Human Rights Violations under Marcos Jr. tallies at 407 cases. Defend Human Rights in the Philippines!
On the day of Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address, the Asia Pacific Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines remains vigilant and notes the administration’s alarming record of human rights violations in the country. In its first year, the new administration committed a total of 407 cases of disregard for human rights and practice of state terror against the Filipino people.
Marcos Jr.’s political agenda remains consistent with the previous and similarly tyrannical Duterte regime. Under the guise of protecting the people from the dangers of illegal drugs, the government has pursued vigilante-style killings of suspected drug users. Since Marcos Jr. assumed office in June last year, there have been 342 cases of “drug-related” killings, akin to Duterte’s Oplan Tokhang extra-judicial killings. Of this record, 115 were killed by the Philippine National Police and other state forces during their anti-illegal drug operations.
Marcos Jr. also deepens the subservient characteristics of the Philippine economy and military power under the United States of America, which it inherited from the previous administration. Masquerading as “mutual defense”, the Balikatan Exercises allowed around 12,200 U.S. military personnel to train side-by-side with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in cyber defense and live fire exercises. Consequently, the four new U.S. military bases established in Palawan, Sta. Ana, Cagayan, and Isabela, together with the five existing bases, will serve as the stronghold of the imperialist power in the Philippines. Historically, these war games have resulted in cases of sexual abuses committed by the US troops against Filipino women, while the military drills focused on counterterrorism affected the livelihood of farmers and indigenous people in the countryside.
In his counterterrorism and anti-communist line, Marcos Jr. has also lashed out against critics who bear the brunt of the economic crisis brought about by his inutile government policies. With the use of the Anti-Terrorism Act, human rights defenders and indigenous people’s rights activists have been arbitrarily and unjustly tagged as “terrorists”, which makes them valid targets of military surveillance, intimidation, harassment, and even killings. Within the first year of the administration, it has now listed up to 32 individuals as “terrorists” identified by the Anti-Terrorism Council on the basis of their alleged affiliation with the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army. The use of the ATA as well as other bogus charges of rebellion, illegal possession of firearms, and material support to the NPA, among others, are conveniently used by state forces to suppress the discontent among the people.
Aside from weaponizing the law, human rights activists have also raised concerns about the forced disappearances of 23 individuals who are known government critics. Among them, Dexter Capuyan and Gene Roz “Bazoo” de Jesus remain missing up until this day while the police and military continue with their pretense of innocence despite several reports of their participation in the abduction cases.
Marcos Jr. has shown a complete disregard for human rights in the Philippines and International Humanitarian Law. Kyllene Casao, a 9-year old girl who was brutally murdered by the 59th IB, was the first victim of Marcos Jr. in Southern Tagalog, after the military indiscriminately fired at her and her companions on the presumption that they were members of the New People’s Army. Similarly, the entire Fausto family was massacred by elements of the 49th IB after their alleged involvement with the NPA. Instead of addressing the roots of armed conflict, it actively chooses to implement its all-out war method against progressive civilians and revolutionary forces. The killing of NDFP Peace Consultant Ericson Acosta again proves that the government has no interest in resuming peace talks.
Marcos Jr.’s first year is marked with the blood of innocent and toiling masses. The 407 reported cases of human rights violations implies at least one human right violation committed by state forces per day. He is determined in preserving and extending the bloody legacy of the Duterte administration against the Filipino people. The series of human rights violations and outright display of state terror are stark reminders to all human rights groups and advocates to remain wide-awake and persistent in holding the government and its state forces accountable. We urge all democracy-loving individuals, peace advocates, and human rights defenders worldwide to stand in solidarity with the Filipino people in their fight for justice and human rights.
#UpholdHumanRights
#EndImpunity
