Press Statement
Reference: Marie Hilao-Enriquez
18 May 2004
Secretary-General

As CHR castigates Palparan, KARAPATAN challenges continuing impunity practices

The Commission on Human Rights , issued a copy of its notice of
resolution en banc dated March 16, 2004 today pertaining to the complaint
filed by Orly Marcellana, Maria Gumanoy, Irein Cuasay and Christine dela
Cruz in behalf of the victims Eden Marcellana, former Secretary General
of KARAPATAN-Southern Tagalog and Eddie Gumanoy, chairman of KASAMA-TK,
castigating the respondent Col. Jovito S. Palparan, Jr. former
Commanding Officer of the 204th Infantry Brigade in Mindoro Oriental for his
failure to initiate investigations of the cases filed against his men
and for his failure to implement the provisions on the "Rules of
Engagement for Internal Security Operations" (issued on August 10, 1998 by then
AFP Chief of Staff Joselin B. Nazareno). The government agency likewise
criticized his promotion to General given his aforementioned
irresponsible behavior .

Reacting to the positive resolution of the CHR on the complaint, Marie
Hilao-Enriquez, Secretary General of KARAPATAN, the Alliance for the
Advancement of People's Rights pointed out that, "despite the belated
response by the said government agency, they have validated that Col.
Palparan does not deserve his promotion and thus he must be compelled to
face charges he must answer to the citizens of Mindoro Oriental."

KARAPATAN further lambasted the continuing impunity of military
officials. "If Palparan can get away with his crimes, so can the others too.
The deaths of Atty. Juvy Magsino, Leima Fortu, and just recently Isaias
Manano in Mindoro Oriental are proofs of the unrelenting attacks
Palparan and his henchmen, including the heir to the butcher's throne Col.
Francisco Mesa, have engaged in and/or are engaging in." Enriquez
continued.

"We may have withdrawn our case from the CHR in February this year, but
that doesn't mean that we will not pursue our case against Palparan and
the rest of those we deem should be accountable for the deaths of many
innocent individuals and those from our ranks." The human rights leader
promised.

KARAPATAN challenged the government's hypocrisy and double standard in
implementing the law against those who deserve punishment. "We are
breeding impunity and sowing fear among the marginalized masses whose only
wish is to live simply and peacefully. Let us respect this simple wish
of the people and give justice to those who rightfully deserve them."
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