MARTIAL RULE SHOULD NOT CAUSE MORE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
Bannered in today’s headlines in the papers-tabloids and national dailies are stories about the carnage that happened in Ampatuan, Maguindanao last November 23 and the subsequent proclamation of Martial Law in the area late at night last December 4.
Military activities are surging in the region with vital push to punish the culprits responsible for the heinous crime which resulted to the brutal killing of 57 people including 30 media men. This situation humiliated and shocked the nation.
In commemoration of the 61st Human Rights Day, the United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD) appeals to the government not to allow martial rule to open the door to more human rights violations so that escalation of more violence can be avoided.
The leadership of the UNYPAD expresses sympathy and condolence to the relatives and loved ones of the victims in the massacre. The UNYPAD also condemns in the highest term the perpetrators of the crime that tarnished the reputation of our people and government.
Further, we call on the government to immediately dismantle all paramilitary units in Mindanao and even as we demand that justice be accorded to the victims of this gruesome massacre which is considered as the worst recorded heinous crime in the annals of Philippine history.
The government must exert utmost efforts that the declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao will not cause the displacement of the civilians nor aggravate the plight of the already displaced ones.
In conclusion, the UNYPAD expresses its full support to the ongoing GRP-MILF Peace Process giving credence to the installation of the International Contact Group as well as the Civilian Protection Mission which is to be handled by the International Monitoring Team (IMT).
Reference:
Anwar Upahm
Spokesperson
09264414400
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