Month: June 2018

Greetings of Peace and God’s blessings!

While you greet us with poisonous arrows, we still greet you with peace because our God is a God of Peace. Our God is not a stupid God. He is our Father and any insult directed at him is an arrow directed at us because He is our Father. Evidently, we worship different gods, a difference that is irreconcilable. But there is only one God!

While we lament your foul words unfit for a president of a nation, we hail our God as a forgiving God, forgiving our weakness and sinfulness as human beings. He calls us to the highest perfection yet compassionately accepting our puny efforts and mistakes. Yes, we admit that in the Catholic Church, we have many sinful members and sinful priests, even sinful popes. God in his mercy has kept us united in his fold.

Your god, according to you is a perfect god and you claim to be his perfect human being. One of the irreconcilable differences is that our God does not rejoice in murders, especially in extrajudicial killings with special choice of targeting the poor and helpless.

We believe in the dignity of everyman redeemed by God and that we are all one family. We do not murder sinners; we believe in his capacity to reform. Only God can give life and only He can take back life. Our God cannot be your god because you rejoice in killing and have promised to defend the murderers with your all-powerful presidential pardon.

Your men have killed at least 38 people everyday in the past 2 years, and you think with that you can solve the problem of our country. But what is our problem? The problem we see is poverty. The poor have nothing to eat and prices of basic goods are rising. You spend our money in arms and befriend China who is eating up our natural resources. Truly the God we worship and the god you worship are irreconcilable.

WE DO NOT WISH YOU ILL, Mr. President. We pray for you and for a common understanding of how we can help our country.

JULIETA F. WASAN, Ph.D.
President
Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas

“What achievements are they talking about? Are they from another planet”?

This was the response of Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros to a Malacanang statement denying that President Rodrigo Duterte is distracting the public’s attention from pressing issues and asserting that he is succeeding in delivering on his promises to the electorate.

Malacanang issued the statement after Hontiveros accused Duterte of engaging in diversionary tactics with his latest controversial statements.

“List of broken promises”

“What accomplishments are Malacanang talking about? Saang planeta ba sila naroroon? All the people see is a long list of broken electoral promises. First, President Duterte failed to end crime and illegal drug trafficking in his first six months in office. Second, he has failed to put a stop to labor contractualization. Third, he has broken his promise to farmers to distribute the Coco levy fund. Fourth, he has failed to implement an independent foreign policy, succumbing to China. Fifth, the President has failed to ensure affordable food for Filipinos, unable to protect the people from TRAIN, the rising inflation rate and the unmitigated price of gasoline. The list goes on and on,” Hontiveros said.

“Duterte lost the war”

“President Duterte declared war on many fronts. A war against illegal drugs. A war against labor contractualization. A war against foreign domination. A war against poverty. The President has lost all the wars he has waged. He not only lost, he has cowered in the trenches and waved the white flag of surrender,” Hontiveros stressed.

Hontiveros maintained that the Duterte administration is engaged in diversionary tactics because it has no concrete policy responses to the country’s important political and economic issues.

“It’s all smoke and mirrors. It’s state-sponsored obfuscation. It’s no coincidence that President Duterte has issued provocative statements leading to the second anniversary of our historic victory in the United Nations arbitration tribunal against China and his State of the Nation Address (SONA), both happening this July. There is a clear attempt to divert public attention away from burning issues such as China’s encroachment on our territory and the government’s overall dismal performance,” Hontiveros pointed out.

The opposition Senator enumerated some of the issues that the Duterte administration is trying to deflect:

1. The thousands dead as a result of its bloody drug war, as validated recently by well-known academics and researchers from the country’s top universities.
2. The government’s nontransparent and erratic foreign policy, China’s violation of our territorial integrity and the foreign affairs department’s implausible 50-100 “diplomatic actions” against Beijing.
3. The gross incompetence and corruption plaguing the current administration.
4. The rising inflation rate, the weakening of the Peso and the general slowing down of the economy.
5. The deep, negative impacts of TRAIN on many Filipinos.

“Face the issues, end the gibberish”

“Kung tunay na may tapang at malasakit si Pangulong Duterte, harapin niya nang tapat ang mga isyu ng mamamayan. Huwag siyang magtago sa mga walang kapaki-pakinabang at nakakainsultong pahayag para ilihis ang atensyon ng publiko at pagtakpan ang kanyang mga pagkukulang at kapalpakan. President Duterte’s political antics have failed to amuse and have only dismayed. It’s time for President Duterte to cease his gibberish and face the issues,” Hontiveros ended. #

Photo credit: Bianet

BALAY Rehabilitation Center Statement on the Occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

June 26, 2018

Today, Balay marks the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture with deep sadness and anger. We join those who mourn and denounce the death of Genesis Argoncillo, 22, and call on authorities to hold accountable those who allowed his death to happen.

Policemen arrested Argoncillo, also known as “Tisoy”, on June 15 because he was not wearing a shirt when he stepped out of his home to get a cellphone load at a nearby sari-sari store. Four days later he was rushed to hospital but was declared dead on arrival. He bore marks of senseless beating. Authorities initially explained that his injuries were self-inflicted, claiming that he was “mentally disturbed” and was uncontrollable, making a scene inside the cell. His death certificate indicates that he died of multiple blunt force trauma in the neck, head, chest, and upper extremities. He also bore bruises on his shoulders and hips.

Tisoy’s death in custody is neither the first nor the last. Three suspected drug users died apparently due to illness aggravated by head and exhaustion, from February to April 2018 in Pasay Police Station. Housed in the same building by the police investigation and detective management section, the 22.8-square-meter jail is originally meant for only 40 people but holds 143, according to the section chief.[1] Between May and June 2018, five persons detained in police lock up jails in Quezon City and in Manila died either due to head stroke or illnesses made worse by overcrowding and lack of health and sanitation facilities. [2]

How can such incidents happen in a place where police officers are supposed to look after the safety and security of persons under their custody? How can they claim to be protectors of the people when the people feel fear rather than security when under the grip of their power? How can we rejoice at their proclaimed triumph over criminality when ordinary citizens, whose only fault is to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, are shoved into jail because someone very powerful ordered a crackdown on loiterers and alleged criminals.

The prohibition of torture in the Philippines is absolute in the same way that law enforcers are proscribed from using unlawful violence or for allowing acts of cruelty and ill treatment to pass in their presence. The Constitution mandates that no one shall be subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment. In fulfillment of its state policy and international obligation, the Philippine Government signed into law Republic Act No. 9745 also known as “An Act Penalizing Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment and Prescribing Penalties Therefore” or the Anti-Torture Law on November 10, 2009. Its implementing guidelines were approved in 2010.

Yet torture as an act of violence persists. From 2016-2017, Balay has documented 32 accounts of torture, 69% of the incidents took place in the course of the government’s drive against criminality and illegal drugs, with 41% of the cases recorded in the National Capital Region (NCR). Thirty-one percent of the cases happened in the context of the government’s campaign against insurgency and terrorism in Basilan and North Cotabato in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. Males and boys account for 97% of all victims. Minors constitute 47% of all victims.

Balay has also monitored from various sources a total of 24 cases of torture in 2017, with 58% of the cases reported to be connected to the government’s war-on-drugs. Ninety-two percent of the victims are male, and mostly between the 25-50 age group. Most of the incidents happened in the NCR (63%). Police officers account for 69% of alleged perpetrators in the torture incidents.

The Commission on Human Rights has been investigating most of those torture reports. But factors that discouraged torture victims from filing a formal complaint include fear of reprisal (particularly for those who are in jail or in police lock up cell), lack of knowledge on justice-seeking procedures, inconvenience, costly and slow process of litigation, distrust in justice system.

The statement of President Duterte that the relatives of the those who died will never get justice as he will not allow a single policeman accused of breaking the rule of law to go to jail is a chilling reminder on how tragic it is to be poor and powerless in society today.

As we commemorate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture which marks the adoption of the UN Convention against Torture on June 26, 1987, we ask for an end to violence, torture, and impunity. We urge government to engage in a meaningful dialogue with civil society and the public.

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

These recent days, the news have reported a good number of Catholic priests asking for permit from the Philippine National Police (PNP) that they be allowed to carry firearms.

I have already stated my mind on this issue some days ago through Radio Veritas, a Manila Archdiocese-run radio station, that I disagree with such manner of action – that a priest would carry firearms.

A priest is a person who is configured to Christ. In the teachings of the Church, a priest acts in the person of Christ. In the midst of the Church, in the midst of society, because of the grace of priestly ordination, we are supposed to see and feel in his presence the person of Christ. And, therefore, with this configuration of a priest to Christ, it is simply not appropriate, to say the least, for a priest to carry firearms to protect himself.

I am very much aware of the day-to-day dangers to our life these days, especially with the killing of three priests in recent months. Together with other reported killings, we are most disturbed and deeply saddened by the death of these priests. We have strongly condemned these killings. But still to me, it does not warrant at all that priests carry firearms. That is why, we give our trust and confidence to our PNP and other related peace and order personnel in the government. We pray for them and challenge them to do their very best in this very difficult and demanding task of protecting all of us, including priests.

Thus, as the Archbishop of Davao, though up to now no priest has asked me, I strongly discourage my priests, the clergy of Davao, to seek such permission from the PNP to carry firearms.

For priests in other arch/dioceses, this is a matter that you should talk and discuss with your bishops and among yourselves as priests – regarding the appropriateness and witness to our people if you carry firearms.

Brother priests, we should pray all the more for a deeper confidence and gratitude for the grace of ordination that we have received – that we are configured to Christ and act in His person every moment of our lives.

From the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, 23 June 2018

+ ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D.
Archbishop of Davao
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines

P.N. 009/2018
23 June 2018

June 22, 2018

A Pastoral Letter to Our BCBP Community Brothers and Sisters:

This Pastoral Letter has been written by the leadership of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals to provide pastoral guidance to our community.

We are deeply concerned about recent pronouncements made by no less than the president of the country against God, the Bible and our catholic faith.

Threats and insults have also been directed against members of the clergy and the Church which have been attributed to the stand taken by our bishops and priests against our government’s acts especially on extrajudicial killings.

We strongly believe these should not be allowed to pass without our community taking a stand for our Lord Jesus Christ and for the Catholic Church to which we belong.

The pronouncements against God, the Catholic Church and our church leaders should be viewed from the following perspectives:

Firstly, as Filipino citizens, we should be gravely concerned that our rights to free speech, the exercise of our faith and the right to live under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace as enshrined in our Constitution and the Bill of rights are being violated and threatened by the government and by the leaders who are mandated to defend and uphold such rights.

Secondly, as Catholics we have to stand up for the Lord and for the faith that we profess, specifically in addressing the half-truths, inaccuracies, and patently false accusations about the catholic faith and the Church as an organization. As stated in 2 Tim1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control”.

Finally, as members of the BCBP, we need to be guided by our commitment to “community and nation building, the practice of justice and integrity, and responsible care for all entrusted to us.”

Our community position against the persecution in our midst extends beyond just our catholic faithful. It is a stand for all Filipinos, regardless of religious, social or political affiliation.

That said, as Filipinos, catholic Christians and BCBP members, how should we respond in the light of all these attacks against our faith and our Church?

1. PRAYERS. Our primary recourse is to PRAY unceasingly to God for our leaders whether they be in government, socio-civic groups or religious communities. 

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Basta! Run Against Torture (BRAT) XII 
June 26 (Tuesday), 2018

The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) is an international human rights instrument that aims to prohibit and prevent torture and cruel, inhuman degrading treatment or punishment around the world. The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) came into force on 26 June 1987 after 20 ratifications since its adoption by the UN General assembly on 10 Dec 1984.

This year, 34 years after the UNCAT was adopted and with more than 150 state parties, the world has yet to rid of the continued use and practice of torture and ill-treatment. Over recent years, there has been an assault on various fundamental rights in the context of counter terrorism, protecting national security, stopping the rise of criminality, and maintaining peace and order. The protection against torture, an absolute and non-derogable right, provided by the treaty has been undermined – marked by a growing acceptance of torture or other ill-treatment in the context of intelligence-gathering, resort to illegal modes of detention for those suspected of involvement in terrorism, criminality and subversion, and lack of accountability for those who have authorized or committed torture and other ill-treatment. These are key challenges facing the human rights movement today.

This June, for the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, in solidarity with different freedom form torture and human rights organizations around the world, the United Against Torture Coalition will focus on the Philippine Government’s obligation and commitment to:

 ensure that the right of everyone to be free from torture is fully respected, protected and fulfilled;

 uphold the rule of law in the course of ensuring peace and order and exacting justice;

 ensure zero counts on the use of torture by its state representatives and agents; and,

 end the use and practice of torture within its territory and jurisdiction.

Background

Torture is abhorrent. Torture is illegal. Yet torture is inflicted on men, women and children in the Philippines and well over half the countries around the world. Despite the universal condemnation of torture, it is still being used openly and secretly using national and international security from acts of terror as justifications for such acts. It is used to extract confession, to interrogate, to punish or to intimidate. While governments condemn terrorist acts, it is also evident that acts of terror are happening inside detention centers and prison cells, on city streets and in remote villages. The cruelty of torturers kills, maims, and leave scars on the body and mind that last a lifetime. The victims of torture are not just people in the hands of the torturers. Friends, families and the wider community all suffer. Torture even damages and distorts and the hopes of future generations.

In the Philippines, in spite of strong provisions enshrined in the Philippine Constitution prohibiting the use of torture, its criminalization as provided for by Republic Act 9745 or the Anti-Torture Law of 2009, and the country having been a state party to the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) since 1987 and the Optional Protocol to Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) since 2012, the act remains widely used and accepted today. Only one perpetrator, Police Officer Jerrick Dee, has been convicted of the crime while many others remain “untouched” by the legal system as they continue to operate with impunity.

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Group appeal for help after accusing Philippine military of trying to arrest them during a parent-teachers meeting

A tribal youth from Mindanao joins a demonstration in Manila in February to protest the reported attacks on tribal schools in the southern Philippines. (Photo by Mark Saludes)

Mark Saludes, Manila, Philippines June 22, 2018

A group of six tribal teachers in the southern Philippines sought sanctuary in a parish church in Surigao del Sur province on June 20 after accusing soldiers of trying to arrest them.

Father Raymond Ambray, head of the social action center of Tandag Diocese, told ucanews.com that soldiers tried to take the teachers to a military camp.

“We heard news about human rights workers, teachers, and priests being killed because of their advocacies. We do not want another case like that to happen,” said the priest.

He said Bishop Raul Dael of Tandag instructed members of the clergy in his diocese “to provide sanctuary to people and prevent the spread of a culture of violence and intolerance.”

The teachers, who work for the non-government Tribal Filipino Program in the province, were holding a parent-teacher meeting in a village school when the soldiers arrived.

Tandag Diocese was instrumental in establishing the tribal Filipino education program in hinterland villages in the 1970s.

“We were brought to the village hall for questioning after they halted the meeting,” said teacher Arle John Enriquez.

Enriquez said the teachers were told to stop teaching tribal people. “The soldiers insisted we should close our school,” he said.

The military earlier accused the teachers of being communist rebels who were teaching “subversive ideology” to students.

During the meeting, an army official ordered that the teachers be taken to the local military headquarters for “questioning.”

To avoid an “interrogation” by the military, the teachers contacted the diocese to ask for assistance and protection, Enriquez said.

Military spokesman Major Ezra Balagtey denied the claims.

“Our troops were there to assist the village council and mediate a disagreement between parties,” Balagtey told ucanews.com.

The military official said they received a complaint about the teachers and the tribal school, adding that no arrests were made during what was a “peace-building effort.”

Father Ambray, however, said if there was a misunderstanding among the civilians, the village council could have intervened, not the military.

“The military are not allowed inside the premises of any school. This was a clear act of intimidation,” he said.