- Category: Statements
Forty-six years ago on September 21, 1972, the late President Ferdinand Marcos signed Proclamation 1081, which formally announced the beginning of martial rule in the Philippines. This onerous proclamation marked the beginning of his 14-year dictatorial rule and led to what is now known as the darkest age in our country’s history. By peddling the rhetoric of reform and development, Marcos was able to amass colossal power and influence over all aspects of government. He legitimized martial rule in order to stay in power, yet used the veil of a ‘democratic revolution’ to mask the very real horrors of Martial Law.
- Category: Statements
September 17, 2018 (MANILA, PHILIPPINES) – Today, the Malolos Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15 has found retired Major General Jovito Palparan guilty on charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention of University of the Philippines (UP) alumnae Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño. Judge Alexander Tamayo has meted a sentence of reclusion perpetua to Palparan and his two (2) co-accused, Lieutenant Colonel Felipe Anotado and S/Sgt Edgardo Osorio, and has ordered each to pay P100,000 in civil indemnity and P200,000 for moral damages.
- Category: Statements
Today, the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) fondly remembers its former Chairperson, Munir Said Thalib, who was killed on this day, fourteen years back in 2004. Munir was one of the most prominent human rights defenders in Indonesia, who served as the Chairperson of AFAD from August 2003 till is death.
- Category: Statements
Today, on the occasion of International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) remembers the victims of enforced disappearances and salutes the indomitable spirit of those fighting for truth and justice all across the globe.
- Category: Statements
30th July, 2018
Manila: This day marks the completion of 13 years since the enforced disappearance of Masood Janjua, a businessman from Pakistan. Masood disappeared on 30th July, 2005 along with his friend Faisal Faraz, a 25 year old engineer from Lahore, while they were travelling in a bus to Peshawar. On this day, the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) remembers him and seeks justice for him and his family.
- Category: Statements
20th July, 2018
Manila: AFAD strongly condemns the slandering statements made against Sombath Somphone and his family during a United Nations Review of the deteriorating human rights conditions in Laos.
Sombath Somphone was a community development worker from Laos who was disappeared on 15th of December 2012. Since then, the family of Sombath has been running a campaign called ‘Return Sombath Campaign’ to know the truth about what happened to him and seek justice from the Lao government.
- Category: Statements
11 July 2010 - Today, AFAD remembers Redemptorist priest and social justice activist Fr. Rudy Romano with profound honor and respect on his 33rd year of enforced disappearance. Devoted to the poor and marginalized, Fr. Romano staunchly condemned the barefaced culture of impunity and violence during Ferdinand Marcos’ tyrannical regime. He wholeheartedly served the poor by dedicating his life toward the attainment of justice and peace, and sharing meaningful teachings centered on ‘conscience toward genuine freedom. On July 11, 1985, witnesses said that Fr. Romano was taken by military intelligence agents in Labangon, Cebu City, which was the last time he was publicly seen.
- Category: Statements
Today, on the 26th of June 2018, the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) commemorated the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. AFAD stands in solidarity with the victims of torture across the globe and condemns this inhuman treatment of individuals.