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Sample letter for the October 2005 KAIROS urgent action on the
Philippines
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President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
President of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace, Manila, Philippines
Dear Madame President:
I am writing to express my concern and deep outrage regarding the continued attack on the lives and safety of human rights defenders in the Philippines. Specifically, I am outraged at the recent killings targeting church leaders, trade union leaders, lawyers, human rights activists and members of progressive groups.
I am aware that in September and early October alone, the following leaders have been killed:
- Mrs. Vicky Samonte, stabbed to death while on board a public utility vehicle on September 30, 2005. Mrs. Samonte was the president of Andres Soriano Memorial College Employees Union. Mrs. Samonte was also the Regional Vice-Chair of KMU-Caraga.
- Mr. Diosdado Fortuna, summarily executed last September 22, 2005 by two unidentified men riding a motorcyle. Mr. Fortuna was the president of the Nestle Philippines Workers Union.
- Rev. Raul Domingo died on September 4, 2005, two weeks after being shot by suspected military agents in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. He was a 35-year old pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, an anti-mining activists and one of the many church leaders who called for radical reforms within the government.
- Atty. Norman Bocar was killed on September 1, 2005 in Borongan, Eastern Samar. He was a human rights lawyer and the Regional Chairman of BAYAN.
An attempt was made on the life of Mr. Tony Cuizon, president of the Atlas Mining Workers Union last October 10, 2005 in Cebu City. Mr. Cuizon bore three gunshot wounds near the shoulder and one on his right hand. He is in serious condition.
I am greatly alarmed by the unabated killings and escalation of human rights abuses in the Philippines under your administration, and I am outraged at the impunity with which these crimes are committed by the military. As partners in the Philippines have informed us, almost 100 people have been killed since the beginning of 2005.
I call on you as a person of faith, and the person in charge of national defense, to do all your power to stop further killings and atrocities committed against the Filipino people. I call on you to ensure that their human rights are respected and protected. I ask you to conduct immediate investigations into all of these killings and atrocities, and bring to justice those found responsible.
I ask you to listen to the cry of the people and ease their economic situation instead of responding with force and brutality.
Sincerely,
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