RIGHTS (A compilation of human rights themed short films and public service advertisements)

RIGHTS is a pioneering compilation of independently produced and human rights themed short films/public service advertisements (PSAs). Initiated originally by artists involved with Southern Tagalog Exposure and the Free Jonas Burgos Movement, RIGHTS exposes the incessant human rights hostilities in the Philippines. It is an open and continuing call for filmmakers to participate in the growing movement to defend and uphold human rights. However, timely of its launching on September 21 last year, blatant state censorship rendered RIGHTS non-exhibition atIndie Sine following MTRCBs X rating to some of the PSAs.

BAYAN calls on P-NOY to end killings

People's organizations led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) marched from the España Blvd to the Mendiola bridge near the Malacanang Palace last July 19 to call on the Aquino Administration to end extra-judicial killings against activists.

In a statement, BAYAN secretary general Renato Reyes said that President Benigno Aquino should condemn and junk the counter-insurgency program OPLAN BANTAY LAYA of the former administration and end political killings.

There are three victims of political killings under the new Aquino government so far, on top of 1,205 victims of extra-judicial killings under the Arroyo regime. Oplan Bantay Laya (Operation Freedom Watch) is the military counter-insurgency plan that is being blamed for thousands of human rights violation in the last nine years. 

Kodao Productions. Jaime de Guzman and Mona Bernardo

Bayan Muna Calls for an immediate investigation of Baldomero's killing

Members of Bayan Muna Partylist together with human rights advocate group KARAPATAN and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) today held a protest in Mendiola to condemn the assassination of Fernando I. Baldomero of Lezo, Aklan, who was shot dead early yesterday.

Baldomero is a Sangguniang Bayan member and Bayan Muna provincial coordinator Lezo, Aklan. It is the first case of political killings under Aquino-regime.

In a statement, Bayan Muna representative Teddy Casiño demands an immediate and thorough investigation on the possible involvement of military and military-backed death squads in this continuing climate of impunity against government critics. He also stressed that Baldomero is the first and should be the last victim of extrajudicial killing under the Aquino government.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) through  Renato Reyes said Mr. Aquino should use the full force of law to arrest the perpetrators. BAYAN also remind Aquino of his avowed commitment to end extrajudicial killings and punish their perpetrators.

Meanwhile, KARAPATAN Chair Marie Hilao-Enriquez calls on the present administration to immediately conduct an investigation, and to arrest and punish the perpetrators of the Baldomero killing. Enriquez added that the complete justice announcement of Aquino is nothing if the political killing and impunity is still prevalent and continuing.

Militant groups deemed the incident as part of the ongoing counter-insurgency program OPLAN BANTAY LAYA (Operation freedom watch) of the Armed Forces of the Philippine