March 22, 2007

Stop the Killings in the Philippines

The Pacific School of Religion PANA Institute suggests writing to our Representatives:
On October 3, 2006, peace and human rights leader Bishop Alberto Ramento was assassinated. His death is one of over 760 civilian deaths and 180 forced disappearnces of community leaders, journalists, activists, and human rights advocates since 2001 thought to be perpetrated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Join the international human rights and religious community in calling for a thorough investigation and an end to these killings and disappearances. Urge Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to take strong action to stop the political killings and disappearances, prosecute perpetrators, and support proompt, independent investigations. Investigate whether the more than $35 million of U.S. military and counter-terrorism aid given to the Philippines government this year is being used to promote or cause these extra-judicial killings.

N.B. The recent fact-finding trip of the UMC CA-NV Conference Delegation estimates that approximately 4.6 billion is the more probably figure of aid that was provided to the Philippines government.

No comments: