As December 10, International Human Rights Day nears, we decry the continuing deterioration of human rights in our country.
On top of the premeditated killings by police officers of defenseless youth Kian delos Santos, 17, Carlo Angelo Arnaiz, 19, and Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman, 14, the recent killings of Catholic priest Fr. Marcelito Paez in Nueva Ecija. Pastor Lovelito Quinoñes in Mindoro Oriental, and human rights activist Elisa Badayos in Negros Oriental signal a new and wider wave of killings and human rights violations in the country.
Such killings come on the heels of Pres. Duterte’s closing the door on the peace talks with the NDFP, and his admonition to state security forces to shoot and kill suspected armed rebels. We are alarmed that just as Oplan Tokhang saw thousands of alleged drug users or peddlers mowed down based on mere suspicion and spurious claims of “nanlaban,” the President’s new order can also give state forces the license to kill unarmed civilians conveniently labeled as “rebels.”
The President’s threat to crack down on activists, critics and all those whom he imagines are conspiring to topple his government has a chilling effect on the public and impinges on our people’s exercise of their political rights and civil liberties.
The continuing efforts to undermine the system of checks and balances in government — the impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, the threat to impeach Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, the bullying of the Commission on Human Rights and the continued detention of Sen. Leila de Lima — are equally worrisome. More so efforts of the President and his supporters to threaten and intimidate members of the media.
And yet the greatest threat to human rights today is Pres. Duterte’s moves toward authoritarian rule whether through charter change ostensibly to shift to a federal system of government, or an outright power grab through a so-called “revolutionary government.”
We call on our people to be critical and ever vigilant. Let us resist the erosion of our basic human and democratic rights. Let us unite in fighting tyranny and dictatorship.
SIGNATORIES:
Legislators
- Sen. Francis Pangilinan
- Former Sen. Rene Saguisag
- Rep. Edcel Lagman
- Rep. Jose Christopher Belmonte
- Rep. Sarah Elago
- Rep. Carlos Zarate
- Rep. Antonio Tinio
- Rep. Ariel Casilao
- Rep. Arlene Brosas
- Rep. France Castro
- Rep. Tom Villarin
- Former Rep. Lorenzo Tañada
- Former Rep. Rafael Mariano
- Former Rep. Neri Colmenares
- Former Rep. Teddy Casiño
Lawyers
- Atty. Pacifico Agabin
- Dean Ada D. Abad
- Atty. Antonio La Viña
- Atty. Jose Manuel Diokno
- Atty. Pablito V. Sanidad
- Atty. Arno V. Sanidad
- Atty. Felix J. Mariñas Jr.
- Atty. Vicky Avena
- Atty. Edre Olalia
- Atty. Rachel Pastores
- Atty. Rey Cortez
- Atty. Eduardo Capulong
- Atty. Ivy-ron Quinto
- Atty. Jill Santos
- Atty. Gregorio Tanaka Viterbo Jr.
Religious
- Obispo Maximo Rhee Timbang, IFI
- Bp. Broderick Pabillo, DD
- Bp. Deogracias Iñiguez, DD
- Bp. Arturo Bastes, DD
- Bp. Gerardo Alminaza, DD
- Bp. Roberto Mallari, DD
- Bp. Reuel Marigsa
- Mo. Mary John Mananzan, OSB
- Br. Jose Mari Jimenez, FSC
- Rev Fr. Carlos G. Ronquillo, CSSR
- Sr. Angelita Navarro, ICM
- Sr. Pat Fox, NDS
- Bp. Emergencio Padillo, UCCP-MLJ
- Bp. Santiago Azaula, IFI, Diocese of Bohol
- Bp. Emilliano Domingo, IFI, Diocese of Cavite
- Bp. Godofredo J. David, IFI, Diocese of Rizal Pampanga
- Bp. Dindo Ranojo, IFI, Diocese of Tarlac
- Bp. Rowel S. Arevalo, IFI, Diocese of Laguna
- Bp. Joselito T. Cruz, IFI, Diocese of Bataan and Bulacan
- Bp. Ronelio Fabriquiet, IFI, Diocese of Romblon And Mindoro
- Bp. Jovy B. Fodulla, IFI, Diocese of Palawan
- Bp. Joel Porlares, Gen. Secretary, IFI
- Bp Valentin Lorejo, Jr., IFI
- Fr. Noel L. Dacuycuy, COP
- Fr. Ben Alforque, MSC
- Fr. Freddie Dulay, MDJ
- Rev Fr. Carlos G. Ronquillo, Cssr
- Fr. Gilbert Billena, O.Carm
- Fr. Rolly De Leon
- Sr. Elen Belardo RGS
- Rev. Crescecio G. Agbayani
- Pastor Nerisse Pamaran, UTS
- Fr. Rex Reyes
Artists, Writers and Media
- Mae Paner a.k.a. Juana Change
- Monique Wilson
- Director Joel Lamangan
- Audie Gemora
- Joel Saracho
- Chikoy Pura
- Monet Pura
- Prof. Joi Barrios-Leblanc
- Kiri Dalena
- Nikki Luna
- Katrina Stuart Santiago
- Vergel Santos
- Chit Roces-Santos
- Inday Espina-Varona
- Prof. Felipe de Leon Jr.
- Rossana Abueva
- Sari Dalena
- Kiri Dalena
- Astarte Abraham
- Eunice C. Novio
- Angelo de Silva
- Isolde Duenas
- Nonoy Espina
- Tonyo Cruz
- Ina Silverio
- Emmanuel Garibay
- Norberto Roldan
- Angelo Suarez
- Donna Miranda
- Renan Ortiz
- Ricky Francisco
- Roselle Pineda
- Henrielle Pagkaliwangan
- Karl Castro
- Voltaire Guray
- Melvin Pollero
- Ryan Murillo
- Antares Gomez Bartolome
- Lisa Ito
- Manolo Sicat
- Carina Evangelista
- Renz Lee
- Judith Camille Rosette
- Leslie de Chavez
- Racquel de Loyola
- Veronica Lazo
- Cian Dayrit
- Mideo Cruz
- Jaja Arumpac
- Cabring Cabrera
- Eunice de Asis
- Ramon Ayco
- Sigfried Barros Sanchez
- Angeli Bayani
- Albert Gonzales Fontanilla
- Mark Angeles
- Merlita Lorena Tariman
- Yason Banal
- Maria Isabel Lopez
- Joey Papa
- Karl Ramirez
- Boogs Villareal
- Winston Santiago
Academe
- UP Chancellor Michael Lim Tan
- Dr. Gisela Luna, VP Academic Affairs, Trinity University of Asia
- Prof. Judy Taguiwalo
- Prof. Temario Rivera
- Prof. Luis V. Teodoro
- Dr. Georgina Encanto
- Prof. Roland Simbulan
- Prof. Laarni Escresa
- Prof. Mighael Pante
- Assoc. Prof. Amparo Adelina C Umali
- Asst. Prof. Bernadette Neri
- Rowena A. Laguilles
- Prof. Sonny San Juan
- Prof. Delia Aguilar
- Rica L. Nepomuceno
- Rev. Lizette Tapia-Raquel
- Prof. Elyrah Salanga-Torralba
- Prof. John Enrico C. Torralba
- Prof. Revelation E. Velunta
- Prof. Ruby G. Alcantara
- Raymond Macapagal
- Prof. Emmanuel Luna
- Prof. Wystan de la Peña
- Dr. Nancy Kimuell Gabriel
- Assoc. Prof. Celia M. Austria
- Assoc. Prof. Rowell Madula
- Prof. Ramon Guillermo
- Prof. Rhoderick Nuncio
- Assoc. Prof. Raquel Sison-Buban
- Assoc. Prof. David Michael San Juan
- Prof. Rowena R. Boquiren
- Prof. Chuckberry Pascual
- Prof. Bobby Tuazon
Doctors and Health Professionals
- Dr. Eddie Concepcion
- Dr. Gene Nisperos
- Dr. Edelina P. Dela Paz
- Eleanor Nolasco, R.N.
- Dr. Jose Florencio Lapeña Jr.
- Dr. Romeo Quijano
- Maricel Lim-Nalian, RN
- Dr. Ramon Paterno
- Dr Sylvia dela Paz
- Dr. Arnel Amata
- Dr Violy Casiguran
- Dr. Cynthia Sta Clara-Marcelo
- Prof. Cora delos Reyes- Anonuevo
- Dr. Charissa Salud Gnilo
- Dr. Lou Querubin
- Dr. Sylvia E Claudio
- Dr. Oliver Segui
- Dr Juliet Segui
- Dr. Roselimo Doval Santos
- Dr. Erlyn Joy Quirao
- Dr. Ed Tolentino
- Dr. Dolores Taylan
- Dr. Dexter Cayanes
- Dr. Japhet Hensaya de Leon
- Dr. Ira Bisuna
- Dr. Aurelio Agcaoili
- Dr. Shamon Abraham
- Dr. Charles Marquez
NGOs and People’s Organizations
- Dr. Carol Araullo, BAYAN
- Renato Reyes Jr., BAYAN
- Miguel Sandino Aljibe, UPSC Manila
- Dr. Joseph Carabeo, HEAD
- Sharon Cabusao, Kapayapaan
- Lyda Jara Canson, Development of Peoples Foundation
- Cristina Palabay, Karapatan
- Elisa Tita Lubi, Karapatan
- Dr. Geneve R. Reyes, HAHR
- Danilo Reyes, Asian Legal Resource Centre
- Atty. Azadeh Shahshahani, Project South
- Milagros S. Serrana, Hills of Maia Alta Homeowners’ Association
- Marian Caampued, Women Against Tyranny
- Dino de Leon, PBTAJ
- Japhet Ndhlovu, South Africa and South Asia Program Coordinator, Church in Mission Unit, United Church of Canada
- Wim de Ceukelaire, Director, Third World Health Aid-Belgium
- SAMASA Alumni Association
- Respond and Break the Silence Against the Killings (RESBAK)
- SIKAD
- Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
- Network Against Killings in the Philippines (NAK-Philippines)
- Third World Health Aid-Belgium
- United Church of Canada
- Babai Women’s Network
- Daloy Dance Company
Concerned Individuals
- RC Constantino
- Lourdes Constantino
- Margarita Holmes
- John Silva
- Olivia A. Ferry
- Tessy Ang See
- Lorna Segovia
- Raul Segovia
- Dante Simbulan
- Susan Macuja
- Alex Capulong
- Men Sta Ana
- Yoly Ong
- Aurora Javate
- Mercedes Contreras Danenberg
- Nina L Yuson
- Ricky Francisco
- Guillermo G. Cunanan
- Rica Cortes Rentzing
- Candy Cruz Datu
- Jesus Ferdinand Nemenzo
- Samia Abraham-Henrage
- Cara Uymatiao
- Ms Len Cuenca
- Ms. Norma Esperida-Cummins
- Menchie Peralta
- Alex Umali
- Rhodora Clemente
- Betty Romero
- Alessandra Gonzalez
- Lorna Villamil
- Ester Batangan
- Lito Averia
- Vincent Go
- Jojo Lacanilao
- J. Antonio Tovar Aguilar
- Erika David
- Blessilda Wyona Ragaza
- Rita Erika Espinar
- Maria Fe Fruto-Enciso
- Julius Enciso
- Andrew Paolo Enciso
- Leonor Fruto
- Jean Fruto
- Rosa Fruto-Garcia
- Helen Espinar
- Conrado Espinar
- Christine Espinar-Quinto
- Jerome Quinto
- Christian Espinar
- Shiela Espinar
- Charisse Espinar
- Anne Lim
- Adelaide Santos
- Kristine Calleja
- Astarte Abraham
- Edreu Abraham
- Apollo Abraham
- Ma. Allene P. Allanigue
- Ann Hazel Javier
- Francis Dayrit
- Ma. Teresa Cruz
- Paulynn Sicam
- Vangie Quiason
- Vicky Ongpin Perlas
- Annie de Leon
- Estella Firmacion-Llamas
- Gail Billones
- Dr. Portia Mapanao
- Mario Mapanao
- Anthony Pavia
- Chito Pagaduan
- Ma. Teresa Anna Koska Kim
- Nina L. Yuson
- Nice Maniebo-Buan
- Cara Uymatiao
- Abbey Pasano del Puerto
- Leno Mata Sunico
- Jun Verzola
- Mel Verzola
- Maria Louella Manansala
- Carlos S. Manansala
- Dulce Aristorenas
- Joy Castillo
- Norma Esperida- Cummins
- Caridad Reyes
- Nelson Reyes
- Alex Aquino
- Edna Aquino
- Nona Andaya Castillo
- Belle Castillo
- Bernie Aquino
- Joji Atienza
- Samuel Picardal
- Francis Villabroza
- Ina Silverio
- Lisa Marie Clemente
- Robert Sombillo
- Mary Joy Capistrano
- Jean C. Orsolino
- Norman Uy Carnay
- Janette Pilotin
- Lito T. Salcedo
- Jake Clemencio
- Angela Colmenares-Sabino
- Tess Aquino
- Imelda Laguindam
- Rowena Caraig
- Gary Santiago Rojas
- Enrelito del Carmen
- Phoebe Dimacali
- Kendy Sario
- Zeny Soriano
- Janice Monte-Hernandez
- Richard Ramos
- Trudis Zaniaga
- Skye Gatchalian
- Kristin Nicholas
- Florence Mendoza
- Anya Mendoza
- Sinag de Jesus
- Grace Mahinay
- Xandra Liza Casambre
- Berna Ducusin
- Cheryl Bolante
- Sherwin Bariuan
- Efren H. Santos
- Amy Laja Toreno
- Jake Clemencio
- Satyajit Dimaano
- Jess Valyrian
- Julius Dagatan
- Violy Macatol
- Marita Castillo-Pimentel
- Victor Mangubat
- Oliver Badeo Inodeo
- Richelle Mae de Luna
- Susan S. Lara
- Rogelio Braga
- Roma Estrada
- Grace Monte de Ramos
- Nadine Sarreal
- Arjay Ivan Gorospe
- Mae Espada
- Jun “Zion” Dalanda
- Mark Norman Boquiren
- Mary Jane Alejo
- Ian Yeshua Velunta
- Mar Anthony Simon dela Cruz
- Malvin Daniel Ramos
- Jonalyn C. Dingsalan
- Ayer Arguelles
- Enjelomar Nagtalon
- Morija Santos
- Bing M. Concepcion
- Nashtassia Esteban
- Irah Joy Davantes Royo
- Sherry Mae Soledad
- Helen Floreshilario
- Luchie Maranan
- Joan Cartoneros Cordero
- Keidy Transfiguracion-Mendiola
- Mark “Borky” Perida
- Allana Alvarez
- Chriztina Madlangbayan
- Mr. Ramilito Correa
- Ms. Precious Tabernero
- Mr. Soy Vonhoepper
- Ms. Mirylle Calindro
- Charlie Labarda
- Chadwick Co Sy Su
- Maria Teresa Tibon
- Arlene Siojo Manosca
- Gibby Gores
