KARAPATAN
Alliance for the Advancement of People's Rights
#43 Masikap St., Brgy. Pinyahan, Quezon City, PHILIPPINES 1100
Telefax# (632) 928-60-78 / 435-28-79
· E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] · website: www.karapatan.org

The Undeclared Martial Law in Mindanao

KARAPATAN, the Alliance for the Advancement of People's Rights commends the members of the Mindanao Truth Commission in its endeavor to delve into the depths where only the brave would dare go -to know the truth behind the Mindanao bombings.

Unknown to us are not only the much publicized incidents such as the Davao International Airport and the Sasa Wharf bombings that happened in Mindanao, but the bombings of other little communities, mosques and establishments in different parts of the region as well. Unknown to us, too, was a Michael Terrence Meiring, who caused quite a commotion with the explosion at the Evergreen Hotel in Davao City, but was kept out of the public's knowledge. Not only where there killings, but harassments and arbitrary or illegal arrests and illegal detention done against those who were trying to live simple and quiet lives. And yet, those who are truly responsible for these atrocities are allowed to roam free to do more harm to the people of Mindanao.

We have heard the testimonies of relatives of people who lost their lives through these senseless bombings. Communities that were raided and individuals arbitrarily arrested and ended up missing to this day. It is like Martial Law but without the official declaration.

The initial findings are there to speak of the truth. That the government has no solid proof against those it wants to hold accountable like the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or the MILF, nor has it made any effort to solve the problem in Mindanao. Instead it points us to the fact that the problem itself is this government who is now the main director of the drama that was staged to fool the people into thinking that the Macapagal-Arroyo Administration was genuinely waging war against terrorism.

We have heard the initial report of the Mindanao Truth Commission. We also heard the Military speaking about its own undoing and pointing an accusing finger to the supposed perpetrator when the remaining fingers are folded back and pointed instead to itself as the main instigator. Proof indicating the fact that this government has not seriously engaged in collecting evidence amidst the hasty cleaning of the Davao International Airport after the March 4, 2003 catastrophe, nor has it pushed for the further investigation of an American involved in the explosion of a hotel also in Davao. Instead Michael Mering was handily shipped back to his homeland without any fuss. This government has even turned its back against its own soldiers who were imploring them to look into the alleged masterminding of certain senior officers to lob grenades at mosques. They have instead promoted the alleged perpetrator and thrown into jail those who had for once been stating what they knew as the truth.

The Mindanao bombings present the total war this government has implemented in this vast and resource rich region. It wanted to create a condition of fear and terror among Mindanaoans. It wanted to reign supreme over the widely Muslim populated parts of the island and use the bombings to justify the continued stay of the US MILITARY FORCES in Mindanao. This is just part and parcel of the grand design this government wants to achieve for imperial America.

Massive militarization in the countryside is a problem not just of Mindanao but of the rest of the country as well. The figures presented here are only a fraction of the wide human rights violations documented by KARAPATAN all over the country. A total of 278 have already been killed, 27 are victims of enforced disappearances, while 25,991 individuals are victims of harassment. Those who were forcibly evacuated from their homes count to 112,355 individuals, 15,087 families, 51 communities and 40 households. In all we have already documented 3,044 cases of rights abuses.

The targets are no longer Muslims suspected as members of the MILF nor those of the New People's Army, they are the civilians, who are compelled to show that they are loyal to this government and must agree to whatever it wants to accomplish.

Under the Arroyo administration, we witnessed the murder of 13 human rights volunteers of KARAPATAN, the latest of whom were Naujan Vice-Mayor Juvy Magsino, a human rights lawyer and Leima Fortu, member of Karapatan-Mindoro Oriental.

What we are experiencing right now is like Martial Law declared by a dictator three decades ago. Human rights violations are perpetrated at this government's own whims and worse are justified through simple memorandum orders, operation plans and declarations. It has forgotten its obligation to protect and serve the marginalized majority's interests. Worse, it has abetted, nay, even encouraged human rights violations as known perpetrators of human rights violations are promoted to higher ranks rather than punished for their crimes.

Today, we are worried about the future of the people of Mindanao and the rest of the Filipinos from North to South. What have been presented by the Mindanao Truth Commission belie any notion that the incumbent government is here for the people. Whatever it mouths now becomes plain and simple propaganda for the next elections. Let us not be deceived.

We demand, that what we have discovered here, be part of a deeper investigation that would eventually punish those who are responsible and give justice to those who have become victims.

We strongly suggest to the Philippine Senate, the Congress and the Commission on Human Rights to look into the findings of the Mindanao Truth Commission.

We urge that the findings of the Mindanao Truth Commission be elevated to the recently-formed Joint Monitoring Committee established by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDFP) so that investigations can be conducted by this body. We also urge that a similar effort be made to the Panels of the GRP and the MILF.

We urge the Mindanao Truth Commission to furnish copies of the report to international bodies like the United Nations Human Rights Commission and the International Criminal Court.

In the interest of truth, we hope that the initiatives taken by the Mindanao Truth commission would lead to the convening of an International People's Tribunal where testimonies can be presented so that the international community can be informed of what really is happening in our country.

Mabuhay ang Mindanao Truth Commission! Stop the militarization of our countryside!

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A statement read during the
Public Presentation of Initial Findings of the Mindanao Truth Commission
04 March 2004
St. Joseph Auditorium, La Salle, Greenhills, Mandaluyong City