Home | To bottom

Ilocos activists cry justice for slain human rights worker

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (Dec. 7) — Church workers, human rights activists, peasants, workers, youth, women and other sectors expressed their condemnation and cried for justice over the killings and other human rights violations committed to activists, human rights workers and church workers by alleged elements of military and paramilitary elements on the funeral of slain human rights worker, Jose ‘Pepe’ Manegdeg III. More than 100 activists marched around the streets of Laoag City in an indignation rally led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)-Ilocos on Dec. 7.

“After Romy Sanchez, Pepe Manegdeg III and Albert Terredaño, who’s next in line? There is no one to blame in their killings but the military and paramilitary elements that are instruments of the state in imposing state terrorism,” Lance dela Torre of Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay na Kalayaan (KARATULA) said.

“The fake president is very desperate to retain her power that is why she employs state terrorism and those who are critical of her administration are silenced,” added Leonardo Sabalo of Solidarity of Peasants against Exploitation (STOP-EX)-Ilocos Sur.

Rev. Billy Austin of BAYAN-Ilocos cited that Manegdeg’s case is one of the hundreds of activists killed under the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. “BAYAN-Ilocos strongly condemns the killings of Manegdeg and other human rights activists. This only shows how fascist the Arroyo government that even church workers are not spared from political killings. In just one year, more than 100 activists have been killed by suspected military and paramilitary elements.”

That same day, Manegdeg’s remains were laid at Pagudpud Municipal Cemetery. More than 300 family members, friends, activists and church people joined his funeral march. In a eulogy, leaders of various sectors from different provinces in the Ilocos region, Cordillera and Cagayan Valley paid homage for his unselfish dedication to the masses.

Meanwhile, Tony Pugyao of Solidarity of Peasants Exploitation (STOP-EX)-Ilocos Norte hoped that this (Manegdeg’s killings) will not happen to anyone again. Manegdeg will always be an inspiration for us to continue to fight for our rights and strive for genuine change, he said. # Rod Tajon for NORDIS

Home | Back to top