Red-tagging and the continued detention of community journalist and broadcaster Frenchie Mae Cumpio were two of the factors in the drop, global press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (Rapporteurs Sans Frontieres, RSF) in its latest report said.
“I was nearly in tears and trembling as I lifted my t-shirt and bra, and also removed my pants and panties. I was made to squat three times and then bend over while opening my private parts to check for any hidden illegal items,” recounted Gloria.
House Assistant Minority leader and GWP Rep. Arlene Brosas in her speech said: “We demand transparency regarding the utilization of taxpayers’ money, particularly in funding activities like Balikatan exercises which remain shrouded in secrecy.”
National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) president Atty. Rey Cortez said it is hard to believe that the government troopers can see 20 people in a bushy area in a firefight, can identify faces, and can know their names and addresses.
“Philippine journalism has long been in a vulnerable state and remains to be overlooked despite its role in preserving the core of our democracy,” Palpal-latoc said.
“One of the deceased is scheduled for repatriation (on Thursday) while the other two are expected to be repatriated on Friday,” the Assistance to the Nationals (ATN) section of the Philippine Consulate General said.
Progressive organizations staged an indignation rally in front of the Manila Police District (MPD) Headquarters to demand the release of six arrested activists during the Labor Day mobilizations in Manila on May 1.
The country’s major public sector union federations met at the Senate building in Pasay City today, two days before International Labor Day, and formed a broad alliance to demand wage hikes “amid worsening economic plight due to high inflation rates.”
Abduction survivor Eco Dangla said their abductors told them there was a cobra beside them ready to bite them. He also heard a back hoe in the background the kidnappers said they will use to bury them if they do not admit to their allegations.
“Through art, the legacy of Bai Bibyaon is remembered, and the struggle for ancestral lands and self-determination is continued,” said Lala Empong, chairperson of Sabokahan, an organization of Lumad women.
