You are all invited to come to Cinekatipunan/Mag:net Cafe on September 28, 2007, Friday, 5:00-7:00 PM for the screening of RIGHTS, an omnibus film by:
Pam Miras: THE GOOD NEWS
Mike Dagnalan: DIYARYO
JL Burgos: DEFINITION 1
King Catoy: UNANG ARAW
Jon Red: IGNORANTE
John Torres: ONE TILTED SCREEN
Sunshine Matutina: JUAN, TAKBO! and THE DISAPPEARED
Paolo VIllaluna: TANGA
Sigrid Andrea Bernardo: BANGKO O EROPLANO,LOST AND FOUND
RJ Mabilin: HUMAN RIGHTS WORKER
Kiri Dalena: WHERE IS JONAS? and ADELISA
Sigfreid Barros Sanchez: DUKOT and KARNE
Nino Tagaro: IKAW?
"RIGHTS" is a collection of 30 second to 2 minute shortvideo/public service advertisements about the present human rights situation in the Philippines.The RIGHTS project was initiated last June by the Free Jonas Burgos Movement and Southern Tagalog Exposure as a response. The material, however, was rated "X" by the Movie & Television Rating and Classification Board (MTRCB) last 18 September 2007. The FJBM/IFC filed an appeal to the MTRCB for re-classification. Screening will start at 5:00 PM.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
X-rating of MTRCB a violation of freedom of speech & expression--FJBM
Since Jonas Burgos was abducted by the military last April 28, 2007, the family and friends of Jonas Burgos organized the FREE JONAS BURGOS MOVEMENT (FJBM) precisely to campaign for the immediate and safe release of Jonas Burgos and other desaparecidos.
One of the campaigns of the FJBM, with the help of other organizations and artists, is the production of Public Service Ads called “RIGHTS”, a collection of independently produced advocacy plugs about the present human rights situation in the Philippines. Different artists and filmmakers freely and creatively participated in the growing movement to defend human rights in the country. “RIGHTS” was slated to be shown at the Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 3on September 21, 2007.
On September 19, 2007, the Independent Filmmakers Cooperative (IFC), who is helping the FJBM, received a letter from the Movie & Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chairman Consoliza Laguardia. The MTRCB informed the IFC that “RIGHTS” was reviewed on September 18, and was classified “X”—Not Fit for Public Exhibition for the following reasons: “Scenes in this films are presented unfairly, one-sided, and undermines the faith and confidence of the people in the government and duly constituted authorities, thus, not fit for public viewing.”
We are very disappointed with the decision of the MTRCB to classify “RIGHTS” with an “X” rating. The ruling stifles freedom of the speech and expression and serves only the interests of the government.
When Jonas was abducted, the Burgos Family went to different democratic institutions of this government. The family asked for the help of the following institution: Commission on Human Rights, which up to now has yet to release its findings on the Jonas case; The Philippine National Police, which is not even vigorously investigating the abduction of Jonas and now seems to be a part of the cover-up of this government; The Armed Forces of the Philippines, which up to now has yet to release its provost martial report even though Gen. Hermogenes Esperon said they will abide by the court’s decision; The Office of the President, Department of Justice, which after state prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco ordered the investigation of different agents of the state was sacked by the Secretary of Justice for the premature revelation to the media of vital information about the case. And now the MTRCB is telling us that scenes in the “RIGHTS” as UNFAIR, ONE-SIDED and UNDERMINES THE FAITH and CONFIDENCE OF THE PEOPLE IN THEIR GOVERNMENT and/or DULY CONSTITUTED AUTHORITIES.
I remember that my father, the late JOSE BURGOS JR., fought for freedom of speech and expression during the dark years of martial law, I though that we have it now.
The FJBM is saddened by this development. Is this the democracy that this government wants? Is this the democracy that our martyrs and heroes of martial law era fought for?
Today, as we remember the ugly past of Martial Law, I would like to raise a question… who is now UNFAIR, ONE-SIDED and UNDERMINES THE FAITH and CONFIDENCE OF ITS PEOPLE?
The Free Jonas Burgos Movement will oppose censorship. We will oppose political repression. And we will oppose human rights violations.
JL BURGOS
Convenor, FJBM
One of the campaigns of the FJBM, with the help of other organizations and artists, is the production of Public Service Ads called “RIGHTS”, a collection of independently produced advocacy plugs about the present human rights situation in the Philippines. Different artists and filmmakers freely and creatively participated in the growing movement to defend human rights in the country. “RIGHTS” was slated to be shown at the Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 3on September 21, 2007.
On September 19, 2007, the Independent Filmmakers Cooperative (IFC), who is helping the FJBM, received a letter from the Movie & Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chairman Consoliza Laguardia. The MTRCB informed the IFC that “RIGHTS” was reviewed on September 18, and was classified “X”—Not Fit for Public Exhibition for the following reasons: “Scenes in this films are presented unfairly, one-sided, and undermines the faith and confidence of the people in the government and duly constituted authorities, thus, not fit for public viewing.”
We are very disappointed with the decision of the MTRCB to classify “RIGHTS” with an “X” rating. The ruling stifles freedom of the speech and expression and serves only the interests of the government.
When Jonas was abducted, the Burgos Family went to different democratic institutions of this government. The family asked for the help of the following institution: Commission on Human Rights, which up to now has yet to release its findings on the Jonas case; The Philippine National Police, which is not even vigorously investigating the abduction of Jonas and now seems to be a part of the cover-up of this government; The Armed Forces of the Philippines, which up to now has yet to release its provost martial report even though Gen. Hermogenes Esperon said they will abide by the court’s decision; The Office of the President, Department of Justice, which after state prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco ordered the investigation of different agents of the state was sacked by the Secretary of Justice for the premature revelation to the media of vital information about the case. And now the MTRCB is telling us that scenes in the “RIGHTS” as UNFAIR, ONE-SIDED and UNDERMINES THE FAITH and CONFIDENCE OF THE PEOPLE IN THEIR GOVERNMENT and/or DULY CONSTITUTED AUTHORITIES.
I remember that my father, the late JOSE BURGOS JR., fought for freedom of speech and expression during the dark years of martial law, I though that we have it now.
The FJBM is saddened by this development. Is this the democracy that this government wants? Is this the democracy that our martyrs and heroes of martial law era fought for?
Today, as we remember the ugly past of Martial Law, I would like to raise a question… who is now UNFAIR, ONE-SIDED and UNDERMINES THE FAITH and CONFIDENCE OF ITS PEOPLE?
The Free Jonas Burgos Movement will oppose censorship. We will oppose political repression. And we will oppose human rights violations.
JL BURGOS
Convenor, FJBM
Thursday, September 20, 2007
'Rights' rated X by MTRCB
'RIGHTS', a collection of public service advertisements on human rights produced by The FreeJonasBurgosMovement, Southern Tagalog Exposure and KARAPATAN, was classified "X" by the Movie & Television Review & Classification Board (MTRCB) Tuesday, 18 September 2007.
In a letter to the Philippine Independent Filmmakers Cooperative dated 19 September, MTRCB Chairman Consoliza Laguardia said 'RIGHTS' was rated "X" and not for Public Exhibition for the following reasons: "Scenes in this film are presented unfairly, one-sided, and undermines the faith and confidence of the government and duly consituted authorities, thus, not for public exhibition."
'RIGHTS' was slated to be shown at the INDIE SINE, Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 3 tomorrow, 21 September for SHOOTING RAGE and DISQUIET: Transgression and Transformation in Philippine Cinema after the First Quarter Storm. The event also aims to present the state and direction of today's independent filmmakers in view of the continuing and emerging social and political issues.
Although the shorts were rated "X", the forum and screening of SAKADA (a Behn Cervantes film banned during the Marcos Regime) will push through tomorrow.
In a letter to the Philippine Independent Filmmakers Cooperative dated 19 September, MTRCB Chairman Consoliza Laguardia said 'RIGHTS' was rated "X" and not for Public Exhibition for the following reasons: "Scenes in this film are presented unfairly, one-sided, and undermines the faith and confidence of the government and duly consituted authorities, thus, not for public exhibition."
'RIGHTS' was slated to be shown at the INDIE SINE, Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 3 tomorrow, 21 September for SHOOTING RAGE and DISQUIET: Transgression and Transformation in Philippine Cinema after the First Quarter Storm. The event also aims to present the state and direction of today's independent filmmakers in view of the continuing and emerging social and political issues.
Although the shorts were rated "X", the forum and screening of SAKADA (a Behn Cervantes film banned during the Marcos Regime) will push through tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
FJBM, Southern Tagalog Exposure, & Independent Filmmakers Cooperative close ranks
Join us on September 21, 2007, Friday
Indie Sine, Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 3
Shooting Disquiet and Rage: Transgression and Transformation in
Philippine Cinema after the First Quarter Storm.
Forum: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Free screening: 7:00pm - 9:00pm (SAKADA)
A forum will be conducted to discuss the motivations and experiences of the earlier generation of artists who radicalized filmmaking during the Marcos dictatorship. It also aims to present the state and direction of today's independent filmmakers in the light of continuing and emerging social and political issues.
Invited speakers are Boni Ilagan, Behn Cervantes, Risa Jopson, and Raymond Red, with performances by Cynthia Alexander, KM64, and Bobby Balingit.
This day will also mark the launch of the series of public service advertisements on human rights produced by various independent filmmakers, namely: Paolo Villaluna, Kiri Dalena, King Catoy, Pam Miras, JL Burgos, Nino Tagaro, Sigrid Bernardo, John Torres and Jon Red.
At 7pm , there will be a free screening of the film SAKADA.
Produced by Sagisag Films and directed by the indefatigable film and theatre giant, Behn Cervantes, Sakada is a triumph in Philippine Cinema, having been produced at the height of the Marcos dictatorship. After a few screenings, however, copies of the film were confiscated and the film was banned.
Indie Sine, Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 3
Shooting Disquiet and Rage: Transgression and Transformation in
Philippine Cinema after the First Quarter Storm.
Forum: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Free screening: 7:00pm - 9:00pm (SAKADA)
A forum will be conducted to discuss the motivations and experiences of the earlier generation of artists who radicalized filmmaking during the Marcos dictatorship. It also aims to present the state and direction of today's independent filmmakers in the light of continuing and emerging social and political issues.
Invited speakers are Boni Ilagan, Behn Cervantes, Risa Jopson, and Raymond Red, with performances by Cynthia Alexander, KM64, and Bobby Balingit.
This day will also mark the launch of the series of public service advertisements on human rights produced by various independent filmmakers, namely: Paolo Villaluna, Kiri Dalena, King Catoy, Pam Miras, JL Burgos, Nino Tagaro, Sigrid Bernardo, John Torres and Jon Red.
At 7pm , there will be a free screening of the film SAKADA.
Produced by Sagisag Films and directed by the indefatigable film and theatre giant, Behn Cervantes, Sakada is a triumph in Philippine Cinema, having been produced at the height of the Marcos dictatorship. After a few screenings, however, copies of the film were confiscated and the film was banned.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Ika-100 araw ng pagkawala ni Jonas
Aug. 06, 2007, ika-100 araw ng pagkawala ni Jonas Burgos, inaanyayahan ang lahat na makiisa sa isang mapayapang protesta na mga pamilya at kaibigan ni Jonas sa Sto. Domingo Church, 10 am...100 Jonas ang lilitaw para sa ika-100 araw ng paghahanap at pag-asa.
Malaking bagay ang suportang ilalaan mo. Ang lahat ng interesadong lumahok ay hinihikayat na mag-suot ng puting t-shirt. Sama-sama nating ipakita ang matindi nating pagkondena sa sapilitang pagkawala at iba pang uri ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao.
Mag kita-kita tayo sa Aug 06, Lunes, alas-10 ng umaga sa Sto. Domingo Church. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon o kung kayo ay may tanong tumawag lamang sa 4546468 at hanapin si Nino. Maraming salamat at mabuhay po kayo!
Malaking bagay ang suportang ilalaan mo. Ang lahat ng interesadong lumahok ay hinihikayat na mag-suot ng puting t-shirt. Sama-sama nating ipakita ang matindi nating pagkondena sa sapilitang pagkawala at iba pang uri ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao.
Mag kita-kita tayo sa Aug 06, Lunes, alas-10 ng umaga sa Sto. Domingo Church. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon o kung kayo ay may tanong tumawag lamang sa 4546468 at hanapin si Nino. Maraming salamat at mabuhay po kayo!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
06.27.07 STATEMENT Of Edith T. Burgos
I am the mother of Jonas Joseph T. Burgos. Jonas is a farmer; he manages our farm in Bulacan. He is a member of a peasant organization in Bulacan, Alyansang Magbubukid ng Bulacan. Jonas has been a desapercido since two months ago.
My son Jonas, according to witnesses, was forcibly taken by a group of 6 males and 1 female while he was having lunch at the Hapag Kainan Restaurant in Ever Gotesco Mall, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, on April 28, 2007 at about 1.30 p.m. As he was being forcibly taken, he was shouting “Aktibista lang po ako!”
I realized that Jonas could be missing when he did not come home that night of April 28th.
The following morning, I received a text message from Jonas which states: “Pasensiya na ligo lang ako”; this was followed by another text: “Sige bukas pag-usapan natin”. I tried calling his phone but could not get an answer until it could no longer be reached.
On April 30th, I called for a press conference and announced that Jonas has been missing since April 28th.
As a result of that press conference, I received information that a security guard at the Ever Gotesco Mall saw Jonas forced by persons who identified themselves to be “PULIS” into a vehicle with plate number TAB 194.
That plate number TAB 194 was traced to a vehicle registered in the name of Mauro Mudlong. Mr. Mudlong and his vehicle were apprehended on June 24, 2006 by PFC Jose Villena and CPL Castro Bugalon of the 56th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (56th IB) based in Barangay San Mateo, Norzagaray Bulacan for violation of Section 68 of PD 705 or “Transporting of Timber Without a Permit” (filed with the Prosecutor of Bulacan at Malolos; IS No. 06-09-4287). Said vehicle with plate no. TAB 194 and its cargo were taken to the headquarters of the 56th IB at Norzagaray Bulacan. Lt. Col. Noel S. Clement was the commanding officer of the 56th IB at the time the vehicle with plate no. TAB 194 was apprehended and taken to the 56th IB headquarters.
Police investigators reported that they took the statements of 5 Army officers: Lt. Col. Noel S. Clement, at present the commanding officer of the Security and Escort Battalion based in Fort Bonifacio; Lt. Col. Melquiades L. Feliciano, commanding officer 56th IB who succeeded Lt. Col. Clement in January but reportedly relieved in May (his present assignment is unknown); Lt. Col. Edison Caga, commanding officer 69th IB stationed in Pampanga who was assigned to secure the 56th IB headquarters when it went for training in November 2006; CPL Castro Bugalon and PFC Jose Villena III both assigned at the 56th IB.
Media reported that Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. has ordered the Army Provost Marshal and the Inspector General to investigate the involvement of the above named 5 army officers in the forced disappearance of Jonas.
On May 21, 2007, my lawyer wrote to Gen. Esperon to request for a copy of the “report of the Provost Marshal and the Inspector General on the involvement of the 56th Infantry Battalion on [Jonas’] disappearance”. When Gen. Esperon was not responding after a week, we sent him another letter on May 29, 2007.
I met with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on May 29th to seek his help in finding Jonas or any information he can provide about what has happened to him. Secretary Ermita responded by arranging that I meet with General Esperon on June 6, 2007 at 10 a.m. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called me up on June 2nd to express her concern about Jonas and reminded me that I go see Gen. Esperon.
My lawyer together with my brother, Jimmy Tronqued (I had vertigo attack and could not leave the house) went to Gen. Esperon’s office at the appointed time, June 6, 2007 at 10 a.m. However, they were met by 2 officers, LTC. Jose and LTC Lucero, and not by Gen. Esperon, who, according to the 2 officers, had left for another meeting. My lawyer asked the 2 officers about our request for a copy of the report of the Provost Marshal but the 2 officers had no idea about such request.
On June 21st, my lawyer received a letter from the Judge Advocate General, Brig. Gen. Nemesio I. Dabal, writing for Gen. Esperon. The letter said that we could not be given copies of the report of the Provost Marshal and the Inspector General because of two restraints: a) it is “a classified matter, the unauthorized disclosure of which, while not endangering national security, may cause unwarranted injury to an individual. Under pertinent rules, this category of classified matter expressly includes investigation and document of a personal and disciplinary nature which we are bound to secure for administrative purposes and further to safeguard the identity of personnel being investigated for an anomaly prior to the filing of appropriate charges”; b) the “restraint is a necessary measure in order not to preempt the final outcome of the case being investigated through the premature disclosure of an initial investigation result which is taking its course under the military justice system. This is with a view to further elevation of the matter to an appropriate body for proper disposition, including its possible referral with a view to trial by court martial against erring personnel involved, if circumstances warrant”.
In other words, Gen. Esperon turned down my request because he was concerned that my reading of the report of the Provost Marshal and Inspector General “may” cause some unwarranted injury to someone (whom he has not named) and because he does not want that the “initial investigation result” to preempt or be presumed to be the final outcome of the case being investigated.
Based on the evidence so far gathered: a) the testimony of the witness security guard that he saw Jonas forced into the vehicle with plate no. TAB 194; b) plate no. TAB 194 has been traced to be in the custody of the 56th IB since June 2006, I accuse the Army of having forcibly abducted my son Jonas on April 28, 2007 at the Ever Gotesco Mall in Quezon City. I strongly suspect that either or both of its former commanding officers, Lt. Col. Clement and Lt. Col. Feliciano participated in the enforced disappearance of Jonas.
The conduct of Gen. Esperon tells me that the Army is hiding from me information of vital investigative value in the Jonas case. First, he refused to see me and my representatives despite the fact that Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita had arranged the meeting and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo encouraged me to see him. And then he turns down my request for a copy of the report of the Provost Marshal and the Inspector General.
Gen. Esperon’s conduct or rather, misconduct, only reinforces my belief that the Army abducted Jonas and Gen. Esperon is covering up for the Army.
I am the mother of a desaparecido, the victim of enforced disappearance by unidentified persons who was taken into a vehicle with plate no. TAB 194 traced to the 56th Infantry Battalion whose 2 previous commanding officers, Lt. Col. Melquiades L. Feliciano and Lt. Col. Noel S. Clement were, among others, the subject of the investigation of the Provost Marshal and the Inspector General. I have all the right to know what the Provost Marshal and the Inspector General have found out in the investigation of these two former commanding officers of the 56th IB. My right to know vital information about my son, and even more important, my son’s well-being has primacy over the perceived injury that may suffer or the perceived preemption of the final outcome of the investigation, assuming that it is still on-going (according to media reports the Provost Marshal and the Inspector General has concluded their investigations and submitted them to Gen. Esperon). Certainly, the perceived injury to certain parties by a “premature” disclosure of the report can never be as substantial as the very real risk of serious harm, or even death, that may befall my son with every delay in the efforts to find him.
The excuse of Gen. Esperon in turning down my legitimate request is unacceptable to me. I need to find Jonas and the report that Gen. Esperon is withholding from me I know will help me find him.
I repeat, I accuse the Army of the crime of kidnapping my son Jonas on April 28, 2007 at the Ever Gotesco Mall in Quezon City. I strongly suspect that either or both of the former commanding officers of the 56th IB, Lt. Col. Clement and Lt. Col. Feliciano are participants in that crime. And the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, is covering up the crime committed against Jonas.
My son Jonas, according to witnesses, was forcibly taken by a group of 6 males and 1 female while he was having lunch at the Hapag Kainan Restaurant in Ever Gotesco Mall, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, on April 28, 2007 at about 1.30 p.m. As he was being forcibly taken, he was shouting “Aktibista lang po ako!”
I realized that Jonas could be missing when he did not come home that night of April 28th.
The following morning, I received a text message from Jonas which states: “Pasensiya na ligo lang ako”; this was followed by another text: “Sige bukas pag-usapan natin”. I tried calling his phone but could not get an answer until it could no longer be reached.
On April 30th, I called for a press conference and announced that Jonas has been missing since April 28th.
As a result of that press conference, I received information that a security guard at the Ever Gotesco Mall saw Jonas forced by persons who identified themselves to be “PULIS” into a vehicle with plate number TAB 194.
That plate number TAB 194 was traced to a vehicle registered in the name of Mauro Mudlong. Mr. Mudlong and his vehicle were apprehended on June 24, 2006 by PFC Jose Villena and CPL Castro Bugalon of the 56th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (56th IB) based in Barangay San Mateo, Norzagaray Bulacan for violation of Section 68 of PD 705 or “Transporting of Timber Without a Permit” (filed with the Prosecutor of Bulacan at Malolos; IS No. 06-09-4287). Said vehicle with plate no. TAB 194 and its cargo were taken to the headquarters of the 56th IB at Norzagaray Bulacan. Lt. Col. Noel S. Clement was the commanding officer of the 56th IB at the time the vehicle with plate no. TAB 194 was apprehended and taken to the 56th IB headquarters.
Police investigators reported that they took the statements of 5 Army officers: Lt. Col. Noel S. Clement, at present the commanding officer of the Security and Escort Battalion based in Fort Bonifacio; Lt. Col. Melquiades L. Feliciano, commanding officer 56th IB who succeeded Lt. Col. Clement in January but reportedly relieved in May (his present assignment is unknown); Lt. Col. Edison Caga, commanding officer 69th IB stationed in Pampanga who was assigned to secure the 56th IB headquarters when it went for training in November 2006; CPL Castro Bugalon and PFC Jose Villena III both assigned at the 56th IB.
Media reported that Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. has ordered the Army Provost Marshal and the Inspector General to investigate the involvement of the above named 5 army officers in the forced disappearance of Jonas.
On May 21, 2007, my lawyer wrote to Gen. Esperon to request for a copy of the “report of the Provost Marshal and the Inspector General on the involvement of the 56th Infantry Battalion on [Jonas’] disappearance”. When Gen. Esperon was not responding after a week, we sent him another letter on May 29, 2007.
I met with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on May 29th to seek his help in finding Jonas or any information he can provide about what has happened to him. Secretary Ermita responded by arranging that I meet with General Esperon on June 6, 2007 at 10 a.m. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called me up on June 2nd to express her concern about Jonas and reminded me that I go see Gen. Esperon.
My lawyer together with my brother, Jimmy Tronqued (I had vertigo attack and could not leave the house) went to Gen. Esperon’s office at the appointed time, June 6, 2007 at 10 a.m. However, they were met by 2 officers, LTC. Jose and LTC Lucero, and not by Gen. Esperon, who, according to the 2 officers, had left for another meeting. My lawyer asked the 2 officers about our request for a copy of the report of the Provost Marshal but the 2 officers had no idea about such request.
On June 21st, my lawyer received a letter from the Judge Advocate General, Brig. Gen. Nemesio I. Dabal, writing for Gen. Esperon. The letter said that we could not be given copies of the report of the Provost Marshal and the Inspector General because of two restraints: a) it is “a classified matter, the unauthorized disclosure of which, while not endangering national security, may cause unwarranted injury to an individual. Under pertinent rules, this category of classified matter expressly includes investigation and document of a personal and disciplinary nature which we are bound to secure for administrative purposes and further to safeguard the identity of personnel being investigated for an anomaly prior to the filing of appropriate charges”; b) the “restraint is a necessary measure in order not to preempt the final outcome of the case being investigated through the premature disclosure of an initial investigation result which is taking its course under the military justice system. This is with a view to further elevation of the matter to an appropriate body for proper disposition, including its possible referral with a view to trial by court martial against erring personnel involved, if circumstances warrant”.
In other words, Gen. Esperon turned down my request because he was concerned that my reading of the report of the Provost Marshal and Inspector General “may” cause some unwarranted injury to someone (whom he has not named) and because he does not want that the “initial investigation result” to preempt or be presumed to be the final outcome of the case being investigated.
Based on the evidence so far gathered: a) the testimony of the witness security guard that he saw Jonas forced into the vehicle with plate no. TAB 194; b) plate no. TAB 194 has been traced to be in the custody of the 56th IB since June 2006, I accuse the Army of having forcibly abducted my son Jonas on April 28, 2007 at the Ever Gotesco Mall in Quezon City. I strongly suspect that either or both of its former commanding officers, Lt. Col. Clement and Lt. Col. Feliciano participated in the enforced disappearance of Jonas.
The conduct of Gen. Esperon tells me that the Army is hiding from me information of vital investigative value in the Jonas case. First, he refused to see me and my representatives despite the fact that Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita had arranged the meeting and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo encouraged me to see him. And then he turns down my request for a copy of the report of the Provost Marshal and the Inspector General.
Gen. Esperon’s conduct or rather, misconduct, only reinforces my belief that the Army abducted Jonas and Gen. Esperon is covering up for the Army.
I am the mother of a desaparecido, the victim of enforced disappearance by unidentified persons who was taken into a vehicle with plate no. TAB 194 traced to the 56th Infantry Battalion whose 2 previous commanding officers, Lt. Col. Melquiades L. Feliciano and Lt. Col. Noel S. Clement were, among others, the subject of the investigation of the Provost Marshal and the Inspector General. I have all the right to know what the Provost Marshal and the Inspector General have found out in the investigation of these two former commanding officers of the 56th IB. My right to know vital information about my son, and even more important, my son’s well-being has primacy over the perceived injury that may suffer or the perceived preemption of the final outcome of the investigation, assuming that it is still on-going (according to media reports the Provost Marshal and the Inspector General has concluded their investigations and submitted them to Gen. Esperon). Certainly, the perceived injury to certain parties by a “premature” disclosure of the report can never be as substantial as the very real risk of serious harm, or even death, that may befall my son with every delay in the efforts to find him.
The excuse of Gen. Esperon in turning down my legitimate request is unacceptable to me. I need to find Jonas and the report that Gen. Esperon is withholding from me I know will help me find him.
I repeat, I accuse the Army of the crime of kidnapping my son Jonas on April 28, 2007 at the Ever Gotesco Mall in Quezon City. I strongly suspect that either or both of the former commanding officers of the 56th IB, Lt. Col. Clement and Lt. Col. Feliciano are participants in that crime. And the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, is covering up the crime committed against Jonas.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
We believe in the power of Prayers – Edith Burgos
We firmly believe in the power of prayer. We launched a prayer campaign as we continue our search with the hope of finding Jonas alive.
We call this campaign “Pray it Forward”. We aim to gather hopefuls and sympathizers to join the families of all victims of forced disappearances and pray that their loved ones be surfaced.
We will be giving out prayer cards to friends, relatives and concerned citizens with a request that they pray for the early release of Jonas and that all victims of enforced disappearances be surfaced.
We ask each of you who receive a prayer card to please pass on the prayer to your friends, relatives, colleagues and others. Help us to reproduce our prayer card and pass it on to as many people as you can.
Be with us as we humbly ask our Lord to help us locate my son, and that all the victims of enforced disappearances be surfaced and the suffering of grieving families be put to an end.
We also call on other congregations to hold Eucharistic celebrations in their areas and let the grieving mothers’ call be echoed everywhere. Your prayer is for the government to act fast and not play deaf and mute to the clamor for justice by the families of the victims.
We call this campaign “Pray it Forward”. We aim to gather hopefuls and sympathizers to join the families of all victims of forced disappearances and pray that their loved ones be surfaced.
We will be giving out prayer cards to friends, relatives and concerned citizens with a request that they pray for the early release of Jonas and that all victims of enforced disappearances be surfaced.
We ask each of you who receive a prayer card to please pass on the prayer to your friends, relatives, colleagues and others. Help us to reproduce our prayer card and pass it on to as many people as you can.
Be with us as we humbly ask our Lord to help us locate my son, and that all the victims of enforced disappearances be surfaced and the suffering of grieving families be put to an end.
We also call on other congregations to hold Eucharistic celebrations in their areas and let the grieving mothers’ call be echoed everywhere. Your prayer is for the government to act fast and not play deaf and mute to the clamor for justice by the families of the victims.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)