It is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights…Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.”
The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948.
It is therefore condemnable that in the Philippines, which is a member of the United Nations, there are victims of extrajudicial killings and several cases of desaparecidos.
At the protest rally Dec. 10 at Mendiola Bridge, near Malacañang Palace, Edith Burgos, mother of farmer-activist Jonas Burgos who was abducted by suspected members of state forces on April 28. 2007 and was never seen since then, led parents and relatives of other desaparecidos holding placards that demand “Surface.”
Protestors, led by human rights group, Karapatan, denounced the unabated human rights violations in the country and the massive corruption involving senators, congressmen, public officials and private contractors.
Photos and video by Bullit Marquez for Vera Files