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Our Prophets are Killed…

Our Prophets are Killed…. UCCP Human Rights Situation.

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Our Prophets are Killed…

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  1. Our Prophets are Killed… UCCP Human Rights Situation

  2. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.” – 2 Corinthians 4: 8-12

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. The Persecution of Church People (Since 2001 up to the present) 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 .

  6. KARAPATAN documented a total of 1013 victims of extrajudicial killings and 201 enforced disappearances under Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo presidency • They were human rights lawyers, clergymen, church workers, a city councilor, peasant leaders, union leaders and other members and supporters of people’s organizations critical of government’s anti-people policies. • With the long list of peace and human rights advocates who have been killed and disappeared … • Despite of the condemnation made by the national and international communities • THE KILLINGS & THE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS CONTINUE!!! Source: KARAPATAN

  7. Story of Rev. Edison Lapuz

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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)

  12. The Story of Rev. Edison Lapuz is the story of our people. . .

  13. Pastor Andy Pawican Rev. Jemias Tinambacan Rev. Filomino Catambis Rev. Edison Lapuz Rev. Loreto Macalanggan Abe Sungit Vicente Olea Joel Baclao Rev. Raul Dominggo Isaias Manano Juancho Sanchez Junico Halem Noli Capulong Nestor Arinque Madonna Castillo Rei Mon Guran Renato Pacaida Ray Corpin Alfredo Davis Elvis Ading

  14. Victims of Frustrated Extra-judicial Killings Rev. Marilou Timanbacan Rev. Billy Austin Alden Ambida Evelyn Davis

  15. Victims of Abduction, Torture and Illegal Detention Pastor Berlin Guerrero Pastor Jun Bonuan Rev. Carlos dela Cruz Pastor Edwin Egar Pastor Rodel Canja Ruel Moñasque Reul Marcial & Fidel Palting Abner Hizarsa -missing until today

  16. 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. 3 of our bishops are in the list of the Order of Battle of the military. These are trying days for UCCP.

  17. 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)

  18. 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.

  19. In response to this act of terror. . . • UCCP initiated several activities thru the • Justice, Peace & Human Rights Program • 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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

  22. N E E D S T O B E A D D R E S S E D • 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) • Systematic capability-building processes • 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 • 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

  23. 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)

  24. The UCCP continues to cry out…. STOP THE SENSELESS KILLINGS! JUSTICE FOR ALL VICTIMS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION!

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

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