In commemoration of the 77th International Human Rights Day, KARAPATAN – Southern Mindanao Region, along with other multisectoral progressive groups, clamoured for justice amidst continued experiences of consistent and systemic harassment of human rights abuses by state forces in the Philippines.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a landmark United Nations document signed by various countries worldwide, including the Philippines, which codified the protection of individuals’ inalienable rights to life, liberty, and equality, forming the foundation of domestic laws and international treaties.
However, Kilusang Mayo Uno – Southern Mindanao Region (KMU – SMR) Spokesperson Jeffry Uypala recalled a recent incident of state intimidation against a colleague, fearing uncertainty and possible escalation for the urban leaders and mass organizers in the country.
“Bagohay lamang nahitabo ang among kaubanan atong December 5 na si Larry Argilles nga usa ka leader transport na kung diin gi-harrass iyang pamilya, gi-adtuan ug grabe ang kahadlok sa iyang pamilya kaniadtong panahona.”
Blue Knights for Human Rights (BKHR) Spokesperson Fatimah Guiani highlighted how the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and other state agencies are being utilized to suppress dissent and criticism from the youth, especially targeting universities under the guise of educational forums.
“Pondo na inilaan sa reaksiyonaryong pwersa kagaya ng NTF-ELCAC… para bigyan katwiran ang pag-mamatiyag sa mga kabataan kritikal at progresibong grupo sa mga lungsod at kanayunan… isang halimbawa ang pagpasok ng pwersa ng AFP at NTF-ELCAC sa Ateneo sa isang forum ng disinformation noong Septembre,” she pointed out.
Sabokahan Unity of Lumad Women Chairperson Lala Empong explicitly condemned the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) scare tactics used to assert authority and control over indigenous communities in rural areas.
“Amoang kusog nga gina-kondena ang padayon na pag-panglapas sa tawhanong-katungod sa militar sa among komunidad. Mga ni-aging bulan hantod karon, naka-sinati ug pang-hadlok ang among mga ginikanan tungod gina balay-balay [kami] sa militar.”
As allegations of terrorist financing persist against church workers, Cotabato Regional Ecumenical Chairperson Rev. Fr. Junilo Ancheta conveyed the pleas of the religious sector regarding the repeated attacks and transgression of human rights violations.
“Ayaw na natin yung pag-labag sa karapatang pang-tao, lalo-lalong na ang pag-pasakit ng mga taong simbahan. Kapag nasasaktan ang mga taong-simbahan, nasasaktan din ang Diyos… Gina-gamitan tayo nila ng dahas, pasismo ang kanilang sagot ng kanilang ginagawa,” Ancheta stated.
KARAPATAN – SMR Deputy Secretary-General Grecian Asoy emphasized that the protection of human rights should be guaranteed to everyone, regardless of social class, and not reserved solely for the rich.
“Atong tawhanong-katungod dapat i-respeto sa masking kinsa, regardless na siya unsa atong estado ug posisyon nato sa kinabuhi.”
Stand in Opposition to Plunder (STOP) Corruption Alliance Representative Elmer Jon Mupas equated the current administration’s corruption to a human rights violation itself, citing its detrimental and grave effects on the Filipino people.
“Naga-tuo kami nga ang korapsyon sa goberno kay usa ka dako nga human rights violation… katungod sa katawhan na ma serbisyohan sa ilang buwis, katungod sa katawhan na ma serbisyohan sa ilang panikamot,” he asserted.
Union of People’s Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) Chairman Carlos “Kaloi” Zarate called for the immediate release of political prisoners and the halt of militarization as an instrument for government policy.
“Atong usab nga panawagan ang gi-dayog na pag-pagpagawas, pag-papalaya sa tanan na mga political prisoners ug atong isingit ug panawagan ang pag-undang sa militarisasyon sa kabanikanhan ug bisan diri na sa kasyudaran.”
The Human Rights Day 2025 protest was held on December 10 at Freedom Park, Roxas Avenue.