Dear Friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) writes to inform you that at least 94 officials including government official of North Cotabato, police and military officers were filed criminal charges by the farmers who was illegally arrested, tortured all the human rights violations committed against the Kidapawan violent dispersal of 6,000 farmers last April 1.
UPDATED INFORMATION: Based on the documentation by Alliance for the Advancement of Peoples Rights (KARAPATAN) and sources interviewed by the Asian Human Rights Commission( AHRC))
Previously, we reported that more than seventy Manobo farmers were bail and grant the provisional liberty. The two farmers who were still in lock up cell, Alfie Awe and Darwin Magyao was released last April 17, 2016. For more details, please read: (AHRC-UAC-037-2016)
On 25 April 2016, the farmers Ebao Sulang, Victor Lumondang Jr, Arnel Takyawan, Mark Anthony Delgado and Lumenario Agustin who was the victims of violent dispersal last April 1 was filed criminal charges of murder, frustrated murder, three counts of attempted murder, violation of Republic Act 9745 (An Act Penalizing Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment) Violation of Republic Act 7438 (Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained or under Custodial Investigation), presidential Decree 1829 ( Obstruction of Justice) against the involved authorities.
Elderly and pregnant women farmers who was illedgally arrested by the policemen was filed a case against the authorities to the office of the Ombudsman.
Farmers called an investigation to the involved officials in violent dispersal and violated the Republic Act 3019(Anti- Graft and Corruption practices act) for the negligence and failure to place the proper measure of the serious effect of the El Nino and the action of misappropriation of the calamity funds.
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SAMPLE LETTER
Dear __________,
Philippines: Manobo farmers filed criminal charges to the authorities
Name of the victim:
Ebao Sulang
Victor Lumondang Jr
Arnel Takyawan
Mark Anthony Delgado
Lumenario Agustin
Name of alleged perpetrator
94 officials including government official of North Cotabato, police and military officers
Date of the incident: April 17, 2016 and April 25, 2016
I am writing to draw your attention on the two farmers Alfie Awie and Darwin Magyao were released and some of the farmers also filed criminal charges to the authorities for the involvement of the violent dispersal during the peaceful protest asking assistance due to drought of El Nino.
On 25 April 2016, the farmers Ebao Sulang, Victor Lumondang Jr, Arnel Takyawan, Mark Anthony Delgado and Lumenario Agustin who was the victims of violent dispersal last April 1 was filed criminal charges of murder, frustrated murder, three counts of attempted murder, violation of Republic Act 9745 (An Act Penalizing Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment) Violation of Republic Act 7438 (Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained or under Custodial Investigation), presidential Decree 1829 ( Obstruction of Justice) against the involved authorities.
I urge you to conduct an impartial and adequate investigation into these two killings of innocent farmer civilians. And also urge you to properly investigate the allegations of torture and ensure that those involved are held responsible as soon as possible and the perpetrators would penalize under the Anti-Torture Law Act of 2009. Lastly, ensure the adequate security and protection for the farmers and their families.
I trust that you will take appropriate action in this.
Yours sincerely,
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PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
1. Mr. Benigno Aquino III
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel
Manila 1005
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 736 1010
Tel: +63 2 735 6201 / 564 1451 to 80
2. Mr. Jose Luis Martin Gascon
Chairperson
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 929 0102
3. Ret. Lt. Gen. Voltaire T. Gazmin
Secretary, Department of National Defense
Room 301 DND Building, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo,
E. de los Santos Avenue, Quezon City
Voice:+63(2) 911-9281 / 911-0488
Fax:+63(2) 911 6213
Email: osnd@philonline.com
4. Mr. Emmanuel Caparas
Secretary
Department of Justice (DOJ)
DOJ Bldg., Padre Faura
1004 Manila
PHILIPPINES
Telefax: +632 523-954
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)
