Karapatan condemns continuing attacks vs human rights defenders

MANILA, Philippines - Ahead of the commemoration of International Human Rights Day tomorrow, rights group Karapatan condemned the continuing attacks against human rights defenders through the recent arrests and filing of trumped-up charges against union organizers and community leaders.

Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay said Randy Vegas and Raul Camposano, both long-time union organizers and staff of the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage), were arrested last Dec. 3.

Karapatan said the two are facing “fabricated” charges of murder, theft, and frustrated murder before the Regional Trial Court in Labo, Camarines Norte.

They said Vegas and Camposano were implicated in the ambush of soldiers by communist rebels in Camarines Norte in April 29, 2012.

Courage, including both organizers, reportedly supported the latest protest action of employees of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the release of their work benefits.

Karapatan also noted that the warrant of arrest obtained by the quick reaction team included Bayan-National Capital Region leader Roy Velez and union organizer Amelita Gamara.

Karapatan said against Vegas, Camposano, Velez and Gamara are among the series of cases filed against rights defenders, peace consultants and ordinary individuals.

Palabay called on President Aquino to withdraw all the charges against activists, peace consultants, leaders of the revolutionary movement, and ordinary individuals and release all political prisoners.

Karapatan claimed they documented 467 victims of illegal arrests under the Aquino administration, with 127 political prisoners arrested and detained in the said period.