Friday, October 24, 2008 International groups to observe Balao Amparo suit By Jane Cadalig
INTERNATIONAL progressive organizations are expected to observe the hearing for the issuance of the amparo writ filed by the family of missing activist James Balao.
This is part of the International Solidarity Mission, which was organized by the Indigenous Peoples Rights Monitor (IPRM), aimed at mobilizing more organizations which would help conduct an impartial investigation of the alleged abduction and enforced disappearance of Balao.
Recommendations made by the group would be submitted to government agencies and national and international institutions.
Expected to observe the amparo writ hearing are representatives from international groups such as the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Uniting Church of Canada (UCC), the International Group on Indigenous Affairs (IGIA), the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) based in Changmai, Thailand, and the Asia Pacific Migrants Mission (APMM) from Hong Kong have signified their commitment to join the activity.
Other national-based representatives of international institutions such as Amnesty International (AI) Philippine Indigenous Peoples Links (PipLinks), Christian Aid, the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) and the Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network (APIYN) were also invited to attend the solidarity mission.
Balao's family filed the writ of amparo before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) early this month, in their quest for the missing activist, claimed to have been abducted by uniformed men at Tomay in La Trinidad. The petition is now under the sala of RTC Judge Benigno Galacgac.
Senators Maria Ana Consuelo "Jamby" Madrigal, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Indigenous Communities, and Francis "Chiz" Escudero, chairman of the Senate Committee on Human Rights, were asked to support the activity.
The IPRM also coordinated with several Baguio-based church organizations for their support for the International Solidarity Mission, including the Regional Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Cordillera (Reccord), the Episcopal Diocese of North Central Philippines, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines-Northern Luzon Jurisdiction, and the Interfaith Gathering for Truth and Accountability.
