resolution

End Impunity in the Philippines

2016 Book of Resolutions, #6117

“Indeed, the extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances and other forms of human rights violations were conducted with impunity as the perpetrators remain free and exempted from justice while the victims are vilified and dismissed as subversives and undeserving of any of form of justice… . People have been offended, profaned, and outraged by an artist’s work. Yet, what greater offense, profanity, and outrage can there be than the violation and destruction, with impunity, of that most real and live image of God—the human being? The effects of impunity will continue to scar the people of this country, impairing seriously family and community relations now and in the future, be they the children, relatives, and friends of the victims or the children, relatives, and friends of those who perpetrate human rights abuses. We have seen and continue to see its tragic results on our social fiber—broken community relations, the forced migration of our people, the destruction of our natural resources and sovereignty and national dignity seriously compromised. It must be stopped.” Father Rex R. B. Reyes, Jr.—General Secretary of National Council of Churches in the Philippines.

“President Aquino’s avowed commitment for human rights is starting to unravel. While the record of former president Macapagal-Arroyo remains unbeaten, I am afraid that President Aquino’s record could turn out worse given the rise in human rights abuses under his watch,” he said.

“Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would do well to answer the many questions regarding her accountability not only for the massive corruption and fraud under her administration, but also on her responsibility for the gross human rights violations under her watch,” said Cristina Palabay, convenor of the End Impunity Alliance.

Under the Arroyo administration, Karapatan says it has documented 1,206 victims of extrajudicial killings, 206 victims of enforced disappearances and thousands more victims of other forms of abuses.

Since Aquino assumed office on July 1, 2010, up to July 21, 2011, Karapatan says it has already documented 50 cases of extrajudicial killings, eight cases of enforced disappearances, and more than a hundred cases of illegal arrests and detentions.

“Impunity prevails because no one has been put behind bars for the violations up to the present. Thus, it is important that freedom-loving individuals call on the Aquino administration to decisively stop human rights violations in the country and end the reigning climate of impunity by ensuring justice is rendered to victims.” (Source:http://www.ucanews.com/2011/08/18/activists-launch-impunity-campaign/)

Therefore, be it resolved, for The United Methodist Church to urge Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, Jr., to end impunity and stop human rights violations in the Philippines.

Be it further resolved, for The United Methodist Church to urge Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, Jr., to order the landowners (Cojuangcos, Arroyos, Ayalas, Sys, etc.) to return the land to their rightful owners, the farmers.

Be it further resolved, for The United Methodist Church to sup- port, endorse, and help promote IBON Foundation’s “Challenges for Democracy”:

Investigate former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo/ allies for electoral fraud, corruption, along with military/ police for serious human rights violations
Independent probe of May 10, 2010 elections
Review Visiting Forces Agreement
Immediately resume and genuinely advance formal peace talks with NDFP and MILF.

ADOPTED 2012 RESOLUTION #6117, 2012 BOOK OF RESOLUTIONS

See Social Principles, ¶ 165D.

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