MANILA – The Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC) and Unity of Child Rights Advocates Against Inhumane Treatment and Neglect of Children (UNCHAIN Children) held a “unity gathering” as the nation celebrates its 120th Independence Day. Both organizations, however, said the country’s independence is not genuine amid continuing rights abuses. “Alam naman natin ‘yung nangyayari sa ating lipunan. Ito ‘yung sunod-sunod at mas tumitindi at tumataas na paglabag sa karapatang pantao sa mamamayan at lalong lalo na sa bata,” said Jasmine Mae Berioga, CRC’s treatment and rehabilitation program coordinator. “Hindi ligtas ‘yung mga bata natin sa paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mamamayan…sila rin mismo ay target ng administrasyong ito.” WATCH: Children of the Drug War Speak Out Some 44 minors, Berioga said, were killed in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs. The Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center (CLRDC)said has recorded 74 killings of minors in police anti-drug operations since President Rodrigo Duterte took office up to December 2017. During the gathering, blown up photographs of children allegedly killed in the drug war were shown. Among them was Kian delos Santos who died at the hands of the Caloocan City police during a supposed anti-drug operation. WATCH: Family marks Kian’s 18th birthday Also included are children labeled by government forces as child soldiers. Meanwhile, Salinlahi secretary general Eule Rico Bonganay said that some Lumad in Mindanao have relocated to Metro Manila to escape the alleged harassment committed by state forces. Bonganay, also lead convenor of Save Our Schools Network, said Obello Bay-ao… [Read full story]
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