Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – Human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch have called once again on President Benigno Aquino to intensify commitment to promote respect for human rights dismantling counter-power apparatus and structures lurking in public administration and the army. The call comes after the murder of a third activist in the past 10 days, since Aquino took power: after Jose Daguio and Fernando Baldomero (see Fides 8/7/2010), on 12 July a third activist, 27 year old school teacher Mark Francisco was murdered in the town of Masbate.
“I believe the President is aware of the situation and is already tackling the problem. We are confident about his commitment ”, Fides was told by Jesuit priest, Fr Albert Alejo SJ, involved in promoting respect for human rights particularly in Mindanao, where he is based. “Aquino hails from a family which suffered greatly because of abuse and violation of rights during the times of dictatorship. In my opinion these latest cases of activists killed is a regurgitation of forces connected with the old administration, which aim to put the President in a bad light in public eyes. What is needed is immediate investigation and accurate measures”, the priest said.
“A major challenge for the new president is reform and re-orientation of the armed forces ”, Fr. Alejo told Fides. Civil society groups say the target killings are the work of “death squadrons ”, manoeuvred by the army. “This is an important and sensitive issue and it is key for guaranteeing genuine respect for human rights and citizens' freedoms. The new administration has placed it among its priorities ” he continues, recalling that Aquino has already begun the task of changing the armed forces leaders.
In an open letter addressed to the new President, Human Rights Watch (HRW) calls on Aquino to “move swiftly with clear and effective policies to carry out his campaign commitments to promote justice, end extrajudicial killings, and abolish so-called private armies". In numerous provinces HRW affirms, powerful families use private armies, “often responsible for crimes”. HRW urges the new government to investigate police and military personnel implicated in killings and emphasize that law enforcement officers who fail to investigate such killings vigorously will themselves face investigation on criminal or disciplinary charges. Take immediate steps to protect the witnesses to human rights abuses and their families. Pass a law to criminalize and prevent enforced disappearances. Abolish militia forces. Institute tougher controls on local government procurement of weapons. Dismantle "death squads" and investigate government involvement. (PA) (Agenzia 17/7/2010)
