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After a failed bid for a Federal Philippines, Duterte now wants an independent Mindanao
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 31 January) – After a failed bid to change the 1987 Constitution and shift to a Federal Philippines during his six-year Presidency, former President Rodrigo Duterte now wants an independent Mindanao. It will not be a bloody separation from the Philippines and they would go all the way to the United […].....»»
Brazil: Mixed Rights Record for Lula s First Year
(Sao Paulo) - The administration led by Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made important progress in the protection of the Amazon, women's rights, and other rights during 2023, but has failed to tackle the chronic problem of police abuse or defend human rights consistently abroad, Human Rights Watch said today in releasing its&.....»»
Honoring a Philippine Human Rights Icon - Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image Human rights lawyer and former senator Rene Saguisag holds a copy of a book about the martial law period in the Philippines while describing his ordeal in detention, Manila, September 26, 2018. 2018 Bullit Marquez-AP Photo The Philippines on April 23 lost a human rights stalwart. Rene Saguisag, a human rights lawyer and former senator, defended victims of abuses during the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorsh.....»»
Honoring a Philippine Human Rights Icon
The Philippines on April 23 lost a human rights stalwart. Rene Saguisag, a human rights lawyer and former senator, defended victims of abuses during the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship and was an ardent human rights advocate in the ensuing years. He died of undisclosed causes at the age of 84.Saguisag, along with Jose Diokno, Lore.....»»
Rights group calls for deeper look into military’s reprisals vs. rights defenders
As the motion of reconsideration for the terror charges against Ken Rementilla and Jasmin Rubia was denied by an Antipolo prosecutor, human rights alliance Defend Southern Tagalog calls for accountability of notorious rights violators. The post Rights group calls for deeper look into military’s reprisals vs. rights defenders appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
ICC can t probe Philippines drug war, Marcos tells Germany s Scholz
MANILA, The Philippines: This week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no authority to probe the bloody war against drugs conducted by his predecessor. Marcos discussed the Hague-based ICC's probe during a bilateral meeting with Scholz while visiting Germany. Former President Rodrigo Duterte officially withdrew from the i.....»»
PNP officers urged to shun adventurism
Amid rumors of destabilization attempts against the administration, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has rallied police officers against resorting to adventurism......»»
‘Toxic relationship’ is why Mindanao should secede from sinking PH – former lawmaker
MANILA, Philippines — A “toxic relationship” between Mindanao and the Philippines was the reason why the former should break up with the latter. Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, a former House speaker, said this on why Mindanao should break up with the Philippines. The country was now a “sinking ship” due to.....»»
Rama on Garcia as tandem in 2025, CBRT dispute: ‘I’m an independent mayor’
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama “is an independent mayor.” This was Rama’s answer when questioned about his political relationship with Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT). In an interview on Friday, March 1, Rama mentioned that he was still assessing their.....»»
Pakistan: New Government Should Protect Rights
(New York) - Pakistan's newly elected prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, should make human rights a key focus of his government, Human Rights Watch said in a letter today to the prime minister. The new Pakistani government should adopt an agenda that actively promotes and protects human rights,.....»»
Groups urge to include placemaking in planning for public spaces
The push for placemaking in planning for public spaces was emphasized by various groups during a recent forum in Davao City. ATTY. Mark Peñalver, executive director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis), stressed the importance of incorporating placemaking in public space planning to not only enhance the physical environment but also to promote inclusivity. He highlighted the exclusion of certain sectors in existing public spaces and emphasized the need for stakeholders' input and acknowledgment of their stories in the planning process. Dr. Derlie Mateo-Babiano, an associate professor in Urban Planning Assistant, described placemaking as a means to transform places into spaces that people will cherish. She emphasized the significance of engaging the community in the planning process to understand their cultural, environmental, and other needs. Peñalver also cited a successful placemaking project in Davao Executive Homes, which catered to children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs, demonstrating the positive impact of placemaking. Furthermore, Peñalver advocated for the institutionalization of placemaking in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and other development plans in Davao City. He highlighted the potential of placemaking to ensure that government projects are beneficial to the community. Architect Harold Delima, co-convenor of Placemaking Davao, discussed ongoing workshops with various demographics to integrate placemaking into the city's development. The groups involved are hopeful that placemaking will become a fundamental aspect of public space planning in Davao City, aiming to create inclusive and community-centered environments......»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 3 February 2024
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ebrahim says no to independent Mindanao CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 03 February) — Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim has rejected the call of former President Rodrigo Duterte for an independent Mindanao. Murad instead urged Bangsamoro officials and residents to support the current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. […].....»»
FPRRD opposes disguised Charter change initiative
Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte has vehemently opposed the disguised People’s Initiative for Charter change, denouncing the cash-for-signature campaign as repugnant and a disgraceful act during a YouTube interview with Banateros Brothers on January 22, 2024. Duterte emphasized his disapproval of the initiative, urging for it to be halted, particularly criticizing the payment of individuals to sign the documents. He warned that such actions could lead to a new Constitution that might destroy the nation and open avenues for political abuses. Duterte stressed the importance of democracy in the Philippines, asserting that those seeking to remain in power should go through the electoral process. He highlighted that a well-performing and non-corrupt individual would retain power, while those with poor performance would be ousted through the electoral process. Expressing satisfaction with the current Constitution, Duterte argued that it has contributed to stability, reducing conflicts with groups like the New People's Army (NPA). He strongly advised against meddling with the Constitution, cautioning that it would only bring trouble to the country. Duterte pledged active opposition to the initiative, stating that he would campaign against it. Additionally, residents of Calinan District, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Representatives Isidro Ungab and Paolo Pulong Duterte have also voiced opposition to the People's Initiative for Charter Change. Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles, the representative of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist, alleged to have started the cha-cha signature campaign, has yet to issue an official statement on the matter as of the latest update. Related stories include the denouncement of alleged `vote buying’ in signing the petition for Cha-cha by Davao City lawmakers, Vice President Duterte's condemnation of the cash-for-signature drive, and a prayer rally against PI’s Cha-cha on Jan 28......»»
Senate probe ‘incriminatory’, says Quiboloy’s lawyer on why he won’t attend it
MANILA, Philippines — “Incriminatory.” This was how the camp of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy looked at him attending the Senate hearing. So this was why Quiboloy remained to not incline to attend the hearing. This would compromise his client’s appearance, said Quiboloy, through his lawyer, Melanio Balayan. “We still believe that the.....»»
Groups to UN rapporteur: Urge PH gov’t to stop censorship, repeal terror law
“What we do is amplify the voices of the Filipino people. We are defending the truth and the rights yet we are the one being oppressed of these rights." The post Groups to UN rapporteur: Urge PH gov’t to stop censorship, repeal terror law appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Chacha to worsen land dispossession and poverty, rights groups say
“Instead of devoting our land and resources to the genuine development of the domestic agriculture, economy, and industries, ChaCha will allow more foreign-owned extractive industries, logging, ecotourism, real estate projects, expansion of agro-corporation plantations, and other business operations intended for profit-making." The post Chacha to worsen land dispossession and poverty, rights groups say appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Int’l rights groups condemn detention, deportation of Dutch-Filipino activist
According to Migrante-Netherlands, Marikit Saturay was not allowed to talk to her lawyers and her relatives. A uniformed agent was also assigned to guard her during the entire detention period. The post Int’l rights groups condemn detention, deportation of Dutch-Filipino activist appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
UK Government Severely Eroded Human Rights in 2023
(London, January 11, 2024) - The United Kingdom government's policies and practices both severely eroded domestic human rights protections and undermined its efforts to promote human rights globally in 2023, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2024."T.....»»
Rwanda: End Abuses Against Journalists
(Nairobi) - Rwandan authorities should release journalist Dieudonne Niyonsenga, also known as Cyuma Hassan, and urgently investigate serious torture allegations he has made and ensure his rights to freedom of expression, a fair trial and to freedom from torture and ill treatment are respected, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities' failure to transparently accoun.....»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»