Philippines: Human Rights News 03/22/2023
Top News: PH using US tactics vs activists; #redtagging, attacks continue: US govt report; #womensrights: divorce; abortion; #comfortwomen; marital infidelity is #VAWC; call for release of activists
ATTACKS AGAINST ACTIVISTS/JOURNALISTS
The Philippines Is Using U.S. Tactics to Suppress Activism https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/03/21/us-philippines-military-relationship-ally-human-rights-china/
Red-tagging, journalist attacks continue in Philippines – US report | Philstar.com https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/03/22/2253460/red-tagging-journalist-attacks-continue-philippines-us-report
Groups call for release of Luzon activists, development workers | ABS-CBN News https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/multimedia/photo/03/21/23/groups-call-for-release-of-luzon-activists-development-workers
“DRUG WAR”
Anti-drug cop tagged in P6.7 billion shabu axed | Philstar.com https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/03/22/2253398/anti-drug-cop-tagged-p67-billion-shabu-axed
EXTRAJUDICIAL / SUMMARY / ARBITRARY KILLING
Dole manager slain in Malaybalay https://mindanaogoldstardaily.com/archives/136776
Abra village chief tagged in killing of teacher surrenders | Inquirer News https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1746170/abra-village-chief-tagged-in-killing-of-teacher-surrenders
POLITICAL VIOLENCE
4 more ex-military personnel tagged in Degamo slay surrender – Remulla https://www.rappler.com/nation/doj-remulla-says-more-ex-military-personnel-tagged-degamo-killing-surrender-march-21-2023/
Civilians surrender illegal weapons in Basilan | The Manila Times https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/03/22/news/regions/civilians-surrender-illegal-weapons-in-basilan/1883751
Village chief in Laguna held for illegal firearms | Inquirer News https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1745812/village-chief-in-laguna-held-for-illegal-firearms
COMMUNIST INSURGENCY
21 ex-rebs receive P1.3-M in gov’t aid - Mindanao Times https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2023/03/21/21-ex-rebs-receive-p1-3-m-in-govt-aid/
DETENTION
Female PDLs get free medical tests | The Manila Times https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/03/22/news/regions/female-pdls-get-free-medical-tests/1883752
ENVIRONMENT
There should be criminal liabilities in Oriental Mindoro oil spill – Remulla https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/3/21/There-should-be-criminal-liabilities-in-Oriental-Mindoro-oil-spill---Remulla-.html
WOMEN
‘Comfort women’ rue gov’t silence on their plight | Inquirer News https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1746204/comfort-women-rue-govt-silence-on-their-plight
People seeking abortions can face prison time in many countries https://www.nbcnews.com/health/womens-health/abortion-penalties-prison-time-around-world-rcna75760
Lagman: Panel approval of divorce bill offers hope for marriage in trouble | Inquirer News https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1745946/lagman-panel-approval-of-divorce-bill-to-bring-broken-unions-closer-to-recovery
Divorce bill to make PH conform to global norm: solon | Philippine News Agency https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1197891
SC: Marital infidelity considered psychological violence under VAWC law https://www.rappler.com/nation/supreme-court-decision-marital-infidelity-violence-against-women-children-law/
Bill allowing married women to keep maiden surname hurdles House https://www.rappler.com/nation/house-passes-bill-allowing-married-women-keep-maiden-surname-19th-congress/
Angeles City provides free cervical cancer screenings, HIV tests for women https://www.rappler.com/nation/luzon/angeles-city-provides-cervical-cancer-hiv-tests-women/
JUDICIARY
Marcos appoints 51 new trial court judges, 1 BJMP official | Philippine News Agency https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1197882
LABOR
Labor groups seek P1,140 minimum wage in NCR | Philippine News Agency https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1197876
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
The Philippines Is Using U.S. Tactics to Suppress Activism https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/03/21/us-philippines-military-relationship-ally-human-rights-china/
U.S. warship’s visit not part of Balikatan - Daily Tribune https://tribune.net.ph/2023/03/22/u-s-warships-visit-not-part-of-balikatan/
In Basa Air Base, Philippines and US banner benefits of EDCA https://www.rappler.com/nation/basa-air-base-philippines-united-states-seek-banner-benefits-edca/