Media Advisory

Internationally-coordinated demonstration to be held against the wave of killings of political activists and state terror in the Philippines

For immediate release: April 6, 2005

VANCOUVER, B.C. - Thousands of Filipinos around the world tomorrow including many in Vancouver will be joined by other human rights advocates and supporters to protest against the intensifying political repression, fascism, and state "terrorism" unleashed against the Filipino people by the government under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Since the beginning of this year, 32 people affiliated with progressive political parties and organizations have been systematically killed for fighting for national sovereignty, genuine democracy, and social justice in the Philippines. The victims include Abelardo Ladera, city councilor and leader of Bayan Muna ("People First" progressive party); Romy Sanchez, radio broadcaster and secretary general of BAYAN (alliance of progressive sectoral organizations); William Tadena, priest and member of Promotion of Church People's Response; Felidito Dacut, Bayan Muna coordinator; and Ben Concepcion, 66 year-old peasant leader of Anakpawis (progressive workers' and peasants' party) and KMP (peasant organization).

Attempted murders, abductions, disappearances, illegal detentions and various forms of harassment are also intensifying. Included here are prominent human rights lawyers -- UN ad litem Judge Romeo T. Capulong and Atty. Charles Juloya of Ilocos - who survived assassination attempts last month. Military and police officials and their units have been implicated in the orchestrated and concentrated campaign of terror and repression against unarmed political activists and their supporters.

Yet not one has been brought to justice, even the most notorious have been promoted. Silence and inaction of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's regime point to the official sanctions for the campaign of open state terror. Even official military documents labeling legal progressive organizations as a "national security threat" further point to the state-sanctioned lethal use of summary execution and other human rights violations on political activists. Since the declaration by the U.S. that the Philippines is a second front against the war on terror, extrajudicial killings and gross human rights violations have escalated, victimizing even journalists and notably, Muslim leaders and common folk.

Demonstrators will protest in front of the Philippine Consulate's office to demand an end to the killings and end to the open state terror in the Philippines. Filipinos make up the third largest visible minority community in B.C. With the civil war in the Philippines intensifying, more Filipinos are expected to join the "forced migration" of the already over 60,000 Filipinos living in the province and 300,000 living across Canada.

Demonstration at the Philippine Consulate Thursday, April 7, 2005 12:00 noon 700 West Pender (Corner of Pender and Granville)

Media coverage cordially requested. Photo opportunities will be available.

Sponsored by: B.C. Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance Filipino Nurses Support Group Philippine Women Centre of B.C. SIKLAB For more information, contact Charlene or Sheila at 604-215-1103 or e-mail: bcchrp@kalayaancentre.net