Transcript Killing our Prophets…

Our Prophets
are Killed…
UCCP Human Rights
Situation
We are afflicted in every way, but not
crushed; perplexed, but not driven to
despair; persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed; always
carrying in the body the death of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be
manifested in our bodies. For we who
live are always being given over to
death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of
Jesus also may be manifested in our
mortal flesh. So death is at work in us,
but life in you.” – 2 Corinthians 4: 8-12
For the past eight years, more
than thirty two cases of
human rights violations and
brutal killings had been
committed to our church
workers and members. Most
of them were engaged in the
ministry of social concern and
human rights advocacy. The
documented killings which
started in May 2001 appear to
be systematic and
premeditated.
Patterns to the killings .
The victims are either leaders or active members of militant
parties or organizations or ordinary folk in areas where the AFP
conducts internal security operations.
Prior to the attacks, victims are usually subject to a vilification
campaign by the military or anti-communist vigilante groups. They
are demonized as members of the CPP/NPA or its “front
organizations”.
Victims are usually subject to surveillance by the military, and
their agents ( CAFGU or Barangay Intelligence Network ) and told
to stop their political activities “or else...” Many were warned that
they were in the military’s “order of battle”.
All cases remain unsolved, with authorities seemingly helpless
in going after the perpetrators.
The foregoing pattern results in a climate of impunity, with the
killings and abductions getting more brazen by the day.
The Persecution of Church People
(Since 2001 up to the present)
To date, 6 clergy and 4 lay workers of churchbased programs have become victims of
extrajudicial killings.
2 clergy and 2 members have been victims of
frustrated killings.
10 UCCP members who are active in UCCP
leadership bodies or mandated organizations
and also active in people’s organizations are
also victims of extrajudicial killings
.
• KARAPATAN documented a total of 1013 victims of extrajudicial killings and
201 enforced disappearances under Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo presidency
• They were human rights lawyers, clergymen, church workers, a city councilor,
peasant leaders, union leaders and other members and supporters of people’s
organizations critical of government’s anti-people policies.
 With the long list of peace and human rights advocates who have been killed
and disappeared …
 Despite of the condemnation made by the national and international
communities
 THE KILLINGS & THE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS CONTINUE!!!
Source: KARAPATAN
Story of
Rev. Edison
Lapuz
Rev. Edison Lapuz
He struggled against
militarization and
human rights
violations in Eastern
Leyte
He was a tireless
worker and advocate
for human rights,
genuine peace and
justice.
He was a man of
peace…
He did not deserve
a violent death.
Rev. Edison Lapuz
On the night of May 12,
2005 Rev. Edison Lapuz
was shot dead in front of his
wife Emma & neighbours in
their house in San Isidro,
Leyte right after the burial of
his father in Law.
Prior to the shooting a
certain Lt. Mangohon of the
AFP went to the house of his
father several times looking
for him, asking for his
identity and whereabouts.
The soldier even looked into
the photographs of Rev.
Edison.
Rev. Edison Lapuz
Rev. Lapuz was on
his second term as
Conference Minister
of UCCP-North
Eastern Leyte
Conference
His involvement with
the cause-oriented
groups made him
popular among the
poor and deprived
people.
Rev. Edison Lapuz
Rev. Edison is one of the
twenty-seven (27) church
people killed under the Gloria
Macapagal- Arroyo
government….
He was a convenor of
“JUSTICE FOR ATTY.
DACUT” a human rights
lawyer who was killed in
Leyte.
Chairperson of KATUNGODEastern Leyte, a chapter of
KARAPATAN (Alliance for the
advancement of
Human Rights in the
Philippines)
The Story of Rev. Edison Lapuz
is the story of our people. . .
1. Pastor Andy Pawican
2. Rev. Jemias Tinambacan
3. Rev. Filomino Catambis
4. Rev. Edison Lapuz
5. Rev. Loreto Macalanggan
6. Abe Sungit
7. Vicente Olea
8. Joel Baclao
9. Rev. Raul Dominggo
10.Isaias Manano
11. Juancho Sanchez
12.Junico Halem
13.Noli Capulong
14.Nestor Arinque
15.Madonna Castillo
16.Rei Mon Guran
17.Renato Pacaida
18.Ray Corpin
19.Alfredo Davis
20.Elvis Ading
Victims of Frustrated Extra-judicial Killings
1.
2.
3.
4.
Rev. Marilou Timanbacan
Rev. Billy Austin
Alden Ambida
Evelyn Davis
Victims of Abduction, Torture and Illegal Detention
1. Pastor Berlin Guerrero
2. Pastor Jun Bonuan
3. Rev. Carlos dela Cruz
4. Pastor Edwin Egar
5. Pastor Rodel Canja
6. Ruel Moñasque
7. Reul Marcial & Fidel Palting
8. Abner Hizarsa -missing until today
We also have documented cases of
harassment of our pastors, church
leaders and members. Some of our
pastors and members are in sanctuary
for their safety.
3 of our bishops are in the list of the
Order of Battle of the military.
These are trying days for UCCP.
United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP)
believes that the church exist for mission
its is for mission that UCCP exist.
Christ mission translated to enable the church
to engage in the community ministries appropriate, relevant and responsive to the
needs of the people.
•
stood firm in its conviction to be the
church of the poor;
1960 – statements of social concern
(economic development and
governance)
PEACEMAKING: OUR MINISTRY
(UCCP , August 21, 1987)
UCCP believes that . . .
GENUINE AND LASTING PEACE COMES
WHEN THE PEOPLE’S NEEDS ARE SERVED. . .
Genuine peace comes when justice is served.
For as long as peasants remain landless ,
For as long as laborers do not receive just wages,
For as long as we are politically and economically dominated by foreign nations,
For as long as we channel our money to the military than to the social services,
For as long as the causes of social unrest remain untouched,
There will be no peace.
The ministry of peacemaking is an imperative of the faith we profess.
The statement of faith of the UCCP calls us “to participate in the
establishment of a meaningful and just social order”.
Hence, the peace we seek should result from
our active participation in building structures that promote
human development and uphold human dignity.
In response to this act of terror. . .
UCCP initiated several activities thru the
Justice, Peace & Human Rights Program
1.Education & Awareness Building
Conducted several fora / study sessions on various issues confronting the
church and society.
Conducted several capability building process (skills training) like paralegal
training, data gathering among others
Developed bible study materials, Biblico - Theological Reflections
and liturgical guides
Conducted Press conference and media projection on Human rights violations
Several resolutions and statements regarding Human Rights , political and
economic issues has been passed by the UCCP General Assembly and the
National Council.
2. Lobbying and Advocacy Work
Several Inter- Faith & Ecumenical Activities on
Human Rights issues and concerns
Networking with the Ecumenical Communities (NCCP and
RC member churches) and Human Rights
organization locally
International advocacy work ( Sending of Urgent Appeals
and human rights update to international partner
churches and organizations
Dialogue and lobbying between government agencies
like the Philippine National Police, local governments
& few law makers on the JPIC issues and concerns.
3. Direct Assistance to Victims
Sanctuary program for under threats
Legal and Para-legal services
Relief and Medical services
Psycho – social Therapy (Trauma Healing)
Educational assistance to children of victims
Conducted Fact – Finding Missions
(gathering of data and evidences)
Organized Quick Reaction Team
for Search Operations
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Institutionalizing the JPHR Program
1. Development of a comprehensive human rights programme,
which will be carried out by all judicatories of our church
(National down to the local churches)
2.Systematic capability-building processes
a. Basic Orientation Course on Human Rights
(developing modules)
b. Skills training in several areas:
e.g. documentation and data gathering, how to conduct of
fact- finding missions , negotiating with government and
peace panels, strategies in organizing and mobilization
3.Policy advocacy, which may involve,
a. research in aid of legislation
b. organizing lawyers and HR advocates
c. building alliances and generating support from
government lawmakers
The UCCP seeks the continued
accompaniment
of Christians and Churches
all over the world in this journey. . .
. . . .until we all shall have found meaning
and reality in Prophet Isaiah’s hope. . .
“ Everywhere in the land righteousness
and justice will be done. Because everyone will do
what is right, there will be peace and security
forever. God’s people will be free from worries
and their homes peacefully and safe.”
(Isaiah 32: 16- 18 TEV)
The UCCP continues to cry out….
STOP THE SENSELESS KILLINGS!
JUSTICE FOR ALL VICTIMS
OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION!
Maraming Salamat Po !
(Thank you very much)