Extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances in the Philippines

Philippine extrajudicial killings are politically motivated murders committed by government officers, punished by local and international law or convention. They include assassinations; deaths due to strafing or indiscriminate firing; massacre; summary execution is done if the victim becomes passive before the moment of death (i.e., abduction leading to death); assassination means forthwith or instant killing while massacre is akin to genocide or mass extermination; thus, killings occurred in many regions or places throughout the Philippines in different times – 136 killings in Southern Tagalog region were recorded by human rights group Karapatan from 2001 to May 19, 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/publications/summit/Summit%20Papers/ta%C3%B1ada%20-%20ending%20extrajudicial%20killings.pdf|title=www.supremecourt.gov.ph, ENDING EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS AND ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCES: REFRAMING THE NATIONAL SECURITY PARADIGM AND PUTTING HUMAN RIGHTS AT THE HEART OF THE PROCESS - WIGBERTO E. TAÑADA|access-date=July 20, 2017}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}[https://web.archive.org/web/20061029200814/http://www.bayan.ph/downloads/primer%20on%20political%20killings.pdf A Primer on Killings of Activists, bY BAYAN] (archived from [http://www.bayan.ph/downloads/primer%20on%20political%20killings.pdf the original] on October 29, 2006){{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/|title=Breaking News, World News & Multimedia|access-date=July 20, 2017}}

File:Exterior_of_the_Baclaran_Church_24.jpg]]

A forced disappearance (desaparecidos), on the other hand, as form of extrajudicial punishment is perpetrated by government officers, when any of its public officers abducts an individual, to vanish from public view, resulting to murder or plain sequestration. The victim is first kidnapped, then illegally detained in concentration camps, often tortured, and finally executed and the corpse hidden.

In Spanish and Portuguese, "disappeared people" are called desaparecidos, a term which specifically refers to the mostly South American victims of state terrorism during the 1970s and the 1980s, in particular concerning Operation Condor. In the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, "Enforced disappearance" is defined in Article 2 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture as "the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or by concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person, which place such a person outside the protection of the law."{{cite web|url=http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Pages/WelcomePage.aspx|title=redirect page|website=www.ohchr.org|access-date=July 20, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/AsiaRegion/Pages/PHIndex.aspx|title=OHCHR - Philippines Homepage|website=www.ohchr.org|access-date=July 20, 2017}}

Even if Philippine Republic Act No. 7438{{cite web|url=http://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1992/ra_7438_1992.html|title=R.A. 7438|access-date=March 15, 2015}} provides for the rights of persons arrested, detained, it does not punish acts of enforced disappearances. Thus, on August 27,{{vague|year?|date=January 2024}} Bayan Muna (People First), Gabriela Women's Party (GWP), and Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) filed House Bill 223, later promulgated as Republic Act No. 10353{{snd}}"An act defining and penalizing the crime of enforced or involuntary disappearance." In June 2007, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 2405{{snd}}"An Act Penalizing the Commission of Acts of Torture and Involuntary Disappearance of Persons Arrested, Detained or Under Custodial Investigation, and Granting Jurisdiction to the Commission on Human Rights to Conduct Preliminary Investigation for Violation of the Custodial Rights of the Accused, Amending for this Purpose Sections 2, 3 and 4 of RA 7438, and for Other Purposes."{{cite web|url=http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/rwinslow/asia_pacific/philippines.html|title=Comparative Criminology - Asia - Philippines|access-date=March 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518034026/http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/rwinslow/asia_pacific/philippines.html|archive-date=May 18, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://bulatlat.com/2007/08/bill-criminalizing-enforced-disappearances-be-filed-gov-t-asked-ratify-international-convent|title=Unable to select database|access-date=March 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151229142657/http://bulatlat.com/2007/08/bill-criminalizing-enforced-disappearances-be-filed-gov-t-asked-ratify-international-convent|archive-date=December 29, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=85174|title=newsinfo.inquirer.net, 131 solons sign bill vs enforced, involuntary disappearances|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605025843/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=85174|archive-date=June 5, 2009}}

Relatives and Philippine human rights groups commemorate the disappeared on International Day of the Disappeared on August 30 every year.{{Cite web |last=Bolledo |first=Jairo |date=2022-08-30 |title=Rappler Recap: Rights groups remember desaparecidos on Int'l Day of the Disappeared |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/recap-human-rights-groups-remember-desaperacidos-international-day-disappeared/ |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=Rappler |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Almario |first=Anjo |date=August 8, 2023 |title=Families of desaparecidos demand justice |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/8/28/families-of-desaparecidos-demand-justice.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906000730/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/8/28/families-of-desaparecidos-demand-justice.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 6, 2023 |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=CNN |language=en}}

{{expand section|with=more details about post-Marcos administration|date=April 2024}}

{{See also|Human rights abuses of the Marcos dictatorship}}

In 1995, 10,000 Filipinos won a U.S. class-suit against the Ferdinand Marcos estate. The charges were filed by victims or their surviving relatives for torture, execution and disappearances.{{cite web |url=http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1344412006 |title=No hero's resting place as Imelda Marcos finds site for husband's grave |author=Hrvoje Hranjski |work=The Scotsman |date=September 12, 2006 |access-date=November 19, 2007}} Human rights groups placed the number of victims of extrajudicial killings under martial law{{cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/121365-torture-martial-law-marcos-regime|title=Worse than death: Torture methods during martial law|date=February 23, 2016 |access-date=July 20, 2017}} at 1,500 and over 800 abductions. Karapatan, a local human rights group's records, show 759 involuntarily disappeared, their bodies never found. Military historian Alfred McCoy in his book Closer than Brothers: Manhood at the Philippine Military Academy and in his speech "Dark Legacy" cites 3,257 extrajudicial killings, 35,000 torture victims, and 70,000 incarcerated during the Marcos years.{{cite web|url=http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/54a/062.html|title=Alfred McCoy, Dark Legacy: Human rights under the Marcos regime|access-date=March 15, 2015}}{{cite news |url=http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-32/6-32-power.htm |title=Marcos Kin, Allies Still within Corridors of Power |work=Bulatalat |author=Alexander Martin Remollino |date=September 17, 2006 |access-date=November 19, 2007}} In 2006, the newspaper Bulatlat placed the number of victims of arbitrary arrest and detention at 120,000.{{cite news |url=http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-32/6-32-specter.htm |title=The Specter of Martial Law |work=Bulatalat |author=Benjie Oliveros |date=September 17, 2006 |access-date=November 19, 2007}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20080105131654/http://news.scotsman.com/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=2809885 scotsman.com, No hero's resting place as Imelda Marcos finds site for husband's grave] (archived from [http://news.scotsman.com/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=2809885 the original] on January 5, 2008){{cite web|url=http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/10/01/18450919.php|title=Memoirs of Martial Law in the Philippines : Indybay|access-date=March 15, 2015}}

The New People's Army (NPA) groups known as "Sparrow Units" were active in the mid-1980s, killing government officials, police personnel, military members, and anyone else they targeted for elimination. They were also part of an NPA operation called "Agaw Armas" (Filipino for "Seizing Weapons"), where they raided government armories as well as stealing weapons from slain military and police personnel. A low level civil war with Muslims in the south, Al-Qaeda sympathizers and communist insurgents has led to a general break down of law and order. The Philippine government has promised to curb the killings, but is itself implicated in many of the killings.{{cite web|url=http://www.pinoyhr.net/|title=Supporters of Marijuana Legalization|website=Supporters of Marijuana Legalization|access-date=July 20, 2017}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20060107160314/http://www.philippinerevolution.net/index.shtml philippinerevolution.net, website, CCP] (archived from [http://www.philippinerevolution.net/index.shtml the original] on January 7, 2006)[https://web.archive.org/web/20070105153252/http://www.philippinerevolution.net/npa/index.shtml philippinerevolution.net, website NPA] (archived from [http://www.philippinerevolution.net/npa/index.shtml the original] on January 5, 2007)

Since 1975, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been deeply involved in politics. Because of the armed conflict, the military continued its campaign versus the New People's Army of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Since 1969 it aimed to establish a Marxist regime with armed rebellion against the government.

According to University of the Philippines professor Roland Tolentino, under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, left-wing nongovernmental organizations were critical of her administration. Members of these organizations who were red-tagged as members of the CPP and NPA were targeted in a series of political killings.{{Cite web|last=Bartolome|first=Jessica|date=October 5, 2021|title=UP professors: Red-tagging happened during Marcos, Arroyo administrations|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/670243/up-professors-red-tagging-happened-during-marcos-arroyo-administrations/story/|access-date=November 15, 2021|website=GMA News Online|language=en}} In September 2007, Human Rights Watch investigated extrajudicial murders in the Philippines.{{cite web|url=http://www.hurights.or.jp/asia-pacific/048/05.html|title=Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions
In the Philippines, 2001-2006 - ヒューライツ大阪|access-date=March 15, 2015}}[http://www.pcij.org/blog/wp-docs/karapatan_2007_hr_report.pdf www.pcij.org, Karapatan’s 2007 human rights report] {{dead link|date=January 2013}}

Three major investigation groups were commissioned and their final reports were submitted and published:

• a) The Gloria Macapagal Arroyo government-appointed bodies: Task Force Usig created by Arroyo in August. As a special police body, it was assigned to solve 10 cases of killings. It claimed having solved 21 cases, by initiating court cases, but only 12 suspects were arrested.{{cite web|url=http://hrw.org/reports/2007/philippines0607/3.htm#_ftn30|title=Scared Silent: Impunity for Extrajudicial Killings in the Philippines: III. Recent Military Relations with Government and Civil Society|access-date=March 15, 2015}}
• b) The Melo Commission, chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Melo, with members National Bureau of Investigation Director Nestor Mantaring, Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuño, Bishop Juan de dios Pueblos, and Nelia Torres Gonzales. Its final report states: "There is no official or sanctioned policy on the part of the military or its civilian superiors to resort to what other countries euphemistically call "alternative procedures"{{snd}}meaning illegal executions. However, there is certainly evidence pointing the finger of suspicion at some elements and personalities in the armed forces, in particular General Jovito Palparan, as responsible for an undetermined number of killings, by allowing, tolerating, and even encouraging the killings." (Melo Commission report, p. 53)
• c) Philip Alston, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions, February 12 to 21, 2007.

Because of the magnitude of Philippine killings and desaparecidos, 22nd Chief Justice Reynato Puno of the Supreme Court of the Philippines called a National Consultative Summit on extrajudicial killings on July 16 and 17, 2007, at the Manila Hotel. Participants included representatives from government (including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the PNP, Commission on Human Rights (Philippines), media, academe, civil society, and other stakeholders. On the other hand, the Malacañang-sponsored "Mindanao Peace and Security Summit", July 8–10, 2007, in Cagayan de Oro, concentrated on the anti-terror law, or the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007, to make it more acceptable to the public.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=75094|title=Inquirer.net, SC slates summit on extrajudicial killings|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708181922/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=75094|archive-date=July 8, 2007}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/49959/SC-slates-summit-on-extrajudicial-killings|title=SC slates summit on extrajudicial killings|work=GMA News Online|date=July 6, 2007 |access-date=March 15, 2015}}

At the July 16 summit, Reynato Puno stated that the Commission on Human Rights reported the number of victims at 403 from 2001 to May 31, 2007. Karapatan reported 863 deaths{{cite web |url=http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/talkofthetown/view_article.php?article_id=78036 |title=Inquirer Opinion - Inquirer Opinion |access-date=March 15, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605022710/http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/talkofthetown/view_article.php?article_id=78036 |archive-date=June 5, 2009 }} until 2007, and more than 900 as of May 2008, and most of them were members of left-wing groups. Karapatan gave a breakdown of its figures on human rights violations: 7,442 victims of forced evacuations or displacement, 5,459 victims of indiscriminate firing of weapons, and 3,042 victims of food and economic blockade.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080513-136383/96-cases-of-right-violations-recorded----Karapatan|title=96 cases of right violations recorded -- Karapatan - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos|access-date=March 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731195420/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080513-136383/96-cases-of-right-violations-recorded----Karapatan|archive-date=July 31, 2013}} The rights group Desparecidos reported as of May 15, 2008, 194 victims of enforced disappearances under the Arroyo administration, with the latest abduction of National Democratic Front political consultant for Cagayan Valley, activist Randy Felix Malayao, 39, a volunteer worker.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/96170/Activist-is-194th-victim-of-enforced-disappearances---group|title=Activist is 194th victim of 'enforced disappearances' - group|work=GMA News Online|date=May 19, 2008 |access-date=March 15, 2015}}

Counsels for the Defense of Liberties (CODAL), Philippines, a lawyers’ organization stated that since 2001, 26 lawyers and 10 judges were killed due to their professions. 755 civilians had been killed extrajudicially, while 359 survived attacks. 184 persons were still missing.[https://web.archive.org/web/20070718131001/http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/july/16/yehey/top_stories/20070716top6.html manilatimes.net, SPECIAL REPORT Extrajudicial killings, Even lawyers, court officials weren’t spared] (archived from [http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/july/16/yehey/top_stories/20070716top6.html the original] on July 18, 2007)

Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez stated that on the CBCP/Catholic Church's count, the number of victims of extrajudicial killings is 778. Survivors of "political assassinations" reached 370. 203 "massacre" were victims, 186 were missing or involuntarily disappeared, and 502 tortured or illegally arrested. Iñiguez denounced the government's implementation of its Oplan Bantay Laya I and II.{{cite web|url=http://www5.gmanews.tv/htmfiles/RA_9372.pdf|title= www5.gmanews.tv, RA 9372, Anti-Terror Law, Philippines|access-date=July 20, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/51197/Justices-activists-prelates-map-out-ways-to-end-killings|title=Justices, activists, prelates map out ways to end killings|work=GMA News Online|date=July 16, 2007 |access-date=March 15, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/51466/CPP-SC-summit-cant-stop-mastermind-of-killings|title=CPP: SC summit can't stop mastermind of killings|work=GMA News Online|date=July 17, 2007 |access-date=March 15, 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=77149 |title=Top Stories - Inquirer News |access-date=March 15, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605164735/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=77149 |archive-date=June 5, 2009 }}[https://archive.today/20070709212017/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=84857 ABS-CBN Interactive, More groups ask Supreme Court to junk antiterror law]

{{main|Writ of Amparo and Habeas Data (Philippines)}}

Because of the inefficacy and insufficiency of the Philippines Writ of Habeas Corpus, on September 25, 2007, Chief Justice Reynato Puno signed and released the Writ of Amparo: "This rule will provide the victims of extralegal killings and enforced disappearances the protection they need and the promise of vindication for their rights. This rule empowers our courts to issue reliefs that may be granted through judicial orders of protection, production, inspection and other relief to safeguard one's life and liberty. The writ of amparo shall hold public authorities, those who took their oath to defend the constitution and enforce our laws, to a high standard of official conduct and hold them accountable to our people. The sovereign Filipino people should be assured that if their right to life and liberty is threatened or violated, they will find vindication in our courts of justice'."[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=90626 Inquirer.net, SC approves use of writ of amparo] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017222159/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=90626 |date=October 17, 2007 }}[http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/RULE.pdf Supremecourt.gov.ph, A.M. No. 07-9-12-SC, THE RULE ON THE WRIT OF AMPARO]{{dead link|date=January 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}[http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/A.M.%20No.%2007-9-12-SC.pdf S.C. Resolution, A.M. No. 07-9-12-SC, THE RULE ON THE WRIT OF AMPARO] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228235742/http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/A.M.%20No.%2007-9-12-SC.pdf |date=February 28, 2008 }}[http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/news/courtnews%20flash/2007/09/09250701.php Supremecourt.gov.ph, SC Approves Rule on Writ of Amparo] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071223083057/http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/news/courtnews%20flash/2007/09/09250701.php |date=December 23, 2007 }}

Puno explained the interim reliefs under amparo: temporary protection order (TPO), inspection order (IO), production order (PO), and witness protection order (WPO, RA 6981).{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/61889/SC-approves-rule-on-writ-of-amparo-vs-extralegal-killings|title=SC approves rule on writ of amparo vs extralegal killings|work=GMA News Online|date=September 25, 2007 |access-date=March 15, 2015}} As supplement to Amparo, on August 30, 2007, Puno, at Silliman University in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, promised to release the writ of habeas data ("you should have the idea" or “you should have the data”) another new legal remedy to solve the extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Puno explained that the writ of amparo denies to authorities defense of simple denial, and habeas data can find out what information is held by the officer, rectify or even the destroy erroneous data gathered. Brazil used the writ, followed by Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Argentina and Ecuador.[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=85617 Inquirer.net, Habeas data: SC’s new remedy vs killings, disappearances] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017222143/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=85617 |date=October 17, 2007 }}

• On December 3, 2007, Reynato S. Puno stated that the writ released only three victims (including Luisito Bustamante, Davao City), since amparo was enforced on October 24: "I would like to think that after the enactment and effectivity (of the writ), the number of extrajudicial killings and disappearances have gone down."{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/71467/Amparo-frees-3-detainees----SC-chief|title='Amparo' frees 3 detainees - SC chief|work=GMA News Online|date=December 5, 2007 |access-date=March 15, 2015}}
• On December 17, 2007, Iloilo regional trial court Judge Narciso Aguilar granted a writ of amparo against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and 9 military and police officials to release Nilo Arado and Maria Luisa Posa-Dominado activists abducted on April 12.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view_article.php?article_id=108216|title=inquirer.net, Iloilo court issues amparo writ for two missing activists|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605010449/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view_article.php?article_id=108216|archive-date=June 5, 2009}}
• On December 19, 2007, Dr. Edita Burgos petitioned the Philippine Court of Appeals to issue a writ of amparo against Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano regarding her son Jonas's abduction on April 28.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/73543/Jonas-Burgos-mother-files-writ-of-amparo|title=Jonas Burgos mother files writ of amparo|work=GMA News Online|date=December 19, 2007 |access-date=March 15, 2015}}
• On December 27, 2007, the 2nd Division, Court of Appeals 30-page decision penned by Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin granted the writ of amparo filed by Reynaldo and Raymond Manalo, abducted activists.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=109052|title=inquirer.net/breakingnews, CA: Palparan, military had hand in brothers' abduction|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605022645/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=109052|archive-date=June 5, 2009}}
• Center for International Law (CenterLaw) filed a petition for a writ of amparo on behalf of families of victims of the drug war of the government of the Philippines in October 2017.{{Cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/938950/manila-residents-suprem-court-writ-of-amparo-war-on-drugs-police|title=Manila residents ask SC for writ of amparo vs police|last=Ballaran|first=Jhoanna|date=October 18, 2017|work=Inquirer|access-date=May 6, 2018|language=en}} The Supreme Court (SC) of the Philippines granted the writ and ordered the police to turn over documents relating to their investigations on the drug war.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/184909-flag-petition-drug-war-circular|title=Lawyers file petition to declare drug war circulars unconstitutional|last=Buan|first=Lian|date=October 11, 2017|work=Rappler|access-date=May 7, 2018|language=en}} In the same month, the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), on behalf of families and a survivor of an alleged execution by local police, filed for a writ of amparo before the SC. After hearings on a motion for reconsideration by the Office of the Solicitor General, the SC on April 3, 2018, upheld its earlier decision and ordered the solicitor general and the Philippine National Police to submit data related to the government's war on drugs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/04/04/1802588/sc-orders-pnp-submit-report-drug-war|title=SC orders PNP: Submit report on drug war {{!}} Philstar.com|last=Punay|first=Edu|date=April 4, 2018|website=Philstar|access-date=May 7, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/04/03/Duterte-war-on-drugs-records-Solicitor-General-Calida.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404102053/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/04/03/Duterte-war-on-drugs-records-Solicitor-General-Calida.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2018|title=Supreme Court orders SolGen Calida to submit drug war records|work=CNN|access-date=May 7, 2018|language=en}}

On September 28, 2007, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) commented that the amparo and habeas data were insufficient in themselves to protect human rights in the country: "Though it responds to practical areas it is still necessary that further action must be taken in addition to this. The legislative bodies, House of Representatives and Senate, should also initiate its own actions promptly and without delay. They must enact laws which ensure protection of rights—laws against torture and enforced disappearance and laws to afford adequate legal remedies to victims." AHRC added that the writs are not enough to protect non-witnesses, even though they, too, face threats to their lives.{{cite web |title=Writ of amparo not enough – Hong Kong rights group |url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/62409/Writ-of-amparo-not-enough--Hong-Kong-rights-group |access-date=March 15, 2015 |work=GMA News Online|date=September 28, 2007 }}

In 2006, the Dutch Lawyers for Lawyers Foundation and Lawyers without Borders with the support of the Netherlands Bar Association, the Amsterdam Bar Association and the International Association of Democratic Lawyers created a fact-finding mission in different parts of the Philippines. The international groups conducted interviews of various legal sectors from June 15 to 20, 2006.

In November 2008, the Dutch Lawyers for Lawyers Foundation conducted a follow-up verification and fact finding mission (IVFFM) in Manila and Mindanao, with the National Host Committee, National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) and the Counsels for the Defense of Liberties (CODAL). This team is composed of 8 judges and lawyers from Belgium and Netherlands, who had dialogue with Reynato Puno on the probe of killings.{{cite web|url=http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20081103210751|title=mindanaoexaminer.com, Human Rights Fact-Finding Mission Begins In The Philippines|access-date=March 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122174237/http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20081103210751|archive-date=January 22, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20081103-170033/Intl-lawyers-back-for-rights-probe|title=Int'l lawyers back for rights probe - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos|access-date=March 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731191654/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20081103-170033/Intl-lawyers-back-for-rights-probe|archive-date=July 31, 2013}}[Int'l group to probe killings of Lawyers, Philippine Daily Inquirer, page A4, November 4, 2008]

{{Infobox legislation

| short_title = Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012

| legislature =

| long_title = An Act defining and penalizing enforced or involuntary disappearance A

| citation = [https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2012/12/21/republic-act-no-10353/ Republic Act No. 10353]

| territorial_extent = Philippines

| enacted_by = Congress of the Philippines

| date_enacted = October 16, 2012

| date_assented =

| date_signed = December 21, 2012

| date_commenced = January 4, 2013

| bill =

| bill_citation =

| bill_date =

| introduced_by =

| 1st_reading =

| 2nd_reading =

| 3rd_reading =

| white_paper =

| committee_report =

| amendments =

| repeals =

| related_legislation =

| summary =

| keywords = human rights violations, enforced disappearance

| status = In force

}}

In December 2012, The Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012 was signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III.{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/12/22/888953/philippines-passes-law-enforced-disappearances|title=Philippines passes law on enforced disappearances|last=Orosa|first=Rosalinda L.|date=December 22, 2012|website=philstar.com|access-date=May 9, 2019}} The law's principal author in Congress was Rep. Edcel Lagman.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com//nation/18363-first-in-asia-desaparecidos-law|title=It's a first in Asia: 'Desaparecidos' law|last=Casauay|first=Angela|date=December 21, 2012|website=Rappler|language=en|access-date=May 9, 2019}}

The law is the first law in Asia that makes the crime of enforced disappearance punishable by life imprisonment. It was hailed as a milestone law by Human Rights Watch, which called the law "a testament to the thousands of 'disappearance' victims since the Marcos dictatorship, whose long-suffering families are still searching for justice."{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/12/21/philippines-milestone-law-criminalizes-forced-disappearances|title=Philippines: Milestone Law Criminalizes Forced Disappearances|date=December 21, 2012|website=Human Rights Watch|language=en|access-date=May 9, 2019}}

The law treats enforced disappearances as a violation of human rights and a crime separate from kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and murder.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com//newsbreak/iq/210595-things-to-know-enforced-disappearances-philippines|title=What you need to know about enforced disappearances in the Philippines|last=Gavilan|first=Jodesz|date=August 29, 2018|website=Rappler|language=en|access-date=May 9, 2019}} Under the law, those guilty of enforced disappearances before the law was passed can still be prosecuted if they continue refusing to disclose the whereabouts of the victim, according to Rep. Neri Colmenares.

Philip Alston submitted his final report on the killings; he found that the Armed Forces of the Philippines killed left-wing activists to get rid of communist insurgents: "the executions had "eliminated civil society leaders, including human rights defenders, trade unionists and land reform advocates, intimidated a vast number of civil society actors, and narrowed the country’s political discourse." Alston denied for lack of merit the government's claim that killings were perpetrated by communists to exterminate spies and to make negative propaganda versus government.[https://web.archive.org/web/20080125073614/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=103513 newsinfo.inquirer.net, Alston report: AFP behind killings, Report rejects RP claim of Red purge] (archived from [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=103513 the original] on January 25, 2008){{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080507174217/http://www.extrajudicialexecutions.org/about/people.html Philip Alston, UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions]}} (archived from {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060517211827/http://www.extrajudicialexecutions.org/about/people.html#alston the original]}} on 2008-05-07)

In February 2007, Alston stated that the military made alibis or denials on its role about 800 deaths of activists and journalists since 2001. Alston blamed "impunity" which caused the executions of journalists and leftist activists: "the priorities of the criminal justice system had been "distorted," and had "increasingly focused on prosecuting civil society leaders rather than their killers." But Alston noted the government's creation of{{snd}}special courts to try extrajudicial killings, the Melo Commission and the Philippine National Police's Task Force Usig.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080507174217/http://www.extrajudicialexecutions.org/about/people.html Philip Alston, UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions]}} (archived from {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060517211827/http://www.extrajudicialexecutions.org/about/people.html#alston the original]}} on 2008-05-07)

In the November U.N. Alston report - the killings in 2007 was only 68, huge drop from the 209 murdered in 2006. Karapatan published its report however, listing 830 victims of extrajudicial killings since 2001, under Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.{{cite web|url=http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=40582|title=ipsnews.net/news, CHALLENGES 2007-2008: Short Shrift for Human Rights in South-east Asia|access-date=March 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207111406/http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=40582|archive-date=February 7, 2012}} In March 2007, the Supreme Court of the Philippines created regional trial courts to try cases of killings and desaparecidos.[https://web.archive.org/web/20070708181922/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=75094 newsinfo.inquirer.net, Chief Justice unfazed by Palace meet] (archived from [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=75094 the oritginal] on July 8, 2007)

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Execution found that just on paper trails, cases are filed. Alston officially concluded that “there is a passivity, bordering on an abdication of responsibility, which affects the way in which key institutions and actors approach their responsibilities in relation to such human rights concerns; prosecutors refused to take a role in gathering evidence, and instead being purely passive, waiting for the police to present them with a file; the Ombudsman’s office did almost nothing in recent years in this regard, failing to act in any of the 44 complaints alleging extrajudicial executions attributed to State agents submitted from 2002 to 2006." “Preliminary note on the visit of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Philip Alston, to the Philippines (12–21 February 2007),” A/HRC/4/20/Add.3, March 22, 2007, p. 4., etc.{{cite web|url=http://hrw.org/reports/2007/philippines0607/5.htm#_ftn104|title=Scared Silent: Impunity for Extrajudicial Killings in the Philippines: V. Failures to Investigate and Prosecute|access-date=March 15, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://hrw.org/reports/2007/philippines0707/|title=Lives Destroyed: Attacks on Civilians in the Southern Philippines|access-date=March 15, 2015}}

On March 14, 2007, Eric G. John, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs testified before the USA Senate Subcommittee on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C. John submitted his written statement: a) the increase in extrajudicial killings, b) the “Huk Rebellion” in the 1940s and 50s causing thousands of murdered victims; c) the communist New People's Army (NPA), which was listed in the U.S. State Department list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations campaigned to overthrow the government since 1968; d) Extrajudicial killings by the security forces, the NPA, etc. during the Marcos regime, were less; and e) noted the report of UN Special Rapporteur Alston which submitted the Philippine Government's recognition of the gravity of the problem, expresses concern about the views of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) regarding the problem, but much had to submitted that the reforms made did not and will not resolve the killings.{{cite web|url=http://www.alrc.net/doc/mainfile.php/alrc_statements/453/|title=[ALRC Joint Statement] PHILIPPINES: Extrajudicial killings|access-date=March 15, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.usip.org/congress/testimony/2007/0314_martin.html|title=www.usip.org, Briefings and Congressional Testimony - Testimony of G. Eugene Martin|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080109072529/http://www.usip.org/congress/testimony/2007/0314_martin.html|archive-date=January 9, 2008}}

Mr. Alston's March report stated that "the question of resources or technical expertise will partly resolve the killings but the strong risk is that these measures will treat only some of the symptoms of the crisis, and will fail to address meaningfully two of the most important underlying causes of a great many of the killings." (A/HRC/4/20/Add.3, March 22, 2007) Alston named two root causes of the killings: (1) 'vilification', 'labeling’, or 'guilt by association'{{snd}}"characterization of most groups on the left of the political spectrum as ‘front organizations’ for armed groups whose aim is to destroy democracy" making the groups "considered to be legitimate targets; and (2) the Government’s counter-insurgency strategy's extent of facilitating killings of activists and others.

G. Eugene Martin specifically expanded the 2 causes of the violence and killings: a) weak political and social institutions, corrupt and ineffective judicial system, resulting to failure to obtain justice from corrupt Philippine courts; and b) the legacy of the Ferdinand Marcos regime; Martial law caused the corrupt system where soldiers, police, judges and prosecutors became principals of offenses like extralegal arrest, detention, incarceration, disappearances and killings (salvaging), all permitted or allowed. He traced the spate of violence and killings to political instability of President Arroyo government; while she created the Independent Commission to Address Media and Activist Killings, Melo Commission, she had no capability to end the killings, due to her political lameness because of the 2004 election controversy.[https://web.archive.org/web/20080801144003/https://www.senate.gov/~foreign/hearings/2007/hrg070314p.html www.senate.gov, Extrajudicial Killings In The Philippines: Strategies To End The Violence] (archived from [https://www.senate.gov/~foreign/hearings/2007/hrg070314p.html the original] on August 1, 2008)

In August 2007, three experts from the International Federation for Human Rights (abbreviated FIDH), Mr. Nabeel Rajab (Bahrain), Mr. Mouloud Boumghar (France) and Mr. Frédéric Ceuppens (Belgium), came to the Philippines. Their FIDH mission report stated that torture and ill-treatment was widespread versus suspected "terrorists". The Filipino government is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the UN Convention against Torture (CAT). The FIDH dismissed the Philippines government's claim doubts that mechanisms were placed to stop the killings, as it questioned the efficiency of{{snd}}the corrupt judiciary, the government “Witness Protection Programme” ; also, judges and lawyers were victims themselves of killings. It found the Philippine anti-terrorism law ( “Human Security Act”) resulted in more torture and extrajudicial killings, as a fight against terrorism.{{cite web|url=http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/philippines-mission.pdfwww.fidh.org,|title=Philippines International Fact-Finding Mission|access-date=July 20, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=October 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In March 2008, the US Department of State reported that "arbitrary, unlawful arrests and extrajudicial and political killings continued to be a major problem in the Philippines in 2007.[https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100535.htm Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2007], Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor March 11, 2008. Washington stated that "many of these killings went unsolved and unpunished despite intensified efforts of the government to investigate and prosecute these cases."{{cite web|url=http://rp2.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/12/08/us-political-killings-still-problem-rp|title=www.abs-cbnnews.com, US: Political killings still a problem in RP|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122174237/http://rp2.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/12/08/us-political-killings-still-problem-rp|archive-date=January 22, 2016}}

File:UPDilimanjf3492 11.JPG, UP Diliman).]]

In the Maguindanao massacre in the Philippines on November 23, 2009, 57 people were killed while en route to file an electoral certificate of candidacy for Esmael Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan town, in upcoming gubernatorial elections for Maguindanao province.{{cite news|url=http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20091124-238128/Understanding-the-unbelievable|title=Understanding the unbelievable|last=Jimenez-David|first=Rina|date=November 24, 2009|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=November 24, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091127193253/http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20091124-238128/Understanding-the-unbelievable|archive-date=November 27, 2009}} The dead included Mangudadatu's wife, his two sisters, journalists, lawyers, aides, and motorists who were witnesses. At least 198 suspects were charged with murder, including incumbent governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., and his son, Andal Ampatuan Jr. who was to be a candidate to succeed him.{{citation|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=10405390|title=Philippines drops charges vs 2 massacre suspects|author=Jim Gomez|date=April 18, 2010|work=ABC News|agency=Associated Press}} On November 16, 2010, the international non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch issued a 96-page report titled "They Own the People," charting the Ampatuans’ rise to power, including their use of violence to expand their control and eliminate threats to the family's rule.[https://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2010/11/17/they-own-people “They Own the People”] (November 16, 2010), Human Rights Watch.

{{Main|Philippine Drug War}}

President Rodrigo Duterte won the 2016 Philippine presidential election on promises of killing those engaged in crime and illegal drugs.{{cite news |title=Kill drug dealers and I'll give you a medal, says Philippines president |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/05/kill-drug-dealers-medal-philippines-president-rodrigo-duterte |access-date=28 September 2023 |work=The Guardian |agency=Associated Press |date=5 June 2016}} He reiterated these threats during his term in office.{{cite news |title=Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte urges people to kill drug addicts |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/01/philippines-president-rodrigo-duterte-urges-people-to-kill-drug-addicts |access-date=28 September 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=1 July 2016}}{{cite magazine |last1=Iyengar |first1=Rishi |title=The Killing Time: Inside Rodrigo Duterte's Drug War |url=https://time.com/4462352/rodrigo-duterte-drug-war-drugs-philippines-killing/ |access-date=28 September 2023 |magazine=Time |date=25 August 2016 |language=en}} On July 3, 2016, the Philippine National Police said they had killed 30 alleged drug dealers since Duterte was sworn in as president on June 30.{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/philippine-police-kill-10/2925508.html|title=Philippine police kill 10 in Duterte's war on crime|access-date=July 9, 2016|archive-date=November 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116221527/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/philippine-police-kill-10/2925508.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-duterte-drugs-idUSKCN0ZK0UG|title=Thirty killed in four days in Philippine war on drugs|date=July 4, 2016|access-date=July 9, 2016|newspaper=Reuters}} They later stated they had killed 103 suspects between May 10 and July 7.{{cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/139146-palace-critics-war-drugs-proof-violations|title=Palace to critics of war vs drugs: Show proof of violations|work=Rappler|access-date=July 9, 2016}}

On August 26, 2016, the official death total reached 2,000.{{cite news|first=Manuel|last=Mogato|title=2000 Killed in Philippines' War on Drugs |url=http://thewire.in/63034/2000-killed-in-philippines-war-on-drugs/ |access-date=August 31, 2016}} Official records from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency give the number of deaths from July 2016 to May 2022 from the anti-drug campaign as over 6,200.{{Cite news |last=Manahan |first=Job |date=May 31, 2022 |title=War on drugs: Over 6,200 killed during operations, says PDEA |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/05/31/22/pdea-drug-war-also-focused-on-rehab-over-6200-killed-during-ops |access-date=April 22, 2025 |work=ABS-CBN News}} Human rights groups have put the number of killings at 30,000, including vigilante-style killings.{{Cite web |last=Tomacruz |first=Sofia |date=December 31, 2018 |title=Duterte gov't tally: 'Drug war' deaths breach 5,000-mark before 2019 |url=http://www.rappler.com//nation/220013-duterte-government-tally-killed-war-on-drugs-november-2018 |access-date=January 2, 2019 |website=Rappler |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Leon |first=Marguerite de |date=2024-01-08 |title=[The Slingshot] How many were really EJK’d under Duterte? |url=https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/opinion-slingshot-how-many-extrajudicial-killings-under-duterte/ |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=Rappler |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2025-01-15 |title=Without Dismantling the Death Squads, Communities Continue to Be Vulnerable and Right to Life in Serious Danger |url=https://www.amnesty.org.ph/2025/01/without-dismantling-the-death-squads-communities-continue-to-be-vulnerable-and-right-to-life-in-serious-danger/ |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=Amnesty Philippines |language=en-US}}

File:Protest_mobilization_against_Oplan_Tokhang_(Philippine_Drug_War)_remembering_the_victims.jpg

On February 27, 2007, U.S. ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney called on President Arroyo to end these extrajudicial killings: "Let's beef up the human rights in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and make every effort to investigate, prosecute those responsible, [and] exonerate the innocent."{{cite web|url=http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/article.aspx?id=583|title=Philippines Reeling From Revelations of Extrajudicial Killings|author=Fabio Scarpello|access-date=March 15, 2015}} In August 2007, the International Day of the Disappeared, Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) ranked the Philippines among the top eight countries in Asia where forced disappearances of activists are not just rampant but are done with impunity. Sri Lanka headed the list. The activists took part in the Human Rights School Session of the AHRC for 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/58323/RP-has-high-number-of-disappeared---HK-group|title=RP has high number of 'disappeared' - HK group|work=GMA News Online|date=August 30, 2007 |access-date=March 15, 2015}}

In September 2007, Marie Hilao-Enriquez, Karapatan secretary-general, formally petitioned the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to direct the Philippine government to stop the extrajudicial killings. She filed the report on 60 cases of killings recorded by Karapatan from January to June 2007 alone, with 17 cases of disappearances, 12 of torture, and 113 of illegal arrests.[https://2001-2009.state.gov/p/eap/rls/rm/2007/81754.htm www.state.gov Extrajudicial Killings in the Philippines: Strategies to End the Violence] (archived from [https://2001-2009.state.gov/p/eap/rls/rm/2007/81754.htm the original] on March 12, 2008){{cite web|url=http://desaparecidos.org/notas/2007/09/phl-groups-ask-unhrc-to-act-on.html|title=Phl - Groups ask UNHRC to act on political killings in RP - Proyecto Desaparecidos: Notas|access-date=March 15, 2015}}

On October 3, 2007, in Tarlac City, 69-year-old Bishop Alberto Ramento of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, or Philippine Independent Church, and a vocal critic of killings under the Arroyo government, was stabbed 7 times and killed.{{cite web|url=http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2006statements/757/|title=PHILIPPINES: Bishop is latest victim of extrajudicial killing—Asian Human Rights Commission|website=Asian Human Rights Commission|access-date=July 20, 2017}} The December 11, 2006, Philippines National Police's Task Force Usig reported 115 cases of “slain party list /militant members” and 26 cases of “mediamen” since 2001. The Philippine Daily Inquirer published 299 killings from October 2001 and April 2007 (See e.g. Alcuin Papa, “3 US solons to PNP: Respect human rights,” Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 18, 2007).{{cite web|url=http://hrw.org/reports/2007/philippines0607/philippines0607_files/image001.jpg|title= hrw.org/reports/2007, Suspected Political Killings as Reported in the Philippines Daily Inquirer during 2006|access-date=July 20, 2017}}

The December 2007 year-end report of Karapatan (Alliance for the Advancement of People's Rights) noted only 68 extrajudicial killings compared to 209 victims in 2006. Karapatan also reported 16,307 human rights violations just for 2007 (which included killings and forcible displacement of communities). Therefore, aside from the 887 killings since 2001 under Mrs. Arroyo, Karapatan, just for 2007, recorded 35 victims of political killings; 26 of enforced or involuntary disappearance; 8 of abduction; 29 of torture; 129 of illegal arrest; 116 of illegal detention; 330 of threat, harassment and intimidation; 7,542 of forcible evacuation or displacement, 3,600 of “hamletting”, interalia. As only solution, it petitioned for the resignation of Mrs. Arroyo.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20071203-104528/Intl_pressure_leads_to_decline_in_killings--Karapatan|title=Int'l pressure leads to decline in killings--Karapatan - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos|access-date=March 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731201023/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20071203-104528/Intl_pressure_leads_to_decline_in_killings--Karapatan|archive-date=July 31, 2013}} with 356 left-wing activists murdered.

The Philippines armed forces battled the Communists since 1969, with about 40,000 victims killed, and it had to ward off killings by Muslim radicals.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6381291.stm|title=BBC NEWS - Asia-Pacific - Philippines army is 'in denial'|date=February 21, 2007|access-date=March 15, 2015}} However, Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor, head of Task Force on Political Violence contradicted Karapatan's submission only on the number of killings. PNP's Task Force Usig, according to Blancaflor noted only 141 cases, of which, only 114 are party-list members or leftist activists.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=105208|title=newsinfo.inquirer.net, Blancaflor slams Karapatan for 'exaggerated' killings data|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605031302/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=105208|archive-date=June 5, 2009}}

On December 13, 2007, Philippine Human Rights Commissioner Dominador Calamba II, at the Philippine Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism forum denounced the failure of the government in its treaty reporting to the United Nations, due to "13 reports overdue", reports due on implementation of international covenants signed by the Philippines to solve discrimination, forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Calamba reported 383 killings filed with the CHR, of which 145 were extrajudicial or political in form.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20071213-106553/13_human_rights_reports_overdue_says_CHR_exec|title=newsinfo.inquirer.net, COMMISSIONER Dominador Calamba III of the Commission on Human Rights said the current human rights situation in the Philippines was "appalling."|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731180020/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20071213-106553/13_human_rights_reports_overdue_says_CHR_exec|archive-date=July 31, 2013}}

On January 1, 2008, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) paid tribute to 171 journalists killed in 2007. Citing data published by International Federation of Journalists: Iraq was number one, with 65 deaths; in the Philippines, 6 journalists killed in 2007 were Hernani Pastolero (Sultan Kudarat), Carmelito Palacios (Nueva Ecija), Dodie Nunez (Cavite), Geruncio "Oscar" Mondejar (Mandaue), Vicente Sumalpong (Tawi-Tawi) and Fernando "Batman" Lintuan (Davao City); 54 journalists were murdered under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In 2006, INSI stated that the Philippines was the 2nd most dangerous country for journalists, next to Iraq, listing 15 work-related journalists murdered.[https://archive.today/20070709212017/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=104059 Abs-Cbn Interactive, NUJ pays tribute to 171 journalists killed in 2007]

On January 4, 2008, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Asia-Pacific director Jacqueline Park denounced the murders of broadcasters Fernando Lintuan in Davao City and former journalist Romelito Oval Jr. It petitioned the Philippine government to fully investigate 2007 journalists' killings: "5 journalists as well as Oval were killed in the Philippines in 2007, which is shocking and reveals the extreme dangers that journalists face every day in trying to carry out their work. There will be no press freedom in the Philippines until this (situation) changes."{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/75219/Intl-group-calls-for-deeper-probe-into-journalist-killings|title=Int'l group calls for deeper probe into journalist killings|work=GMA News Online|date=January 4, 2008 |access-date=March 15, 2015}}

On January 4, 2008, Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran filed House Resolution 299 with the House of Representatives of the Philippines to investigate the murders and harassment of trade union/labor leaders in the Philippines. He cited the 2007 annual Survey of Trade Union Rights Violations of the International Trade Union Confederation: "33 of the total 144 cases of trade union killings worldwide happened in the Philippines; and 800 cases of beatings and torture of trade unionists in the country."{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080106-110621/Probe_killing_of_labor_leaders--Beltran |title=Probe killing of labor leaders--Beltran - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos |access-date=March 15, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731192421/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080106-110621/Probe_killing_of_labor_leaders--Beltran |archive-date=July 31, 2013 }}[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/75412/33-of-144-labor-leaders-killed-around-world-in-07-from-RP 33 of 144 labor leaders killed around world in '07 from RP] (January 6, 2008), [http://www.gmanews.tv gmanews.tv]. On January 9, 2008, PNP Task Force Usig announced that 3 policemen, 11 soldiers and 3 militiamen had been arrested or named suspects in killings of journalists and militants since 2001. Director Jefferson P. Soriano submitted the report with the 17 names to PNP chief Avelino Razon. As of December 10, Task Force Usig had prosecuted 113 killings cases of party-list members, leftist activists, and 27 journalists.[https://web.archive.org/web/20081005203734/http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan10/news3.htm www.malaya.com.ph, 17 gov’t men held, probed on killings] (archived from [http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan10/news3.htm the original] on October 5, 2008)

Despite different appeals by local and international groups, the spate of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines continued. On January 15, 2008, Chief Justice Reynato Puno condemned the murder of Calbayog, Samar, Judge Roberto Navidad, the 14th judge to be ambushed under the Arroyo government. While starting his vehicle, Natividad was shot in the left eye on January 14, 2008, by a lone gunman using a 45 caliber pistol.[http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=105629 Abs-Cbn Interactive, Supreme Court condemns ambush of Samar judge]{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

On January 15, 2008, Catholic missionary Rey Roda, Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), 54, was shot dead when he resisted an abduction attempt by 10 unidentified armed men in a chapel in Likud Tabawan village, South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi, South Ubian. In February 1997, another OMI leader, Bishop Benjamin de Jesus was shot dead in front of the Jolo cathedral.[https://web.archive.org/web/20110708085508/http://www.bosnewslife.com/3381-3381-breaking-news-philippines-priest-killed-in www.bosnewslife, BREAKING NEWS: Philippines Priest Killed In Kidnap Attempt, Killing Comes After Assassination Of Judge] (archived from [http://www.bosnewslife.com/news/3381-breaking-news-philippines-priest-killed-in the original] on 2011-07-08) In 2006, the Asian Human Rights Commission stated that there had been 26 priests, pastors, and church workers who were executed or were victims of violence under the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration since 2001.{{cite web|url=http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7009728838|title=www.allheadlinenews.com, Spate Of Killings Continue In Philippines, Judge, Priest Killed|access-date=20 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613015659/http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7009728838|archive-date=13 June 2008}} This includes 3 priests who were reported killed just in 2007: Basilio Bautista of the Iglesia Filipina Reform Group, in Surigao del Sur, Indonesian priest Fransiskus Madhu, in Kalinga province, and Catholic priest Florante Rigonan, in Ilocos Norte.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/76673/Priest-judge-slain-as-spate-of-RP-killings-remains-unsolved,|title=Priest, judge slain, as spate of RP killings remains unsolved|work=GMA News Online|access-date=15 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522035044/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/76673/Priest-judge-slain-as-spate-of-RP-killings-remains-unsolved,|archive-date=22 May 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

On January 19, 2008, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (quoting from a letter of Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone), announced that Pope Benedict XVI "praised the courage of, and was saddened over the brutal and tragic killing of Fr. Reynaldo Roda in his ministry as head of Notre Dame School." The Pope wrote Jolo Bishop Angelito Lampon: "calls upon the perpetrators to renounce the ways of violence and to play their part in building a just and peaceful society, where all can live together in harmony."{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2008-01-19-philippines-slain-priest_N.htm|title=Pope praises courage of slain Philippine priest - USATODAY.com|website=USA Today |access-date=March 15, 2015}}

On January 16, 2008, international democracy watchdog Freedom House downgraded the "freedom status" of the Philippines to partially free due to the spate of political killings, "specifically targeting left-wing political activists in the country, freedom in the sloped downward."[https://archive.today/20070709212017/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=105821 Abs-Cbn Interactive, Int'l democracy watchdog: RP only 'partly free'] On January 18, 2008, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), led by its chair Rafael Mariano (president of the Anakpawis), condemned the January 12 kidnapping and January 16 extrajudicial killing and torture of their farmer and local leader Teldo Rebamonte, 45, Masbate People's Organization (who was supposed to join the commemoration of the Mendiola Massacre) in Barangay Nabasagan, Concepcion in Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate.[https://archive.today/20070709212017/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=106086 Abs-Cbn Interactive, KMP: Farmer tortured, killed in Burias Islands]

On January 23, Karapatan announced that the two latest victims of extrajudicial killings were: Tildo Rebamonte, 45, a Claveria, Masbate, carpenter, who was gunned down on January 16, four days after he was allegedly kidnapped by the Philippine National Police's Regional Mobile Group; and ex-political prisoner Ronald Sendrijas, 35, who was shot dead in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, on January 17.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/77547/Carpenter-ex-detainee-latest-victims-of-killings--Karapatan|title=Carpenter, ex-detainee latest victims of killings – Karapatan|work=GMA News Online|date=January 22, 2008 |access-date=March 15, 2015}} On January 23, 2008, Pastor Felicisimo Catambis, 60, of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines in Catugan, Barangay Balucawe, Leyte, was shot dead by an unknown assailant.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20080125-114761/Protestant-pastor-shot-dead-in-Leyte|title=Inquirer.net, Protestant pastor shot dead in Leyte|access-date=March 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522083416/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20080125-114761/Protestant-pastor-shot-dead-in-Leyte|archive-date=May 22, 2011}}

In March 2008, Filipino lawyer Edre Olalia, lead officer of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers and the Counsels for the Defense of Liberties, brought the Philippine case and appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), in its 7th Geneva session "to stop the extrajudicial killings and abductions in the Philippines". Philippines killings will be examined in the first UNHRC session, periodic review from April 7 to 18, along with those in 15 others of 192 member-countries.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080315-124920/RP-lawyer-takes-extra-judicial-killings-to-UN|title=RP lawyer takes extra-judicial killings to UN - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos|access-date=March 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731201801/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080315-124920/RP-lawyer-takes-extra-judicial-killings-to-UN|archive-date=July 31, 2013}}

In the March 2008 US Department of State, 2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, the US found that extrajudicial and political killings, including those of journalists, by members of the military, police, Communist rebels and other terrorist groups / perpetrators continue to be a major problem in the Philippines. The report added that "despite intensified efforts by the Philippine government to investigate and prosecute these cases, many went unsolved and unpunished."{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080429-133496/Killings-still-major-problem-in-Philippines--US-report|title=Killings still major problem in Philippines--US report - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos|access-date=March 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731192755/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080429-133496/Killings-still-major-problem-in-Philippines--US-report|archive-date=July 31, 2013}}

In 2008, the delegates to the 6th Congress of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) led by chairperson Jose Torres Jr. renewed calls to end unabated media killings. The NUJP reported that the number of journalists murdered swelled from 60 in 2001 to 96 in 2008. The most recent victims were gunned down local radio broadcasters of Radio Mindanao Network, Dennis Cuesta from General Santos, and Martin Roxas of Roxas City, Capiz.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/116263/96th-victim-of-media-killings-laid-to-rest-as-journalists-call-for-justice|title=96th victim of media killings laid to rest as journalists call for justice|work=GMA News Online|date=August 26, 2008 |access-date=March 15, 2015}} The NUJP declared August 20, a "National Day of Mourning" as journalists wore black in protest, as they paid tribute to slain media practitioners at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/114673/NUJP-Aug-20-is-Day-of-Mourning-wear-black|title=NUJP: Aug 20 is 'Day of Mourning,' wear black|work=GMA News Online|date=August 19, 2008 |access-date=March 15, 2015}}

In 2013, Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a statement at Canada's House of Commons, commended "the laudable role of the Supreme Court in the preservation of human rights and in the pursuit of justice." Canadian Ambassador Robert Desjanis sent the document to Chief Justice Reynato Puno "to underline the value that the government of Canada attaches to your efforts in this regard as well as to our continued collaboration in the Justice Reform Initiatives Support Project."{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080423-132199/Canada-lauds-SC-for-efforts-vs-killings-disappearances|title=Canada lauds SC for efforts vs killings, disappearances - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos|access-date=March 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731194047/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080423-132199/Canada-lauds-SC-for-efforts-vs-killings-disappearances|archive-date=July 31, 2013}}

In 2018, Major General Jovito Palparan was convicted for the kidnapping and disappearance of Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño.{{Cite web|last=Buan|first=Lian|date=September 17, 2018|title=Jovito Palparan found guilty|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/bulacan-court-judgment-kidnapping-illegal-detention-cases-vs-jovito-palparan-september-17-2018|access-date=July 7, 2021|website=Rappler|language=en}}

In April 2023, Indigenous rights activists Dexter Capuyan and Gene Roz Jamil "Bazoo" de Jesus were abducted by unidentified men in Rizal province and have not yet been found. In September 2023, environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano were held for two weeks by the Philippine military in Bataan province. The military allegedly abducted and coerced Castro and Tamano into posing as members of the New People's Army.{{Cite web |last=Conde |first=Carlos |date=2023-10-11 |title=Enforced Disappearances Still a Scourge in Philippines |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/11/enforced-disappearances-still-scourge-philippines |access-date=2024-04-06 |website=Human Rights Watch |language=en}} According to Karapatan, at least 16 activists were abducted from June 2022 to November 2023 under the presidency of Bongbong Marcos{{Cite web |last=Aspinwall |first=Nick |date=2023-11-09 |title=Activists Keep Disappearing in Marcos's Philippines |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/11/09/philippines-marcos-disappeared-activists-duterte-tamano-castro/ |access-date=2024-04-06 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}

In June 2019, Watch List (Maria), a feature film thriller directed by Ben Rekhi about a single mother and recovering drug addict who makes a devil's bargain with a police death squad in Manila, premiered and was nominated for a jury prize at the Seattle International Film Festival.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/01/ben-rekhi-maria-thriller-movie-drug-wars-extra-judicial-killings-philippines-alessandra-de-rossi-1202243252/|title='Maria': Ben Rekhi Wraps Timely Manila Drug-War Thriller With Alessandra De Rossi|last1=Tartaglione|first1=Nancy|date=January 15, 2018|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=September 12, 2019}}; {{Cite web|url=http://vanguardseattle.com/2019/05/21/siff-2019-three-filmmakers-give-their-recommendations-for-the-festival/|title=SIFF 2019: Three Filmmakers Give Their Recommendations for the Festival|date=May 21, 2019|website=Vanguard Seattle|language=en-US|access-date=September 12, 2019}}; {{Cite web|url=https://www.siff.net/media/press/press-releases/pr-siff-2019-award-winners|title=SIFF 2019 Award Winners|website=www.siff.net|language=en|access-date=September 12, 2019}}; {{Citation|title=Watch List|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt8512120/|access-date=September 12, 2019}}; {{Cite web|url=https://www.twoohsix.com/2019/06/watch-list-maria-siff-2019-movie-review.html|title=Watch List (Maria) - SIFF 2019 Movie Review|last=Morin|first=Marc|access-date=September 12, 2019}}; {{Cite web|url=https://www.festival-deauville.com/pid9/film-2426/watch-list|title=Watch list - Compétition - Festival du Cinéma Américain de Deauville|website=www.festival-deauville.com|access-date=September 12, 2019}}

• Davao Death Squad
• Marlene Garcia-Esperat, investigative journalist
• Deaths of Kian delos Santos, Carl Arnaiz and Reynaldo de Guzman
• Red-tagging in the Philippines
• Negros Island killings

{{Reflist}}

• {{commons category-inline}}
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• [http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32024/-Case-Unclosed--Desaparecidos Case Unclosed: Desaparecidos]

• [http://www.icaed.org icaed.org, International campaign for UN Convention to protect all persons from enforced disappearance]
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• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080611034558/http://www.newseum.org/berlinwall/commissar_vanishes/vanishes.htm "The Commissar Vanishes"]{{snd}}Nikolai Yezhov airbrushed out of a picture with Joseph Stalin;
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20071013110000/http://ic-mp.org/home.php www.ic-mp.org, The International Commission on Missing Persons]}}
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• Amnesty International
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• [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/76673/Priest-judge-slain-as-spate-of-RP-killings-remains-unsolved www.gmanews.tv, Priest, judge slain, as spate of RP killings remains unsolved]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090630014226/http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/16/yehey/top_stories/20080116top4.html www.manilatimes.net, Puno condemns killing of judge in Calbayog] (archived from [http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/16/yehey/top_stories/20080116top4.html the original] on 2009-06-30)
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• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060506190632/http://www.extrajudicialexecutions.org/ extrajudicialexecutions.org/ extrajudicialexecutions.org, Philippines: Editorial on the Davao Death Squad and Killing of Journalists]}}
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080507174217/http://www.extrajudicialexecutions.org/about/people.html#alston Philip Alston, UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions]}}
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20071228225040/http://www.extrajudicialexecutions.org/about/mandate.html extrajudicialexecutions.org, About the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions]}}
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• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160122174237/http://rp3.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/05/03/08/journalists-condemn-unsolved-media-killings Journalists condemn unsolved media killings, May 3, 2008]
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{{Asia in topic|Extrajudicial killings in|title=Extrajudicial killing in Asia}}

{{Asia in topic|forced disappearances in|title=Forced disappearances in Asia}}

{{World topic|prefix=Extrajudicial killings in|title= Extrajudicial killing by country |noredlinks=yes}}

Category:Politics of the Philippines by issue

Category:Philippine criminal law

Category:Human rights abuses in the Philippines

Category:Democratic backsliding in the Philippines