MANILA – The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) clarified today statements made by the Arroyo administration regarding the resumption of peace negotiations next month. In a press statement released today, Fidel V. Agcaoili, a member of the NDFP negotiating panel, said the government unilaterally announced that it would “lift the suspension” of the…
Category: Breaking News
Transport Leader in Bicol Injured in Shooting
MANILA — As progressive transport groups prepare for what is expected to be a massive strike today, a leader of such a group was shot early today, Monday, in Bicol. Joel Ascutia, president of Condor-Piston-Bikol, an organization of jeepney drivers and operators, was shot at 4:30 a.m. today, July 13, in Legazpi City. Colleagues said…
Italian Red Cross Worker Abducted by Abu Sayyaf Has Been Freed
MANILA– Eugenio Vagni, the last of the three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) staff members abducted in the southern Philippines on Jan. 15, has been freed, the ICRC said Sunday. Vagni, an Italian, regained his freedom in the early hours of July 12. He is tired after 179 days in captivity but, given…
Reds, Philippine Government to Resume Peace Talks Next Month
MANILA — Formal peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) will resume in August this year, Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the NDFP negotiating panel announced Wednesday. The negotiations were stalled in 2004 after the Philippine government insisted on a final peace…
Army Surfaces Missing Church Worker, Slaps Him With ‘False Charges’
There are signs that Dennis Rodinas was tortured, his wife says. The military asserts that he was a leader of the NPA in Western Mindanao and that an “explosive component” was found on him. His family says the charges are fabricated.
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Church Worker Missing After Being Arrested By Police and Turned Over to Military
Church Worker Missing After Being Arrested By Police and Turned Over to Military
Dennis Rodinas, a lay worker of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, was subjected to “custodial debriefing” at a military camp in Misamis Occidental and has not been heard from. His family is concerned that he may end up the latest victim of human-rights atrocities in the Philippines.
Slideshow: In Manila Protest March, Filipinos Demand an End to Arroyo Regime
Protesters Demand End of Arroyo Regime
Broadcaster Shot Dead in Agusan
MANILA — A motorcycle-riding gunman shot and killed a radio blocktimer in Brgy. Poblacion in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur. The victim, 43-year-old Jonathan Petalvero, sustained a lone gunshot wound on the head from a .45 caliber pistol and was brought to the New Bayugan Doctors Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. News reports…
Hundreds of Workers Laid Off as Underwear Giant Closes Philippine Factories
Union denounces move by Triumph International, calling it “unjust and illegal.” The workers have been trying to fend off attempts by the company to decrease production at the factories and to move these facilities elsewhere.
Melissa Roxas: ‘Talking About What Happened Is Like Going Back to That Dark Place’
By RONALYN V. OLEA Human Rights Watch Bulatlat MANILA — Filipino-American Melissa Roxas finally broke her silence and recounted her ordeal in the hands of the military. Roxas and her two companions, Juanito Carabeo and John Edward Jandoc, were abducted in the afternoon of May 19 in sitio Bagong Sikat, barangay Kapanikian, La Paz town,…
‘Philippine Military Has Its Own Abu Ghraib’
In protest rally Friday in front of Nica building, human-rights groups denounce the continuing use of torture. They likewise commemorate the third year of the disappearance of UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño. Edita Burgos says the promotion of three officials linked to the abduction of her son Jonas will encourage more atrocities.