Group Presses PH to Address UN Rights Issues

By Juliane Judilla

Defend Panay Network, an alliance of human rights advocates, voiced support for United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan’s findings following her January visit to the Philippines.

In a letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dated Sept. 27, 2024, Khan detailed abuses against activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. She expressed concerns over extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, judicial harassment, and the misuse of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

Khan’s report highlighted specific cases, including the 2020 murder of Bayan Muna Coordinator Jose Reynaldo “Jory” Porquia in Iloilo City. Despite evidence of police surveillance before his killing, there has been little progress in the investigation over the past four years.

Another case involved Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)-Panay Secretary-General Elmer Forro, arrested in 2022 on fabricated murder charges linked to alleged ties with the New People’s Army (NPA). Forro, currently out on bail, still faces court proceedings.

Both Porquia and Forro, along with their families, have been victims of “red-tagging,” a practice of falsely accusing individuals of communist affiliations. Khan noted the link between red-tagging and subsequent physical attacks, urging the government to end the practice.

She also cited attacks against journalists, including alternative media reporters Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Mary Anne Krueger, who were illegally arrested and face trumped-up charges. The 2022 murder of broadcast journalist Percival Mabasa, known as Percy Lapid, was also highlighted. Mabasa was shot in his vehicle by unidentified assailants in Barangay Talon Dos, Las Piñas City.

Khan’s findings echo reports from organizations like KARAPATAN and UN Special Rapporteur Ian Fry, who raised concerns over human rights abuses linked to the Jalaur River mega-dam project.

Defend Panay Network condemned the government’s dismissal of these reports, arguing that it reflects a lack of accountability and neglect of marginalized communities.

“The state cannot evade its responsibility for countless abuses,” the group said, urging the government to address human rights violations and honor its international commitments.

“Justice for human rights violation victims! Repeal the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which has targeted activists. Revoke Executive Order No. 70 and disband the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)!” the group added.