Day of the Disappeared

EDITORIAL

On occasion of the International Day of the Disappeared, human rights violations like “salvagings” (summary execution) are still on the rise with 11 cases recorded under the Aquino administration, according to militant groups.

           

They urged government to take measures against  enforced disappearances reportedly perpetrated by government agents or authorities and make those responsible account for their heinous crimes.  

           

One of the more notorious symbols of human rights violations in the country, fugitive ex-general JovitoPalparan, is still not behind bars, militants noted.

           

Palparan was indicted for the kidnapping and illegal detention of activists and University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno on June 26, 2006. The two remain missing until this day.

           

“Not only are Karen and Sherlyn still missing, but so is their captor and torturer despite a standing warrant of arrest for him. Is Palparan really that elusive? Maybe the government is not really expending any effort to capture him, or even worse, the Armed Forces is coddling the fugitive general” Anakbayan said in a statement.

           

Anakbayan also called for the junking of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’‘OplanBayanihan’ saying human rights violations continue to be perpetuated by military personnel against activists and other civilians.

           

The group described Bayanihan as “a massive military PR effort using projects such as token construction of classrooms, as well as the use of terms such as “peace” and “community development” in official documents and public pronouncements, to create the image of a ‘peaceful AFP.’”

           

As of today, according to the group, aside from the 11 cases of enforced disappearances, there have also been exactly 100 extra-judicial killings by military personnel, informers, and members of paramilitary groups against activists, development workers, environmentalists, and other civilians.

           

Such s the state of democracy in the Philippines, they noted.