ATOM calls for stop to unwarranted killings

MANILA, Philippines — The protest movement that was formed following the assassination of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. called for an end yesterday to what it described as extrajudicial killings (EJKs).

As the country marked Aquino’s 36th death anniversary, the August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) said the rising number of killings could be a sign of creeping authoritarianism.

“Ninoy’s martyrdom eventually led to the end of martial law and to the redemption of our lost freedom. But today we feel there is need to warn our people of the creeping despotism that threatens to drag us back to the dark days of authoritarian rule,” the ATOM said in a statement.

ATOM said that while it supports the battle against the drug menace, there was a need for authorities to conduct the anti-drug campaign in a manner that respects human rights.

The group cited a statement from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency which stated that some 5,526 alleged drug personalities had been killed between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2019.

Police, however, last June put the number of drug deaths at 6,600 as of May 31, 2019. The police also said some 23,000 homicide cases are under investigation.

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairman Chito Gaston’s estimates were at 27,000 EJK victims.

“August Twenty One Movement are compelled to ask if this lethargic and impassive non-response to these EJKs does not, in fact, constitute a betrayal of the martyrdom of Ninoy and countless others,” the group said.

Aleta Tolentino of the People Power Volunteers for Reform said Filipinos need to continue to fight for justice, truth and freeedom, like Ninoy did 36 years ago.

“Let us not be afraid, let us continue to fight for our country, for our territories, for our oceans, for our institutions that are being destroyed by the current administration,” Tolentino said.

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who attended the rites with the Aquino family at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque, also underscored the need to commemorate Ninoy’s sacrifices for the country.

“He offered his life so we can have freedom and democracy. This time, we really need it,” Trillanes, one of the Duterte administration’s critics, said.

Trillanes added that the administration’s desire to revive the anti-subversion law is a “dictator’s move.”

“A lot of our countrymen will, once again, be victims of oppression and brutalities from our security forces,” he said.

Aquino, a critic of Marcos, was assassinated on Aug. 21, 1983, shortly after his plane landed at the then Manila International Airport.

His death led to a series of events that culminated in the historic 1986 People Power Revolution that ousted Marcos, catapulted Aquino’s wife Corazon into the presidency and restored democratic institutions.

‘Sick’ Noy skips dad’s day

Feeling under the weather, former president Benigno Aquino III was not able to attend the rites for his father’s 36th death anniversary yesterday in Manila Memorial Park.

Without going into details, Aquino’s sister, actress Kris Aquino, bared that her brother was “not okay” and that the heavy criticisms he received recently took a toll on his health.

“He would never tell you that he is not okay, because all of those criticisms slung unto him, all the lies, he took it quietly,” Kris said.

The actress further said Noynoy “does not deserve to be crucified” for doing good work during his presidency and that those who are peddling lies about Noynoy need to stop.

“Give the guy a break. He did you no harm,” she said.

Gov’t workers should emulate Ninoy in commemoration of Ninoy Aquino Day yesterday, President Duterte expressed hope that the life of the late senator would inspire government workers to serve with honor and to help fight the problems that beset the nation.Duterte said Aquino’s death “altered the course of our nation’s history and still continues to ignite the spirit of heroism among our people.”

“I also hope that Ninoy’s remarkable life as a public servant will move my fellow government workers to serve with honor, integrity and purpose as well as inspire our youth to be of service to their country and fellowmen,” he added.

Duterte, a vocal admirer of the late dictator and Aquino’s political rival Ferdinand Marcos, said the late senator played an important role in restoring Philippine democracy more than three decades ago.

He admitted that more work has to be done to solve the ills that were already present during Aquino’s time.?Critics have accused Duterte of downplaying the importance of the People Power uprising because his presidential bid was supported by the Marcoses.

The President has also been accused of trying to revise history and deodorizing the image of Marcos, whose reign was tainted with allegations of cronyism and human rights violations.

Despite protests from human rights advocates, Duterte had allowed a hero’s burial for Marcos and had praised the late dictator in some of his speeches.

His perceived alliance with the Marcoses, meanwhile, did not stop Duterte from approving the sale of Marcos jewelry worth more than P700 million and has ordered agencies to ensure that the proceeds of the sale would benefit Filipinos.

Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, said commemorating Aquino’s assassination should come with remembering those who sacrificed their lives to fight the Marcos dictatorship. – With Alexis Romero, Helen Flores