Thursday, December 14, 2006 813 human rights violations noted since 2001 By Joy Romares-Sevilla
THE Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) has documented a total of 813 cases of human rights violations in the country since January 23, 2001 to December 5 this year.
"That is the total number of cases that we have document since President Arroyo assumed office. With that 813 cases, a total of 54,556 victims were also documented by our office," Rita Melecio, Mindanao staff of the TFDP, told Sun.Star Davao.
In Mindanao, there are 14 cases of illegal arrest and detention documented by the TFDP since January to December this year.
"With the 14 cases, 19 people were documented as victims, these cases of illegal arrest and detention includes torture," Melecio said.
Melecio added that TFDP is not supporting Charter change since it believes that such would hinder, in some ways, the interest and rights of the people.
"We do not support the government if its decisions and programs will be against some rights of the people," Melecio said.
Instead, Melecio said TFDP is urging the resumption of peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
