Calls for justice as church workers shot dead in the Philippines

The murder of two church workers in the Philippines has prompted a call for Christians around the world to speak out for justice.

As the country’s President-Elect Benigno Aquino he takes office tomorrow (30 June), activists are calling on him to fulfil his election promise to prosecute those guilty of human rights violations.

Both murder victims were human rights activists and members of the Philippine Independent Church (PIC): Benjamin Bayles was by motorbike-riding assassins in the Diocese of Negros Occidental on June 14; radio broadcaster Jovelito Agustin was killed in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte on June 15.

Following the killing of Bayles, police stopped two men, carrying pistols, who claimed to be members of the 61st IBPA (Infantry Battalion Philippine Army), although this was later denied by the Philippine National Police (PNP). However, charges have not been made.

Nearly 1,200 people have been killed since in 2001, including church leaders, journalists, lawyers and other advocates of human rights.

Operation Freedom Watch
PIC and other organisations say the counter insurgency programme Operation Freedom Watch – set up by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo – is being used as a cover to target human rights activists. And they are calling on new president Benigno Aquino to end the programme.

Marie Hilao-Enriquez, chair of human rights group Karapatan, said: ‘We urge Aquino to make good on the promise he made recently to prosecute the crimes of the past administration; human rights violations like killings and enforced disappearances are grave crimes against humanity that must be prosecuted.’

The Revd Jonash Joyohoy, of PIC, told USPG: ‘Bayles is the first political killing in which the suspects have claimed a direct connection to the Philippine Army. If convicted, and a connection to the military hierarchy is established, this will mean a lot in terms of forging an end to the killings.’

The Rt Revd Felomino N Ang, Interim Bishop of the Diocese of Negros Occidental, where Bayles was murdered, said: ‘The diocese shall continue fighting for the truth to bring the perpetrators to the bar of justice.’

Lamenting the ‘horrible death’ of Bayles, the bishop asked: ‘Is this the price a church worker has to pay for his undying commitment to the cause of the poor, deprived, oppressed and exploited of his community?’

The bishop continued: ‘As of now more than 1,100 were murdered and more than 280 were abducted and still missing – and these are all attributed to the military, yet not a single one was convicted. It only shows the undeclared policy of the state to kill and murder those who are standing for truth, justice and peace.’

Protest letters can be sent to:

• President-elect Benigno Aquino, Malacañang Palace, JP Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila, Philippines

• Annabelle T Abaya, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP):

• Norberto B Gonzales, Secretary, Department of National Defense:

• Alberto C Agra, Acting Secretary, Department of Justice:

• Leila De Lima, Chairperson, Commission on Human Rights:

• HE Antonio M Lagdameo, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines:

Further reading:

• Statement of the Most Revd Godofredo J David, of the Philippine Independent Church

• Statement of the Rt Revd Felomino N Ang, Interim Bishop of the Diocese of Negros Occidental

• Statement of National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP)

Posted on 29.06.2010