Our Prophets are Killed…

UCCP Human Rights UCCP Human Rights Situation Situation

We are afflicted in every way, but not We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to crushed; perplexed, but not driven to

despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, carrying in the body the death of Jesus,

so that the life of Jesus may also be so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who manifested in our bodies. For we who

live are always being given over to live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of

Jesus also may be manifested in our Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, mortal flesh. So death is at work in us,

but life in you.” – 2 Corinthians 4: 8-12but life in you.” – 2 Corinthians 4: 8-12

For the past eight years, more than thirty two cases of

human rights violations and brutal killings had been

committed to our church workers and members. Most of them were engaged in the

ministry of social concern and human rights advocacy. The

documented killings which started in May 2001 appear to

be systematic and premeditated.

Patterns to the killings . The victims are either leaders or active members of militant

parties or organizations or ordinary folk in areas where the AFP conducts internal security operations.

Prior to the attacks, victims are usually subject to a vilification campaign by the military or anti-communist vigilante groups. They are demonized as members of the CPP/NPA or its “front organizations”.

Victims are usually subject to surveillance by the military, and their agents ( CAFGU or Barangay Intelligence Network ) and told to stop their political activities “or else...” Many were warned that they were in the military’s “order of battle”.

All cases remain unsolved, with authorities seemingly helpless in going after the perpetrators.

The foregoing pattern results in a climate of impunity, with the killings and abductions getting more brazen by the day.

The Persecution of Church People

To date, 6 clergy and 4 lay workers of church-based programs have become victims of extrajudicial killings.

2 clergy and 2 members have been victims of frustrated killings.

10 UCCP members who are active in UCCP leadership bodies or mandated organizations and also active in people’s organizations are also victims of extrajudicial killings

.

(Since 2001 up to the present)

• KARAPATAN documented a total of 1013 victims of extrajudicial killings and KARAPATAN documented a total of 1013 victims of extrajudicial killings and 201 enforced disappearances under Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo presidency 201 enforced disappearances under Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo presidency

• They were human rights lawyers, clergymen, church workers, a city councilor, They were human rights lawyers, clergymen, church workers, a city councilor, peasant leaders, union leaders and other members and supporters of people’s peasant leaders, union leaders and other members and supporters of people’s organizations critical of government’s anti-people policies.organizations critical of government’s anti-people policies.

With the long list of peace and human rights advocates who have been killed With the long list of peace and human rights advocates who have been killed and disappeared …and disappeared …

Despite of the condemnation made by the national and international Despite of the condemnation made by the national and international communities communities

THE KILLINGS & THE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS CONTINUE!!!THE KILLINGS & THE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS CONTINUE!!!Source: KARAPATAN

Story of Rev. Edison Lapuz

He struggled against militarization and human rights violations in Eastern Leyte

He was a tireless worker and advocate for human rights, genuine peace and justice.

He was a man of peace… He did not deserve a violent death.

Rev. Edison Lapuz

On the night of May 12, 2005 Rev. Edison Lapuz was shot dead in front of his wife Emma & neighbours in their house in San Isidro, Leyte right after the burial of his father in Law. Prior to the shooting a certain Lt. Mangohon of the AFP went to the house of his father several times looking for him, asking for his identity and whereabouts.

The soldier even looked into the photographs of Rev. Edison.

Rev. Edison Lapuz

Rev. Lapuz was on his second term as Conference Minister of UCCP-North Eastern Leyte Conference

His involvement with the cause-oriented groups made him popular among the poor and deprived people.

Rev. Edison Lapuz

Rev. Edison is one of the twenty-seven (27) church people killed under the Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo government….

He was a convenor of “JUSTICE FOR ATTY. DACUT” a human rights lawyer who was killed in Leyte.

Chairperson of KATUNGOD-Eastern Leyte, a chapter of KARAPATAN (Alliance for the advancement of Human Rights in the Philippines)

Rev. Edison Lapuz

The Story of Rev. Edison Lapuz

is the story of our people. . .

1. Pastor Andy Pawican 2. Rev. Jemias Tinambacan3. Rev. Filomino Catambis4. Rev. Edison Lapuz5. Rev. Loreto Macalanggan6. Abe Sungit 7. Vicente Olea8. Joel Baclao9. Rev. Raul Dominggo10.Isaias Manano11.Juancho Sanchez12.Junico Halem 13.Noli Capulong14.Nestor Arinque15.Madonna Castillo16.Rei Mon Guran17.Renato Pacaida18.Ray Corpin19.Alfredo Davis20.Elvis Ading

Victims of Frustrated Extra-judicial Killings

1. Rev. Marilou Timanbacan2. Rev. Billy Austin 3. Alden Ambida4. Evelyn Davis

1. Pastor Berlin Guerrero 2. Pastor Jun Bonuan3. Rev. Carlos dela Cruz4. Pastor Edwin Egar5. Pastor Rodel Canja6. Ruel Moñasque 7. Reul Marcial & Fidel Palting8. Abner Hizarsa -missing until today

Victims of Abduction, Torture and Illegal Detention

3 of our bishops are in the list of the Order of Battle of the military.

These are trying days for UCCP.

We also have documented cases of harassment of our pastors, church leaders and members. Some of our pastors and members are in sanctuary for their safety.

United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP)

believes that the church exist for mission its is for mission that UCCP exist.

Christ mission translated to enable the church to engage in the community ministries - appropriate, relevant and responsive to the needs of the people.

• stood firm in its conviction to be the church of the poor; 1960 – statements of social concern (economic development and

governance)

PEACEMAKING: OUR MINISTRY(UCCP , August 21, 1987)

UCCP believes that . . .

GENUINE AND LASTING PEACE COMES WHEN THE PEOPLE’S NEEDS ARE SERVED. . .

Genuine peace comes when justice is served. For as long as peasants remain landless ,For as long as laborers do not receive just wages,For as long as we are politically and economically dominated by foreign nations,For as long as we channel our money to the military than to the social services, For as long as the causes of social unrest remain untouched, There will be no peace.

The ministry of peacemaking is an imperative of the faith we profess. The statement of faith of the UCCP calls us “to participate in the establishment of a meaningful and just social order”.

Hence, the peace we seek should result from our active participation in building structures that promote human development and uphold human dignity.

In response to this act of terror. . .

UCCP initiated several activities thru the Justice, Peace & Human Rights Program

1.Education & Awareness Building Conducted several fora / study sessions on various issues confronting the

church and society.

Conducted several capability building process (skills training) like paralegal training, data gathering among others

Developed bible study materials, Biblico - Theological Reflections and liturgical guides

Conducted Press conference and media projection on Human rights violations

Several resolutions and statements regarding Human Rights , political and economic issues has been passed by the UCCP General Assembly and the National Council.

2. Lobbying and Advocacy Work

Several Inter- Faith & Ecumenical Activities on Human Rights issues and concerns

Networking with the Ecumenical Communities (NCCP and RC member churches) and Human Rights organization locally

International advocacy work ( Sending of Urgent Appeals and human rights update to international partner churches and organizations

Dialogue and lobbying between government agencies like the Philippine National Police, local governments

& few law makers on the JPIC issues and concerns.

3. Direct Assistance to Victims

Sanctuary program for under threats

Legal and Para-legal services

Relief and Medical services

Psycho – social Therapy (Trauma Healing)

Educational assistance to children of victims

Conducted Fact – Finding Missions (gathering of data and evidences)

Organized Quick Reaction Team for Search Operations

Institutionalizing the JPHR Program

1. Development of a comprehensive human rights programme, which will be carried out by all judicatories of our church

(National down to the local churches)

2.Systematic capability-building processesa. Basic Orientation Course on Human Rights (developing modules)b. Skills training in several areas: e.g. documentation and data gathering, how to conduct of fact- finding missions , negotiating with government and peace panels, strategies in organizing and mobilization

3.Policy advocacy, which may involve, a. research in aid of legislation

b. organizing lawyers and HR advocates c. building alliances and generating support from government lawmakers

NEEDS

TO

BE

ADDRESSED

The UCCP seeks the continued accompaniment

of Christians and Churches all over the world in this journey. . .

. . . .until we all shall have found meaning and reality in Prophet Isaiah’s hope. . .

“ Everywhere in the land righteousness

and justice will be done. Because everyone will do what is right, there will be peace and security

forever. God’s people will be free from worries

and their homes peacefully and safe.”

(Isaiah 32: 16- 18 TEV)

The UCCP continues to cry out….

STOP THE SENSELESS KILLINGS!

JUSTICE FOR ALL VICTIMS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION!

Maraming Salamat Po !Maraming Salamat Po !(Thank you very much)