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Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Gabriela hails CBCP for stand on political killings
GABRIELA, a group advocating women's rights, has commended the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippine's (CBCP's) stance as regards killings hounding members of militant groups and journalists.
Presently, 683 have become victims of political killings under the Arroyo regime. Gabriela lists 70 women victims, 35 of whom are its members or belonged to Gabriela's network.
The commendation for CBCP was voiced by Emmi de Jesus, secretary general of Gabriela during Monday's Independence Day rites.
Earlier, the CBCP, through its president and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, called for a stop to the killings.
"A sad commentary of our country and government which want to abolish death penalty," the CBCP stated in its statement.
"The cases of killings are alarming: It is not right that people be killed simply because they have different political beliefs or are suspected of being subversive or plotting against the government. Killing is a sin against life, a sin against human dignity. Whoever are the perpetrators, and whatever is the cause, the victims -- irrespective of any ideology they profess -- are still subjects of human rights and are entitled to due process in an unbiased court," Lagdameo was quoted earlier.
"The church has, once again, shown it sides with the more marginalized sectors of the society by responding to the challenge of the times through its rejection of the maneuvers of the Arroyo administration. Recognizing the Church's significant role and influence on issues, we hope that the CBCP will join the Filipinos and the international community by taking an active role in putting an end to these killings, by seeking justice for all human rights victims and by bringing the perpetrators to justice," de Jesus said.
De Jesus also assailed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's push for Charter change. She said that this will not solve the killings, "but will only pose graver threat to human rights in the country."
"Gabriela urges the CBCP under Lagdameo, to heed the call of people's organizations to be part of an independent body -- together with other church leaders, the Commission on Human Rights, human rights groups and other personalities -- calling for an impartial probe on the systematic and widespread political killings," De Jesus said.
"The church must not be blinded by the lies of the Arroyo regime--like the abolition of the death penalty--aimed to hide the truth, justify the political killings and evade responsibility from its human rights violations. As clearly seen now, the government cannot lead a genuine prosecution of the perpetrators. In fact, The Arroyo regime's blatant violations of human rights have made this government the number one violator of people's right to life and liberty," she further stressed.
De Jesus said, "The women of Gabriela are confident that the church's stand will shore up our steadfast resistance to any attempt by a fascist and repressive government to curb the already limited basic rights and civil liberties of our people. (KVC)
(June 14, 2006 issue)
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