Unmasking State Terrorism in the Philippines

Canadian human rights group to hold forum exposing state terrorism in the Philippines

Vancouver, B.C. - On the eve of the 8th anniversary of the Mendiola Massacre where 19 farmers were gunned down by Philippine troops, the B.C.Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (BCCHRP) is holding a forum this Thursday, January 20, 2005, to examine the escalation of human rights violations in the Philippines. 'Unmasking State Terrorism in the Philippines' will be held at the YWCA at 535 Hornby St. in Vancouver from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M.

The group condemns the government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for another assault on striking workers at Hacienda Luisita on January 5th injuring two workers.

"It is ironic that this attack happened days before the anniversary of the infamous Mendiola Massacre on January 22, 1987", says Erie Maestro of BCCHRP.
"Since its designation by the U.S. as the 'second front' in the 'war on terror' after Sept. 11, we can see the unprecedented escalation of killings and attacks against the people", she adds.

On Nov. 16 last year, Philippine military and police fired on striking workers, killing seven people and injuring hundreds of others in what is now known as the 'Hacienda Luisita Massacre'. The Luisita sugar plantation is owned by the family of former president Corazon Aquino.

"The killings cap a year of horrendous human rights record for this government," laments Maestro. She points to the indictment against the Arroyo government's record by the United nations and Amnesty International. Arroyo has relentlessly attacked human rights workers and labour leaders since she was catapulted to power in 2001 replacing the corrupt Joseph Estrada in a bloodless uprising.

Members of BCCHRP will share stories from their visits to the Philippines,
including its relevance to social justice work here in Canada. Video clips
of the Hacienda Luisita Massacre, which were presented during the hearings
in the Philippine Senate, will be shown.

Thursday
January 20, 2005
6:30 - 8:30 P.M.
YWCA, 535 Hornby St., Vancouver