PHA-Exchange> A bishp killed in the Phillipines as government violence continues

[Claudio]

MCCCL condemns killing of Bp. Ramento, says government should be compelled to stop killings 

 

The Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties (MCCCL) strongly condemns the gruesome murder of Philippine Independent Church 9th Obispo Maximo BISHOP ALBERTO RAMENTO in Tarlac and FR. DIONISIO GINGGING also of the same church in Surigao del Sur.

 

We extend our deepest sympathies to their families and Church and join them in the call for justice. Their deaths are a loss not only to the nationalist Christian church but also to all who struggle for human rights across the country.

 

We have lost a staunch civil libertarian with the killing of Bishop Ramento, who is an active colleague at the MCCCL.  He has spoken out in the past for the need to actively defend civil liberties and human rights beginning with a massive education campaign. 

 

Bishop Ramento will be remembered for his dedication and fearless pursuit of social justice. 

 

A thorough probe of his killing in accordance with internationally recognized standards of due process should be able to send a clear message against impunity and must therefore be immediately conducted.

 

We are, however, bothered by the authorities' seeming lack of thoroughness in attending to the case and hastily dismissing the killing of Bishop Ramento as a common criminal case enabling the real perpetrators to evade investigation and prosecution. 

 

The MCCCL joins the national and international community in calling for a stop to political killings and other human rights violations that have escalated under the watch of the Arroyo administration. 

 

Something terrible is already happening, let us not wait until the worst has happened.  We must be able to compel this government to fulfill its obligation to respect and protect the rights and dignity of its citizens.  Only then can we honor Bishop Ramento and all the victims of state-sponsored terrorism. Only so can we save those who might be victims tomorrow.
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