- The Guardian
- Issue #1953
As execution of human rights activists heightens in the Philippines, the Australian Action for Peace and Development in the Philippines calls for the Australian Government to stop using tax payer’s money in supporting the Philippine military.
This call from peace loving Australians came as we condemn the Bloody Sunday perpetrated by the Philippine Military on 7 March 2021 in Philippine provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal [southern part of Luzon Island] early morning today.
Only last week Pres. Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines to: “disregard human rights and kill suspected rebels.” In all of the raids, arrests and executions there is obvious weaponisation of search warrants and planting of evidence that were done to justify such actions.
The PNP has confirmed that six were arrested, nine were killed, and six others “escaped” in simultaneous raids on offices and homes of the activists based on 18 search warrants.
Judge Jose Lorenzo de la Rosa of the RTC Manila Branch 4 issued a number of search warrants used.
APDP supports the Filipino people in:
Holding Pres. Duterte and Gen. Parlade directly accountable for the killing and illegal arrest of these unarmed activists, as well as the brazen weaponisation of search warrants and planting of evidence to justify such actions. This adds to the long list of atrocities committed by Duterte and his tyrannical, fascist regime.
Demanding that all those arrested be freed and that an independent, credible investigation into the simultaneous raids be done by Congress and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to hold those responsible to account.
Demand that the Supreme Court take immediate steps to prevent the further weaponisation of search warrants and other judicial instruments to silence activists, political dissenters and government critics.
Calling for an end the Duterte fascist regime.
