Showing posts with label international humanitarian law. Show all posts
Showing posts with label international humanitarian law. Show all posts
Monday, September 12, 2011
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.#
Monday, September 12, 2011 0
Friday, June 24, 2011
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink. (Proverbs 25:21)” As civil libertarians, church people, and human rights advocates, we are imploring this basic faith imperative along with our appeal to humanize the raging armed conflict in the country.We have appealed to the New People’s Army in the past, calling on them to release prisoners of war on humanitarian grounds. In response, the NPA has released captured Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) soldiers and officers allowing them to reunite with their anguished wives and families.
We are now submitting an appeal to Lt. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command and Major General Jorge Segovia, commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the AFP to release the NPA hors de combat Vanessa delos Reyes, Ariel Haducana, and Jason Casilum whom they are keeping in hospital arrest after being critically wounded in a military encounter on May 29 in Davao Oriental. The Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division has rendered the three as its de facto prisoners of war.
Hors de combat, whether AFP or NPA fighters, are combatants who have been injured, rendered incapable of engaging in active combat, and are accorded rights to medical care and other rights under international humanitarian law. For this, we commend Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for his timely help in transporting the NPA hors de combat so that they could gain access to life-saving medical treatment. We also laud those well-meaning individuals who have aided Vice Mayor Duterte in facilitating the emergency medical evacuation of the seriously wounded guerillas.
We believe that reciprocity is incumbent upon both protagonists in the civil war. As the NPA has released prisoners of war in the past, the time now calls on the AFP to reciprocate with its own humanitarian gestures. If heeded by the AFP, this will be a significant step to humanize the dire impact of civil war on human lives and, more importantly, to bring forth confidence in the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
It does not bode well therefore that criminal, not even rebellion charges, have been lodged against the NPA hors de combat to justify their continuing detention. While this has made their hospital arrest arguably legal or illegal, ours is a humanitarian appeal for their immediate release to their families.
It is an appeal based on their intrinsic rights as hors de combat in international humanitarian law and under the GPH-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) which is subscribed to by both the AFP and the NPA.
Poverty and oppression have bred the present armed conflict that has raged for more than forty years in our country. Thus, we foresee that the civil war will continue as long as the roots of armed conflict are not addressed.
In the meantime, we can only call for sustained GPH-NDFP peace talks and hope to humanize the war, and we shall do so for every family tormented by the detention of their loved ones as prisoners of war or as hors de combat. This faith imperative has resonated since Biblical times: "Would you kill men you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master. (2 Kings 6:22)"
SIGNED
Bishop Delfin D. Callao Jr. Iglesia Filipina Independiente
Bishop Constante D. Claro United Church of Christ in the Philippines
Bishop Modesto Villasanta UCCP-South Eastern Mindanao Jurisdiction
Sister Elvira Soleminio, m.a. Coordinator, Missionaries of the Assumption
Dr. Jean Lindo Anesthesiologist
Mr. Teng Mangansakan Independent Film Director
Mr. Arnel Mardoquio Independent Film and Theater Writer/Director
Ms. Lyndee Prieto Artist/Production Manager
Sr. Diane Cabasagan, RGS Center for Overseas Worker in Davao
Mr. Rogelio A. Macatol National Coordinator, Lay Forum Philippines
Father Jonathan Casimina Davao Episcopal Church
Sister Nimfa Bana Sisters’ Association in Mindanao
Sister Julita P. Encarnacion, m.a. Rural Missionaries of the Philippines Southern Mindanao
Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) Social Ministry Community in Davao
S. Ma. Mila G. Ortega, RVM, S. Ma. Zosima N. Capua, RVM, S. Ma. Erlinda S. Cruz, RVM, S. Ma. Estela C. Biliran, RVM, S. Ma. Anita M. Talbo, RVM, Longina S. Banais, Vivian Davalan, Luisa Canoy, Gina Adlawan, Marissa Gory, Jeramelyn Cayetano, Kristine Amboy, Federico Epifanio Sr., Adela Almano, Virginia T. Rivamonte, Erlina P. Ballo, Pilar N. Ripo, Edlin Tabulong, RSW, Jhoanna G. Bisnar, RSW, Lydia A. Dalin-as, Cresilda D. Hamili, Emelyn B. Ebol, Ray G. Rodica, Joseph Macapobre, Ailyn A. Feurzas, Nonie L. Acas, Arceli C. Monterola, Mary Grace Lonzaga, Anngie Parreño, Reah Lyn B. Lambunao, Daregin A. Insulla, Marie Fe Miole, Lita Daloy, Jie Campo, Helen Grace Briones, Lewelyn Abcede, Lea Frota, Bernie Chavez, Anita T. Say-a, Dionie Eguia, Mark Escote, Jhun Dacumbar, Carmen Nolunan
Missionaries of the Assumption (m.a.) Community in Davao
Sister Concepcion P. Gasang, m.a. Assumption College of Davao, Elsbeth Fritzie D. Castillo, Jopriz Bueno, Ivory Mae C. de Asis, Fe O. Palma, Sahara Theresa Buit, Paul Michael Olorvida, Stephani Saludo, Floredeliza P. Masugot, Michelle H. Dela Vega, Nora B. Minorias, Rochelle Sta. Ana, Judith Ambalong, Peter Jay T., Reygil C. Lagura, Tetzlee Rose Salondaguil, Carmela G. Urmeneta, Jeleo A. Lupis, Marites Bersabal, Ruel Larutin, Jennifer B. Calinawan, Pauline Joy B. Perez, Archie Gonzaga, Pinky B. Galicha, Elsa B. Villanueva, Daisy Palconit, Charlotte F. Florito, Evelinda O. Castillo, Ethel Marie Y. Aguilar, Grace B. Tulo, Giovanni A. Montez, Ymerrie Rose L. Payad, May Ann Joan B. Cagulada, DM Carascal, Rocky L. Macatambad, Grace S. Sayas, Ma. Raida H. Humbria, Marlyn Serenado, Michelle L. Alfaro, Eva G. Dismas, Marites A. Cañedo, Janesan A. Malinao, Jeanelyn Dailo, Loraine Estorba, Dinah Clopano
United Church of Christ in the Philippines Southern Mindanao District Conference
Rev. Elmer N. Zapanta Conference Minister, Rev. Teresita N. Aton Deputy Conference Minister, Rev. Sarly Templado, Tito Bodiongan Conference Staff, Roel N. Noval Conference Staff, Engr. Bonifacion S. Aton, Raffy M. Antes, Julieta Noleli, Laurence Jan S. Salve, Denver Hocamez, Sylvia S. Anopia, Eric Aparicio
Release NPA Hors de Combat on Humanitarian Grounds
A Call in Support of the GPH-NDFP Peace Talks
June 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011 0
Thursday, June 2, 2011
EJP echoed calls for the recognition of the international humanitarian law with respect to injured combatants or hors de combat, especially in the context of the upcoming peace talks between the GPH and the NPA’s negotiating arm, the NDFP.
EJP convenor Bishop Modesto Villasanta said, “The state must ensure not only the rights of the three NPA hors de combat to immediate medical attention but after they are treated, they should be released should there be no cases filed against them.” He cited Numbers 1 and 2, Article 4, under Part IV of the GPH-NDF Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
“The family of Vanessa delos Reyes, one of the wounded NPA members, have sought the assistance of the EJP and reported that elements under the 10th Infantry Division are forcing the visitors to sign a logbook. As a guerilla rendered an hors de combat (wounded and incapable of fighting back) Vanessa should now be afforded with the same right as the other patients. She should be in a condition conducive to her early recovery, and hence, she and all those attending to her medication should be free from any threat, intimidation, or whatsoever,” he said.
“With respect to the upcoming peace talks this month, the government must show its sincerity by affording these NPA members rights that are due them,” Bp. Villasanta added.
CARHRIHL provides that:1) Persons hors de combat and those who do not take a direct part in hostilities are entitled to respect for their lives, dignity, human rights, political convictions and their moral and physical integrity and shall be protected in all circumstances and treated humanely without any adverse distinction founded on race, color, faith, sex, birth, social standing or any other similar criteria. 2) The wounded and the sick shall be collected and cared for by the party to the armed conflict which has them in its custody or responsibility. ###
PRESS RELEASE
June 1, 2011
June 1, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011 0
Sunday, May 29, 2011
According to Bishop Modesto Villasanta, convener of Exodus for Justice and Peace, “We are very glad that there are more groups, more movement, advocating for genuine and lasting peace.”
The military personnel were taken by the NPA as its prisoners-of-war (POWs) last April 14 at Sitio Dalinding, Barangay Puas Inda, in President Roxas, Cotabato.
The United Church of Christ in the Philippines bishop is referring to the newly-organized For Release Now!, a religious and civil-society movement calling for the safe and immediate release of 57th IB personnels.
“It is our duty as Christians to be peacemakers and as active stakeholders in the peace advocacy. We hope to gain more support for the calls of the release of the POWs,” Villasanta said.
The bishop reiterated appeals made by well-meaning individuals and the families of the two POWs for the military to pull-out its troops in the villages of North Cotabato to give way for the POWs’ immediate and safe release.
“We are calling on the AFP to heed the cries of the families who wish to be reunited with their loved ones,” Bp. Villasanta said.
He added that “(I)t is the government’s duty to provide a conducive ground for negotiations and for the safe release of the POWs.” #
PRESS RELEASE, May 27, 2011. Bishop urges stop in militarization, supports call for release of North Cotabato POWs
For reference:
Exodus for Justice and Peace - 221-6920
Bishop Modesto Villasanta - 0928-692-0141
Sunday, May 29, 2011 0
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
PRESS RELEASE
December 4, 2009
DAVAO CITY – The killing of Rebelyn Pitao, daughter of NPA Commander
Leoncio a.k.a “Parago” Pitao will be brought to fore by more than 100
members of various nongovernment organizations led by the Exodus for
Justice and Peace in the convergence of peace advocates, collectively
called "the pilgrims for justice."
The contingents coming from Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley
Province, Davao del Sur and North Cotabato will meet first in Tagum
City where a brief ceremony for Rebelyn will be held.
In Davao City, the pilgrims from Southern Mindanao Region will then
converge with more than 300 pilgrims coming from Dipolog City,
Cotabato City, General Santos City, and Surigao del Sur.
According to Bishop Delfin Callao, Jr. of Iglesia Filipina
Independiente, the pilgrims for justice will bring to fore issues of
gross human rights violations in Mindanao “especially cases of the
victims of development aggression in mining areas and the rampant
political killings in the region, the most notorious of whom is that
of the rape-slay of Rebelyn Pitao."
Recently, the father of New People's Army Commander Ka Jinggoy was
found dead in Brgy. Baylo, Monkayo. He bore nine gunshot wounds.
“This pilgrimage is a significant gathering for the victims of human
rights violations in Mindanao, drawing strength from the collective
spirit of anguish and struggle for justice,” Callao said.
“The pilgrims from Surigao del Sur, will meet with the pilgrims from
Southern Mindanao in Tagum City and will hold a brief ceremony at the
Rebelyn marker located in Carmen, Panabo City. They will then proceed
here in Davao City,” he said.
The groups will then attend the 2nd Mindanao Human Rights Summit which
is being spearheaded by the nongovernmental InPeace Mindanao, along
with Kawagib Alliance for the Advancement of Moro Human Rights,
Sisters’ Association in Mindanao, Exodus for Justice and Peace
Southern Mindanao, Panaw Kalinaw Northern Mindanao, Lihuk Kalinaw
Western Mindanao, Hustisya Kalinaw Socsksargen, Karapatan and the
Promotion of Church People’s Response.###
For reference:
Bishop Delfin Callao Jr.
300-5397
Wednesday, March 9, 2011 0
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