FOOD NOT BOMBS
by Ose
Cainta, Philippines Food Not Bombs Volunteers in jail since February
We however have documentation dispatch located in the columns: a-manila.org/mod/columns/display/16/index.php Food Not Bombs website have just announced an urgent call to action and appeal to like minded people to support the campaign for the freedom of the 9 remaining Sagada 11 prisoners on an international scale-() something which has already done before by cyber activists which disbanded a week prior of the release of the 2 minors which has much to do with the inacted Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act than 'snapshot' solidarity.
"Consider organizing a protest outside the Embassy of the Philippines in your country. You can tell the media of your protest and deliver a letter to their staff. We are asking all people to write to the minister of Justice and ask for their freedom.
*** who volunteers with Cainta Food Not Bombs emailed us on August 23, 2006 that they are stepping up their campaign to free her her co-workers. She asks that everyone write the Minister of Justice as soon as you can. These young human rights activists have been held in jail since February 14, 2006."
Please send your letter to:
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An international campaign for the immediate and unconditional release of the 11 Food Not Bombs volunteers illegally arrested, detained, and tortured in Buguias, Benguet is gaining headway with the creation of the Free the Sagada 11 Solidarity Campaign.
PHILIPPINES: Plot to kill torture victims in jail
Names of victims:
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Place of detention: La Trinidad Provincial Jail, Benguet Place and date of their arrest: 14 to 16 February 2006 in Abatan, Buguias, Benguet
I would like to draw your attention to the case of 11 torture victims presently detained in La Trinidad Provincial Jail, Benguet. I have been informed of a disturbing development regarding a plot to murder five of the victims inside the jail where they are being detained. According to the information I have received, one of the torture victims, Rundren Berloize Lao, relayed this plot to his peers who visited him a few weeks back. Lao told his peers that his fellow inmates claimed receiving an offer of a substantial amount of money to kill them but he refused.
I am gravely concerned by this development. Although the report has yet to be investigated, I am deeply concerned that the plot could be serious. I have learned that prior to this, the victims charged several police officers for violation of the Republic Act 7438 before the Benguet Prosecutor's Office on 30 March 2006. Even though it is not clear yet whether this plot is connected to the case they filed, I am gravely concerned that it might be.
Therefore, I urge you to take steps to ensure the protection and security of the victims inside the jail with urgency. They must be afforded with a high level of security and escorts to prevent they possibility of security breaches that might harm them. I also urge you to have the inmate who claimed to have received an offer to murder the victims investigated. An investigation must also be conducted as to who raised the money and who is plotting against the victims. Appropriate charges must then be filed against them.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all detainees under their custody. Liability rests with the BJMP should any of the victims be harmed. It is also of extreme importance that the BJMP transfers without delay the two minors who are still being detained together with adults.
Additionally, I request an inquiry into the failure of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP) head office in Quezon City to take appropriate action to look into the victimsÍ allegations of torture, as requested by their peers following a protest the latter held on 31 March 2006. I am aware that instead of taking a lead in the investigation, as they earlier promised, an investigator of the CHR failed to take action citing budgetary and procedural reasons. Also, the CHR personnel reportedly showed an improper and unprofessional manner in dealing with the complainants who met with them on April 3. If these allegations are found to be true, I demand immediate disciplinary sanctions against the CHR personnel involved.
Finally, please urge the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Baguio City to afford appropriate counseling treatment to the torture victims to ensure their full recovery, in particular the two minors, and ensure that their basic needs are provided for. I am deeply concerned by the DSWD's inadequate intervention towards the victims.
More Addressess to write to: