Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
President, Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel
Manila, NCR 1005
PHILIPPINES
Fax No.: +63 2 736-86-21; 736-69-07
Dear President Arroyo,
PHILIPPINES: Probe ordered into attempt of human rights lawyer's life
I am writing regarding your Excellency's favorable response to a case involving the attempt on the life of human rights lawyer Romeo Capulong on March 7. I highly applaud your government's concern regarding Capulong's case as well as the other reported killings and violence against activists in your country.
As I express appreciation on this development, I reiterate an appeal calling on the government to produce immediate results on its investigation, arrest and prosecution of perpetrators in cases involving the harassment, violence and the unrestrained killings of human rights and political activists.
I am aware that there has been no significant development regarding the case of Capulong as well as the other cases, to identify, arrest and prosecute perpetrators involved in these attacks against activists. Although an arrest was made on a suspect in William Tadena's killing, a priest supporting farmers on strike in Hacienda, Tarlac, the other cases remain unsolved.
I am also aware that considerable numbers of cases involving violence against human rights and political activists have been reported.
I urge your office to initiate a policy that will address specific issues related to the violence against activists. The government should consider all these cases with priority to prevent such incidents from happening again. Such action by the government would also help bring justice to victims and their families.
As you have promised that there will be 'no white wash in the investigation' and the killings will not go unpunished, it is but proper that such pronouncement should produce results. By doing so, the government will indeed uphold its international obligations to human rights, and the rule of law.
I trust that you will take action on this matter.
Respectfully yours,
________________
SEND A COPY TO:
1. Usec. Rene Sarmiento
Deputy presidential adviser
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP)
4th Flr. Agustin 1 Bldg. Emerald Ave. Ortigas Center
Pasig City
PHILIPPINES
Telefax: +63 2 6377259
Email: gpnp_cnn@opapp.gov.ph
2. Atty. Jasmin N. Regino
Regional Director
Commission on Human Rights (CHR III)
3/F, Kehyeng Bldg.,
Mc Arthur Highway, Dolores
San Fernando, Pampanga
PHILIPPINES
Tel No.: +63 45 961-4475 / 45 961-4830
3. Mrs. Purificacion Quisumbing
Commissioner
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman, Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Tel. No. +63 2 928-5655/926-6188
Fax: +63 2 929-0102
Email: drpvq@chr.gov.ph
Thank you
Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
