[van-announce] Human Rights Advocates in Canada Appalled at Recent Shooting of Local Filipino by U.S. Soldier

[Philippine Women Centre of B.C.]

Statement of B.C. Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines - August 3,
2002
Human Rights Advocates in Canada Appalled at Recent Shooting of Local
Filipino by U.S. Soldier

 For immediate release

As an organization advocating for human rights in the Philippines for over
twenty years, the B.C. Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines
(BCCHRP) strongly condemns the brutal and needless shooting of an unarmed
man by American soldier Reggie Lane on July 25, 2002 in Barangay Kanas,
Tuburan, Basilan, Philippines.

Under the regime of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the sovereignty of
the Philippines has been under attack since January 2001 when U.S. troops
stormed onto Philippine soil. For several months now the international
community has received assurances both from President Arroyo and U.S.
President Bush that U.S. troops would not participate in ‘policing efforts’
in the Philippines. Yet, here is a clear example of the U.S. as a foreign
power imposing its military force upon the Filipino people.

Ironically, the shooting occurred just days before the so-called Balikatan
02-1 joint military exercises with the U.S. were set to expire.
Unsurprisingly the Arroyo regime remains unfazed and continues with the
implementation of the “Long Term Security Assistance Plan” which means more
U.S. troops in the Philippines spread out in further areas and staying for a
longer duration. Currently, close to 3,000 U.S. troops are in several
different areas in the Philippines, with more soldiers on the way. The
further entrenchment of U.S. presence in the Philippines holds frightening
implications for the human rights of the Filipino people.

The Arroyo regime cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the increasing
cases of human rights violations, rising prostitution and the tightening
grip the U.S. has on the Philippines. Her regime’s continued inaction proves
her loyalty to the U.S., and not to the Filipino people that she is supposed
to serve.

As concerned human rights activists standing in solidarity with the Filipino
people, the B.C. Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines will continue
to expose and oppose the real reasons behind U.S. presence in the
Philippines. We call on all concerned Canadians to demand justice for the
Filipino people and genuine sovereignty for the Philippines. We also join
with the Filipino people in their demands to oust the militarist and
war-mongering Arroyo regime, a gross violator of human rights.

-30-

______________________________________________

B.C. Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines
Phone: 604.215.1905
Fax: 604.215.1103
www.kalayaancentre.org


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