Pedestrian Observer GB: Petition On the Human Rights Situation in the Philippines

Japanese NGOs and Filipinos living in Japan held candle vigils in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka to protest the continuing killings and abductions greeted Gloria Arroyo's visit to Japan.

The candle vigil were organized by the following organizations: Amnesty International Japan, Human Rights Now, WAYAWAYA, Philippines Committee, National Christian Council in Japan,Tokyo & Yokohama People's Network against Political Killings in the Philippines.

More than 850 political killings and growing number of missing activist, the picture conveys a just sentiment and hopefully foreign governments' aid are dependent on how justice is dispensed in Gloria Macapagal's questionable tenure................ NO JUSTICE, NO AID!

Petition On the Human Rights Situation in the Philippines

DEFEND THE DEFENDERS! PUNISH THE OFFENDERS!

We, Filipinos and Japanese, condemn in the most vigorous terms the rampant violation of human rights in the Philippines committed by the Arroyo government through its agents and hired-killers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

The statistics speak for themselves. We are outraged by the more than 850 cases of extrajudicial killing and the hundreds of other cases of enforced disappearance, illegal arrest, torture, intimidation and harassment of members of legitimate people’s organizations, political parties, media, and church organizations who have dared to speak for the rights and wellbeing of the poor and exploited majority of Filipinos.

These patterns of violence are worse than the dark years of martial law during the time of Marcos. And it pains us to know that a systematic and well-planned campaign of violence like this can serve only one purpose, and that is to prolong Mrs. Arroyo’s desperate hold to power which she has brazenly robbed from the Filipino people in order perpetuate her rule with strong backing from the U.S.

As concerned citizens, we cannot just be silent and do nothing about the situation in the Philippines. Therefore, we strongly demand the Arroyo government to STOP these politically-motivated killings and all forms of human rights violations against its very own people, and to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

We likewise call on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to make quick and decisive action by condemning these acts of violence, to STOP all Japanese aid and support to the Arroyo government, and to side with the Filipino people by demanding justice for all the victims and their families.

Similarly, we appeal to all peace-loving peoples of the world for their support to and solidarity with the Filipino people so they may find the true path to justice, freedom, and lasting peace.

STOP POLITICAL KILLINGS!

NO TO ARROYO’S FASCIST RULE!

NO JUSTICE NO AID!

RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE PHILIPPINES!

JUSTICE FOR ALL VICTIMS OF HUMAN RIGHTS

VIOLATIONS!