“For those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute, speak up and judge fairly. Defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9

Monday, September 12, 2011

“TO SUFFER THY CHILDREN IS THE WORST CRIME” - Bishop laments killing of child in own home

Press Release
September 12, 2011

“TO SUFFER THY CHILDREN IS THE WORST CRIME” - Bishop laments killing of child in own home

Davao City ---  “Is there no more safe place for children to live? Even in the confines of their own homes, they are threatened, worse, killed! To suffer thy children is among the worst crimes anyone could commit,” lamented Bishop Modesto Villasanta, convener of Exodus for Justice and Peace (EJP) amidst the current uproar created by the killing of Sunshine Jabinez, a 7-year-old girl from Sitio Biasong, Brgy. Napnapan, Pantukan, Compostela Valley.

Jabinez was laid to rest yesterday. The triggerman,  Pfc. ____ Ramos, a member of the 71st Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines shot Jabinez with a machine gun while going amok last September 2 from across the Jabinez residence.

“Military presence does not provide a good and safe atmosphere for our children and the civilians,” Villasanta said. The bishop urged the government to stop the military’s continued encampment in civilian – populated communities.

“Jabinez’s death sends out a strong message that the path the government and military is taking is not the way to peace. There can be no peace and development if children’s lives are at the risk, at the mercy of the military’s guns,” said Bp. Villasanta.

The bishop added, “The worsening human rights situation of children in our country indicates how far worse the rest of the people are faring at the wake of combat heavy military operations  that target even civilian communities, including children’s schools, clinics, gyms and barangay halls. This is not the way to genuine peace!”

Bishop Villasanta is calling for the pursuit of the peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front (NDFP) in order to address landlessness and poverty as root causes of the social injustice and the armed conflict.

“The GPH and the NDFP have signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL) designed to respect human rights and international humanitarian law in the conduct of civil war. In this case, the government is obliged to uphold this agreement and mush assume responsibility over the child’s death caused by Oplan Bayanihan,” Bishop Villasanta said.#

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