From martial law to Noynoy Aquino: Extrajudicial killings continue

Hustisiya to Noynoy: Stop the killings, arrest ex-Gov. Joel Reyes, expedite justice for Dr. Gerry Ortega

By HUSTISYA
September 10, 2012

Hustisya joins the family of slain Palawan broadcaster Dr. Gerry Ortega in urging the Court of Appeals (CA) to uphold the murder charges against former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes and his brother Coron Palawan Mayor Mario Reyes.

The case of Dr. Gerry Ortega is one of the very few cases of extrajudicial killings that have reached the stage of prosecution and trial, with more than enough evidence to pin down the accused masterminds. Yet, six months after the arrest warrant was issued against the Reyes brothers, they remain fugitives and, may have even left the country according to news reports.

We believe that the Reyes brothers will do everything to elude arrest and trial, in the same way retired general Jovito Palparan has been ignoring his own trial.

The killing of Ortega and the government’s attitude towards the Reyes brothers is a showcase of impunity in the country; that high-profile government and military officials remain scot-free despite is cases filed against them is the height of such impunity.

Although it has been 40th year since martial law was imposed, it is not difficult for us to remember the victims of “salvaging” in those days, and relate with their families’ sufferings. We are connected by the same circumstances.

Today, there may be no declaration of martial law but victims of human rights violations continue to increase in number, families crying for justice multiply as the Aquino government implements Oplan Bayanihan. Military officers and government officials who masterminded killings and enforced disappearances earn medals and promotions. In two years, there have been more than 100 victims of extrajudicial killings under Aquino, including Dr. Ortega. The families of the victims are the last to believe that there has been change ever since the dictator was ousted by the people. From martial law to Pres. Noynoy Aquino, impunity remains.

Many lives were changed during the tumultuous times of the dictatorship. Change happened to the Aquino family because of martial law – Cory became president and her son, too. But that’s about it. Human rights violations are still committed; the destruction of our environment has become so evident that people like Dr. Ortega opposed and caused their lives.