International lawyers group hits dispersal of protesting farmers

Policemen hold their line amid a hail of rocks and other objects thrown at them by protesters during the dispersal in Kidapawan City on April 1. INQUIRER FILE

The violent dispersal of thousands of protesting farmers in Kidapawan City last April 1 violated international treaties on human rights protection, an international association of lawyers from over 20 countries said in a statement.

In their statement, the International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL), a non-governmental organization with consultative status in the United Nations, also scored President Benigno Aquino III’s silence on the incident as a sign of “tacitly” supporting the police action.

READ: Ex-CBCP head likens Kidapawan violence to Mendiola massacre | Groups hit Aquino’s ‘deafening silence’ on bloody Kidapawan clash

Prior to the dispersal last April 1, over 6,000 farmers and indigenous lumads from different parts of Mindanao blocked the highway in Kidapawan to protest the government’s lack of assistance amid a drought.

For three months, farmers have asked for food support.

During the dispersal, members of the Philippine National Police opened fire on the farmers, killing three. More than 100 were hurt and 78 were arrested and detained. Over 3,000 participants were forced to seek refuge at the nearby Methodist Church. Food assistance was sent by private individuals, including celebrities, but were blocked by authorities.

“The actions of the Filipino police violate the rights to life and to be free from arbitrary detention enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and the right to food guaranteed by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,” the IADL said through its president Jeanne Mirrer.

IADL also reminded Philippine authorities that the 1990 United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials provides that law enforcement officials may only use arms under stringent conditions and only when strictly necessary. Under the 1985 Philippine Public Assembly Act, the carrying, use and discharge of firearms by members of any law enforcement agency in a public assembly is prohibited.

“The attack against unarmed civilians also violates the 1998 Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Law (CARHRIHL), to which the Philippine government is a party.”

“These illegal police actions are tacitly supported by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, as exemplified by his silence on the matter,” IADL added.

IADL called on the Philippine government to indicate immediately its unequivocal support for the Human Rights Council Resolution; to release immediately those being arbitrarily detained; and to bring all those responsible to justice.

At the same time, IADL recognized the work of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), its Philippine affiliate in working with the farmers and Lumad to obtain justice and accountability for the violence against them and their communities.

“IADL expresses its strong support for the movement of progressive lawyers and advocates in the Philippines working for justice and accountability at the highest levels for those responsible for the killing of farmers in Kidapawan,” the group said.

IADL also expressed support for the international day of action on April 8 to call for justice for the victims of the Kidapawan incident. It encouraged all of its members to join activities and protests in their countries in support of justice for the victims.

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