyan ng impormasyon ukol sa uri at dahilan ng akusasyon laban sa iyo
(To be informed of the nature and cause of the accusations against you);

* Magkaroon ng mabilis, bukas, at patas na pagilitis
(To have a speedy, public, and impartial trial);

* I-apela ang conviction order o desisyon ng korte na ikaw ay maysala
(To appeal any conviction);

* Ituring na inosente hangga’t hindi napapagtibay na ikaw ay maysala
(To be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved);

* Harapin at madinig ka at iyong abogado sa paglilitis
(To be present and heard by yourself and counsel);

* Matulungan ng mga proseso ng korte pati na ang compulsory attendance ng mga testigo o witnesses at sa paglalahad ng ebidensiya laban sa iyo

(To avail yourself of court processes to secure the compulsory attendance of witnesses and the presentation of evidence in your defense);

* Makita nang harapan at ma-cross-examine ang mga testigo laban sa iyo

(To meet the witnesses face-to-face and to cross-examine them);

* Magkaroon ng preliminary investigation ng akusasyon laban sa iyo

(The right to a preliminary investigation;

* Huwag litisin at parusahan ng dalawang beses para sa parehong krimen

(The right against double jeopardy);

* Bago ma-convict, maglagak ng pyansa, liban na lang sa mga kasong may parusang bitay at malakas ang ebidensiya ng pagkakasala

(Before conviction, the right to bail except for capital offenses when evidence of guilt is strong);

* Pakitunguhan sa paraang makatao at may paggalang

(The right to be treated with humanity and with respect for your personal dignity);

* Manirahan at maglakbay nang malaya

(The right to liberty of abode and the right to travel).

Know, defend, assert our Rights!

* Inilathala ng Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) at isinalin sa Filipino ng Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ)

PCIJ Know Your Rights 4

ANUMAN ANG SITWASYON, NANANATILING LUBOS AT HINDI DAPAT YURAKAN ANG ATING MGA BATAYANG KARAPATAN. KABILANG DITO ANG MGA SUMUSUNOD:
(In any situation, you do not lose your basic rights, such as….)

Karapatang mabuhay (The right to life);

Karapatang hindi ma-torture o isailalim sa malupit, di-makatao, at kahiya-hiyang pakitungo o parusa (The right not to be trotured nor subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment);

Karapatang hindi sapilitang pagtrabahuhin (The right not to be subjected to forced labor)

Karapatang hindi makulong dahil sa hindi pagbayad ng utang (The right not to be imprisoned for non-payment of debt);

• Karapatang huwag maparusahan para sa mga gawaing hindi pa naisabatas na krimen nang ito ay mangyari (The right not to be punished for an act which was not yet a crime at the time of its commission);

Karapatan na kilalanin at tratuhin bilang tao (The right to be recognized and treated as a person); and

Karapatan sa malayang pag-iisip, konsiyensiya, at pananampalataya or relihiyon (The right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion).

PCIJ Know Your Rights 2

Lubos o absolute ang lahat ng karapatang ito. Sa anumang kondisyon o pangyayari, hindi maaring pigilan o suspendihin ang pag-ako natin ng mga karapatang ito. Ito ay totoo kahit sa ilalim ng martial law o state of public emergency na naideklara ng pamahalaan. Ang mga karapatang ito ay “non-derogable” sa ilalim ng United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights na sakop ang pamahalaan ng Pilipinas bilang signatory.

(These rights ate absolute. Under no condition can their fulfillment or enjoyment be suspended. This is true even when martial law or any other state of emergency has been declared. These are non-derogable rights under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which the Philippines is a signatory.)

May iba pang mga karapatan na itinuturing na inalienable o inviolable o hindi maikakait at hindi dapat labagin kailanman kabilang na ang:

(There are other rights that are considered inalienable and inviolable, such as…)

* Karapatan na hindi halughugin ang iyong tahanan kung walang search warrant na pirmado ng isang hukom o judge, at karapatang huwag samsamin ang anumang gamit sa iyong bahay na hindi nakadetalye sa search warrant. Gayunman, kung ikaw ay nahuli ng ligal, ikaw at ang iyong immediate surroundings o kinalalagyan ay maaring ma-search para sa dangerous weapons o iba pang ebidensiya, at anuman ang makita sa iyong sarili at immediate vicinity ay maaring kunin ng mga otoridad kung ito ay ginamit diumano sa krimen na dahilan ng iyong pagkahuli.

(The right not to have your house searched without a search warrant issued by a judge, and not to have anything seized which is not specified in the search warrant. However, if you are legally arrested, your person and immediate surroundings may be searched for dangerous weapons, and any evidence found on your person or immediate vicinity (only on your person and immediate vicinity) which may have been used to commit the crime for which you are being arrested may be seized.)

* Karapatan na maging malaya at walang pangamba sa iyong personal na seguridad. Maari kang pagkaitan ng kalayaan ayon lamang sa mga batayan at proseso na nakatala sa Konstitusyon at batas.

(The right to liberty and security of person. You can be deprived of liberty only on grounds and procedures established by the Constitution and existing law.)

Ang Ating Mga Karapatan, 1, PCIJ, july 2016

* Karapatan na hindi arestuhin kung walang ebidensiya na may krimen nang naganap at diumano’y kalahok ka sa gawaing ito. Maari ka lamang arestuhin sa bisa ng isang arrest warrant na pirmado ng isang hukom o judge, liban na lang kung:

(The right not to be arrested except on evidence that a crime gas been committed and that you probably committed it. You may be arrested only on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by a judge, except:)

* Kung ikaw ay may ginawa o ginagawang krimen, o nagbabalak gumawa ng kasalanan (offense) sa batas, sa harap ng isang arresting officer;

(When you have committed, are actually committing, or are attempting to commit an offense in the presence of the arresting officer);

* Kung, batay sa personal na kaalaman ng arresting officer sa mga pangyayari at datos ng kasalanang naganap, naniniwala siyang ikaw ang maysala;

(When an offense has been committed and the arresting office has probable cause to believe, based on personal knowledge of the facts and circumstance, that you committed the offense);

* Kung ikaw ay tumakas mula sa kulungan o piitan, o habang inililipat ng kulungan;

(When you have escaped from prison or detention or while being transferred from one confinement to another.)

Isang sibilyan na prosecutor ang dapat magsuri sa isang inquest proceeding kung ligal o iligal ang iyong pagka-aresto. Sa inquest proceeding na ito, maaring magdesisyon ang prosecutor na:

(The legality of your arrest must be determined in an inquest proceeding conducted by a civilian prosecutor. The prosecutor, in a summary proceeding, can):

* Palayain ka (ito ay pwedeng maganap kahit man wala pang kumpletong preliminary investigation na naganap);

(Order your release [this may or may not be subject to a full-blwm preliminary invetsigation]};

* Ipagtibay na ligal ang iyong pagka-aresto at isampa ang kaukulang complaint o impormasyon laban sa iyo sa trial court;

(Affirm the legality of your arrest and prepare the corresponding complaint or information with the trial court};

* Isangguni sa nahuli kung nais niyang magkaroon ng preliminary investigation at pumirma sa isang waiver. Ito ay kadalasang nangyayari. Huwag pumirma sa waiver kung hindi nabigyan ng sapat na impormasyon ng kahihinatnan ng pagpirma nito. Ang pag-pirma mo sa waiver ay nangangahulugang pumapayag kang manatili sa kulungan, habang naghinihintay sa preliminary investigation. Ang pagpirma mo sa waiver ay maari ring ituring na wala kang planong magsampa ng kaso sa mga nanghuli sa iyo.

(Often the inquest prosecutor will ask the person arrested if s/he desires a preliminary investigation, in which case s/he will be asked to sign a waiver. Do not sign the waiver without beng fully informed of the nature and consequences of signing it. Signing the waiver may — and often does — mean that you are going to remain in detention, pending preliminary investigation. It may also mean that you are waiving your right to file cases against those who arrested you.)

Kapag na-aresto at habang nasa kulungan, at ikaw ay tinanong o inimbestiga ng mga pulis o sundalo, nananatiling lubos ang iyong mga karapatang pantao tulad ng:

(While under arrest or detention, if you are questioned or investigated by the police and military, you have the following rights:)

* Malinaw na masabihan at basahan ng iyong mga karapatan sa Konstitusyon, kasama na ang manatling tikom ang bibig;

(To be informed of your right to remain silent and other constitutional rights);

* Magkaroon ng mahusay at walang kinikilingang abogado, at mas maiman pa, personal mong pinili;

(To have competent and independent counsel preferably of your own choice; and)

* Bigyan ng abogado, kung hindi mo kayang kumuha ng sarili mong tagapatanggol;

(To be provided with counsel if you cannot afford one.)

PCIJ Know Your Rights 3

Sa lahat ng pag-uusig ng krimen, ito ang iyong mga karapatan:

(In all criminal prosecutions, you have the following rights:)

* Huwag piliting tumestigo laban sa sarili mo
(Not to be compelled to testify against yourself);

* Manatiling tikom ang bibig kapag nahuli at magkaroon ng abogado
(To remain silent and to counsel);

* Bigyan ng impormasyon ukol sa uri at dahilan ng akusasyon laban sa iyo
(To be informed of the nature and cause of the accusations against you);

* Magkaroon ng mabilis, bukas, at patas na pagilitis
(To have a speedy, public, and impartial trial);

* I-apela ang conviction order o desisyon ng korte na ikaw ay maysala
(To appeal any conviction);

* Ituring na inosente hangga’t hindi napapagtibay na ikaw ay maysala
(To be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved);

* Harapin at madinig ka at iyong abogado sa paglilitis
(To be present and heard by yourself and counsel);

* Matulungan ng mga proseso ng korte pati na ang compulsory attendance ng mga testigo o witnesses at sa paglalahad ng ebidensiya laban sa iyo

(To avail yourself of court processes to secure the compulsory attendance of witnesses and the presentation of evidence in your defense);

* Makita nang harapan at ma-cross-examine ang mga testigo laban sa iyo

(To meet the witnesses face-to-face and to cross-examine them);

* Magkaroon ng preliminary investigation ng akusasyon laban sa iyo

(The right to a preliminary investigation;

* Huwag litisin at parusahan ng dalawang beses para sa parehong krimen

(The right against double jeopardy);

* Bago ma-convict, maglagak ng pyansa, liban na lang sa mga kasong may parusang bitay at malakas ang ebidensiya ng pagkakasala

(Before conviction, the right to bail except for capital offenses when evidence of guilt is strong);

* Pakitunguhan sa paraang makatao at may paggalang

(The right to be treated with humanity and with respect for your personal dignity);

* Manirahan at maglakbay nang malaya

(The right to liberty of abode and the right to travel).

PNP data on drug war: 192 killed, in nine weeks after election day

By the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

THE WAR on drugs in the last nine weeks — or even before Rodrigo R. Duterte took his oath as president a fortnight ago on June 30 — has yielded ever bigger numbers of casualties, arrests, and “surrenderees,” and a volume of cases filed in court.

This is according to the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) that has been monitoring the conduct of anti-drug operations from May 10, 2016 — or the day after the last elections.

A copy of DIDM’s report to PNP Director-General Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa that PCIJ obtained showed that from May 10 to July 10, 2016, police operations against illegal drugs have yielded the following results:

• 192 persons killed;

• 8,110 persons arrested;

• 3,001 cases “referred”; and

• 3,477 cases “filed in court.”

The report also said that from May 10 to July 11, a total of 35,276 persons have “surrendered” to the authorities.

The DIDM report is a separate dataset from that produced by the PNP National Operations Center (NOC) on its “Monitoring of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Accomplishment” that covers the period from July 1 to July 13, 2016.

Getting the numbers right in the PNP’s war on drugs is hampered in large measure by the fractious but parallel agencies assigned to operations and case monitoring.

In this instance, the DIDM and the NOC reports seem to be focused on the same monitoring pegs — numbers of people killed, arrested, surrendered, etc. — but across different time frames.

But if their numbers are correct and identical, except for the covered periods in their respective reports, a comparison of their data would yield clustered numbers for the period before the birth of the Duterte administration, and in the two weeks since it assumed power.

Thus, from May 10 to June 30 — the day Duterte took his oath as President — and again from July 1 to 13, 2016, the war on drugs, according to the PNP’s DIDM and NOC, yields these clustered numbers:


• 57 killed from May 10 to June 30; 135 killed from July 1 to 13, 2016.

• 6,266 arrested from May 10 to June 30; 1,844 arrested from July 1 to 13, 2016.

• 31,260 “surrendered” to the PNP from May 10 to June 30; 4,016 “surrendered” to the PNP from July 1 to 13,2016.

Note that in addition to the number of suspects who reportedly surrendered to the police, the PNP NOC, in a separate report, said that more than 60,000 “drug users” and about 6,000 “drug pushers” had been located or had “surrendered” to local and barangay officials under ‘Oplan Tokhang,’ the anti-drug war operations on the village level.

What the PNP’s NOC reports do not reveal, though, are the numbers of cases “referred” and “filed in court” that the DIDM report shows.

What the DIDM report does not offer, and which the PNP’s NOC reports enroll are the number of “houses visited” under ‘Oplan Tokhang.’ – PCIJ, July 14, 2016

Inspired by Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, solons propose state-run crematoriums

AKO Bicol representatives. Proponents fro state-run crematoriums.

AKO Bicol representatives. Proponents fro state-run crematoriums.


Inspired by the spate of killings which is an offshoot of President Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, three congressmen proposed building a crematorium in every legislative district.

The proposal, contained in House Bill No. 135 authored by AKO Bicol party list Representatives Rodel Batocabe, Alfredo Garbin, and Christopher Co, is reminiscent of Nazi Germany more than 80 years ago, when Adolf Hitler waged a campaign to eliminate the Jews.

More than 20 million were killed in the 12-year reign of terror. Gas chambers and crematoriums were built to hasten the killings and the disposal of dead bodies.

News reports about the bill quoted Batocabe as saying, “Should President Duterte stay true to his mission to eliminate drug pushers by hook or by crook, our cemeteries will definitely be filled to the brim and the crematories will greatly help in this regard.”

Garbin added, “With a projected increase of deaths, congestion of our burial land will get worse so much so they are no longer conducive to the living and its dead residents.”

Almost all of the more than a hundred killed in the campaign against illegal drugs since July 1 (more than 300 since May 10 after the election which Duterte won) are poor, wearing slippers. A number were killed because they allegedly tried to grab the policemen’s pistols with their hands cuffed.

HB 135 tasks the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to manage, operate and maintain a secured, clean, and adequately-equipped crematory in each legislative district. It shall formulate the socialized rates for the cost of cremation, proportionate to the financial capability of the surviving family of the deceased.

Stressing that their measure is pro-poor, the authors said their bill also provides for a socialized fee structure to help indigent and marginalized families to avail themselves of free cremation services while sparing them of expenses for burial land and casket.
“With subsidized cremation costs, the government can ensure the affordable and accessible burial services to our people. Suffice it to state, this is a social equal access to social services even until their deaths,” Batocabe said.

He noted that cremation is generally cheaper than the traditional burial rites. Citing a 2015 data, he said a memorial lot costs at least P70,000, with an additional amount of at least P25,000 for the interment, including the casket.

Public cemeteries, which are cheaper require renewal fees which could lead to disposal of the remains if the surviving family defaults on payment, Batocabe said.

Gas chamber -crematorium in Hitler's Auschwitz

Gas chamber -crematorium in Hitler’s Auschwitz

Cremation process costs approximately P25,000, with the optional niche costing between P35,000 to P50,000. However, such niches are designed to hold numerous urns, still making it affordable in comparison.

Batocabe said, “Our poor will have the choice to spend less, and still give their loved ones a respectable burial without burning a hole in their pocket.”

Another advantage, Garbin said, is that cemeteries will be decongested and visits for the annual All Saints’ and All Souls’ days would not be stressful.

Co said their measure encourages the productive use of lands for agricultural, residential and industrial purposes. “Cremation is more environmentally friendly compared to traditional burial which could introduce contaminants from the coffin and the body,” he said.

Rep. Co is the brother of Albay businessman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, chief executive officer of the family-owned Sunwest Group of Companies that is into real estate development, construction and hydro power generation, among others.

The Cos may yet include, if they are not yet into that business, crematorium building. With more than 230 legislative districts, a crematorium in every district, that’s one good business. As good as the funeral business that news reports said is predicted to “flourish” this year.

Excuse me, I’m about to puke.

Families of desaparecidos pin their hopes on Duterte

In search of Jonas Burgos. From the docu, The terror of the unhead voice

In search of Jonas Burgos. From the docu, The terror of the unhead voice

Former President Benigno Aquino III disappointed them. They are now pinning their hopes on what seemed years ago as the most unlikely person to be on their side: President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances or AFAD is requesting for a dialogue with the new president on the issue of forced disappearances.

Forced disappearance is an aberration because it defies the natural cycle of life which begins with birth and ends with death. Vanishing from the face of the earth is not normal.

But that’s what happened to many individuals in this world and in the Philippines the well-known names among them are peasant organizer Jonas Burgos, and UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno.

The list is long, over a thousand names. Other names reported in media include Father Rudy Romano, a Redemptorist priest who served landless peasants and displaced settlers and the six workers of Paper Industries Corporation of the Philippines namely Joseph Belar, Jovencio Lagare, Romualdo Orcullo, Diosdado Oliver, Artemio Ayala Jr. and Arnold Dangkiasan. Others just disappeared without being noticed by media.

We have a law, the Anti-Enforced Disappearance Act of 2012 ( R.A 10353 ), signed by Aquino (at least he signed that legislation) which defines Enforced or involuntary disappearance as “ the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty committed by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or by concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person, which places such person outside the protection of the law.”

The penalty for anybody found to have caused a person to disappear is life imprisonment.

Searching for Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno. Photo from Bulatlat.

Searching for Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno. Photo from Bulatlat.

Yet the Philippines has not signed the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance which could give the law stronger clout.

“The UN Convention For the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance is a concrete legal measure which can be a powerful tool to help strengthen governments’ capacities to eradicate disappearances, punish the perpetrators and provide truth, justice, redress, reparation and historical memory to victims and their families,” Mary Aileen D. Bacalso, AFAD secretary general, said.

In their letter to the new president, AFAD said, “You have been vocal and consistent with your assertion that you are not part of the elite, and that you are one with the poor. We are glad to hear this and we believe that helping the poor is our point of unity. This is because out of the 1,774 cases of enforced disappearance in the country, a vast majority either come from very poor families, or were engaged in issues that aimed to uplift the lives of the poor. Some of these issues include the empowerment of farmers, self-determination of indigenous peoples, welfare of students, welfare of workers, and many other social issues that go beyond petty crimes. Perhaps the only sin these desaparecidos committed was to challenge the political forces that dominate their respective fields.”

Although Duterte was not involved in the issue of desaparecidos, a 2007 report by the Philip Alston, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions implied his approval of extra-judicial killings by the Davao Death Squad, a vigilantes group.

AFAD said many of these desaparecidos have been missing for years and even decades. They urged Duterte to fully and strictly implement RA10353 and sign and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

“Today, as you prepare to settle into your new role, we hope you would keep in mind the plight of Jonas, Sherlyn, Karen, Father Rudy, and the hundreds of other desaparecidos who had the same vision for the country as you – a better life for poor Filipinos,” AFAD said.

AFAD is a federation composed of 14 organizations in 10 countries across Asia including two organizations based in the Philippines – Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND) and Free Jonas Burgos Movement (FJBM).

They work together in the search for desaparecidos (victims of state-perpetrated abductions) and the elimination of enforced disappearance which includes the struggle to find the truth, demand justice, reparation, reconstruction of historical memory, and institutionalizing guarantees of non-recurrence.

For those in the Philippines, their dream is a country without desaparecidos.