UCA News
Contribute

Rights workers claim military harassment

Groups claim threats made via mobile phone, surveillance
Rights workers claim military harassment
Health workers file complaint of military harassment before the Commission on Human Rights
Published: March 18, 2011 10:00 AM GMT
Updated: March 18, 2011 10:02 AM GMT

Human rights workers in the northern Philippines filed separate complaints on March 18 before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for alleged harassment perpetrated by the Philippine military. Milagros Ao-wat, 57, health programs desk coordinator of Community Health Education Services and Training in the Cordillera (CHESTCORE), said she wants to get justice for the "anxiety and anguish" brought about by the death threats she receives daily. Romellia Rasalan, executive director of CHESTCORE, said the threats are "shaking" Ao-wat who reported that military agents have been shadowing her. "She is not having good sleep and has difficulty eating," Rasalan said. Rosalinda Suyam, 27, a CHESTCORE worker, also reported that she has been receiving messages on her mobile phone accusing her of links to the communist revolutionary movement. The armed forces denied the alleged surveillance activities. Suyam, however, said she has been accused of being a member of the communist New People's Army after she joined a village meeting on health issues. She was later diagnosed to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. "We have been getting similar treatments from military and paramilitary men in Kalinga province," said Rasalan. She said the incidents of harassment alarmed her organization especially after the killing of Dr. Leonardo Co, a scientist who used to work with CHESTCORE. Co was killed in alleged crossfire between the Philippine military and communist rebels while conducting research in the province of Leyte. Lawyer Harold Kub-aron, regional director of the Commission on Human Rights, said his office "will verify these complaints and start investigating." PL13670.1645

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia