Groups protest across Panay, Negros on Human Rights Day

By Juliane Judilla

Various groups across Panay and Negros Island staged protest actions on Dec. 10 to mark the 77th International Human Rights Day, calling attention to issues of poverty, corruption, and alleged human rights violations under the current administration.

In Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, members of the One Negros Ecumenical Council (ONE-C), the Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (TAMA NA! ALLIANCE–Negros), and the Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN) marched from the Provincial Lagoon to the Bacolod City Public Plaza Replica.

In their unified statement, the groups condemned what they described as worsening poverty and systemic underdevelopment, saying these conditions deprive “the overwhelming majority of our people of the fundamental right to lead a truly human life.”

They further criticized the alleged siphoning of billions of pesos in public funds through corrupt practices, which they said has deepened the misery of poor communities.

They also denounced what they called violations of people’s rights to “holistic and genuine development,” citing bureaucratic corruption, widespread human rights abuses, and environmental destruction linked to local and foreign “development aggression.”

In Iloilo City, progressive organizations led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)–Panay, Panay Alliance Karapatan (PAK), and various multi-sectoral groups began their demonstration at the Infante Flyover, in front of the University of the Philippines Visayas Iloilo City campus.

The march proceeded toward the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

The protesters renewed their call for the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, pointing to what they described as mounting controversies involving corruption and state-sponsored attacks on basic human rights.

“Corruption is itself a form of human rights violation because funds meant for the public end up in the pockets of politicians,” said BAYAN–Panay Secretary General Elmer Forro.

The groups also commemorated — and demanded justice for — the brutal killings of activists and human rights defenders, including John Farochilin, Jory Porquia, the Tumandok 9, and others.

In Kalibo, Aklan, local groups held a march from Kalibo Pastrana Park to Crossing Banga, New Washington, echoing the broader regional calls for accountability and protection of civil liberties.

Meanwhile, in Roxas City, Capiz, protesters marched from Rufina Elementary School to the Roxas City Plaza Bandstand, where they held a short program amplifying demands for justice, social welfare, and an end to alleged government abuses.

The coordinated actions across both regions highlighted a shared message: the fight for human rights remains urgent and public pressure is essential in confronting corruption, inequality, and social injustice.