Tell the Philippine government to halt attacks on civil society groups
Philippine indigenous activist James Balao went missing on Sept. 17th in La Trinidad town in Benguet province. His disappearance appears to be connected to his work as a defender of human rights among the indigenous people of northern Luzon. Balao is the founder of the Cordillera People's Alliance (CPA). Members of military intelligence and police have been linked to his abduction. He is the second CPA member to disappear since 1987. Two other CPA members were murdered by unidentified assailants two years ago. For more information: http://www.cpaphils.org/.
Sign this petition urging the government of the Philippines to probe the disappearance of Balao and to observe international covenants on human rights by halting attacks on members of civil society groups.
President of the Republic
Malacañang Palace,
JP Laurel St., San Miguel
Manila Philippines
E-mail: corres@op.gov.ph / erermita@pop.gov.ph
Dear President Macapagal-Arroyo:
I am deeply disturbed about the "disappearance" of Cordillera Peoples Alliance co-founder and member James M. Balao on September 17, 2008, following months of surveillance. The circumstances of his abduction suggest that military intelligence agents had a role in it. Since then, his family has had no information regarding his whereabouts.
Since the Philippine government implemented its Operation Plan Bantay Laya in 2001, members and leaders of organizations working for Indigenous Peoples' rights, such as the Cordillera Peoples Alliance, have been unjustly labeled communist fronts and terrorist organizations. Their leaders have received death threats, and have been kidnapped and killed.
We urgently call for the democratic government of the Philippines to categorically reject the illegal and globally condemned practices of past military dictatorships; and urge you, as the Philippines Commander in Chief, to leave no stone unturned until James Balao's place of detention is identified, those responsible are arrested, and he is returned to his family and community.
Sincerely yours,
Philippine indigenous activist James Balao went missing on Sept. 17th in La Trinidad town in Benguet province. His disappearance appears to be connected to his work as a defender of human rights among the indigenous people of northern Luzon. Balao is the founder of the Cordillera People's Alliance (CPA). Members of military intelligence and police have been linked to his abduction. He is the second CPA member to disappear since 1987. Two other CPA members were murdered by unidentified assailants two years ago. For more information: http://www.cpaphils.org/.
Sign this petition urging the government of the Philippines to probe the disappearance of Balao and to observe international covenants on human rights by halting attacks on members of civil society groups.
President of the Republic
Malacañang Palace,
JP Laurel St., San Miguel
Manila Philippines
E-mail: corres@op.gov.ph / erermita@pop.gov.ph
Dear President Macapagal-Arroyo:
I am deeply disturbed about the "disappearance" of Cordillera Peoples Alliance co-founder and member James M. Balao on September 17, 2008, following months of surveillance. The circumstances of his abduction suggest that military intelligence agents had a role in it. Since then, his family has had no information regarding his whereabouts.
Since the Philippine government implemented its Operation Plan Bantay Laya in 2001, members and leaders of organizations working for Indigenous Peoples' rights, such as the Cordillera Peoples Alliance, have been unjustly labeled communist fronts and terrorist organizations. Their leaders have received death threats, and have been kidnapped and killed.
We urgently call for the democratic government of the Philippines to categorically reject the illegal and globally condemned practices of past military dictatorships; and urge you, as the Philippines Commander in Chief, to leave no stone unturned until James Balao's place of detention is identified, those responsible are arrested, and he is returned to his family and community.
Sincerely yours,
President of the Republic
Malacañang Palace,
JP Laurel St., San Miguel
Manila Philippines
E-mail: corres@op.gov.ph / erermita@pop.gov.ph
Dear President Macapagal-Arroyo:
I am deeply disturbed about the "disappearance" of Cordillera Peoples Alliance co-founder and member James M. Balao on September 17, 2008, following months of surveillance. The circumstances of his abduction suggest that military intelligence agents had a role in it. Since then, his family has had no information regarding his whereabouts.
Since the Philippine government implemented its Operation Plan Bantay Laya in 2001, members and leaders of organizations working for Indigenous Peoples' rights, such as the Cordillera Peoples Alliance, have been unjustly labeled communist fronts and terrorist organizations. Their leaders have received death threats, and have been kidnapped and killed.
We urgently call for the democratic government of the Philippines to categorically reject the illegal and globally condemned practices of past military dictatorships; and urge you, as the Philippines Commander in Chief, to leave no stone unturned until James Balao's place of detention is identified, those responsible are arrested, and he is returned to his family and community.
Sincerely yours,
Please return James Balao to his loved ones. These horrible attacks on indigenous activists must stop!
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Give equal rights to all, it's a Nature's Law!
Where is James Balao?
Dear Mr. President, Many people in the international community concerned with indigenous and basic human rights are becoming aware of the complicity of those in power in countries identified as having either supported or turned a blind eye to human rights and indigenous abuses. Please see the news quote below: "Philippine indigenous activist James Balao went missing on Sept. 17th in La Trinidad town in Benguet province. His disappearance appears to be connected to his work as a defender of human rights among the indigenous people of northern Luzon. Balao is the founder of the Cordillera People's Alliance (CPA). Members of military intelligence and police have been linked to his abduction. He is the second CPA member to disappear since 1987. Two other CPA members were murdered by unidentified assailants two years ago." I urge you to use your position of power to ensure a thorough investigation into Mr. Balao's disappearance and provide an answer to what happened for his family, community and the international community watching and waiting for your intervention into this case. You hold in your hands the majority of the responsibility to make sure there is action taken to identify the whereabouts of Mr. Balao and what happened to him, to bring justice to those responsible for his disappearance, and to provide just compensation for his family and community. With sincere hope you will do the right thing...I along with many others are watching your response, or lack of response, to Mr. Balao's disappearance. Jeri Steele United States
I am married to a Filipino, supporting an extended family. It is disappointing to see the Philippines lagging in development not because of human rights activists but because of the type of feudalism where landlords, business leaders, politicians and their thugs disregard human rights and the rule of law.
The solidairty justice actions of community organizations within the Philippines are key to the protection of human rights. It is time for the government to stop harrassing these groups and individuals!! The Indigenous peoples of the Philippines continue to struggle for their basic human rights. The police and public officials need to act with the peoples instead of against them!
The security of all citizens is a basic requirement of effective governance.
I think it is a real travesty of justice and human rights to allow members of the police and public officials to harm—even murder—indigenous peoples. Give them their rights and your protection or be an outcast to the world.
You,the President, have a responsibility to safeguard your fellow citizens from prosecution and to fight corruption within the government. You are not doing your job! How can you be trusted if there is no order when you're the boss? J
Please consider all sides of this issue. Thank you
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