Group calls on Malacañang: Take action on EJK findings

CEBU, Philippines — A cause-oriented Cebu-based group is demanding accountability and action from the previous and current administrations on the recent findings involving the illegal drug trade in the country.

In a statement, AMA Sugbo-KMU highlighted the urgent need for accountability from both the Duterte and Marcos administrations for the victims of extrajudicial killings, which are currently being investigated through a hearing of the Quad Committee in the House of Representatives.

In connection to this, the AMA Sugbo-KMU continues to express solidarity and support for the families of EJK victims who recently testified in the session.

The group also stands alongside families, such as those of Baby Rosales and Raquel Lopez, who shared their harrowing experiences of losing their loved ones via Oplan Tokhang.

AMA Sugbo-KMU noted the presence of new witnesses including PLTCol. Santie Mendoza and Nelson Mariano, who claimed that former CIDG officer Royina Garma and NAPOLCOM Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo were involved in the killing of Police General Wesley Barayuga.

“These testimonies concretely illustrate the widespread corruption and disregard for human rights. With gross violations of human rights, over 6,000 lives have been lost, many of whom are innocent civilians,” part of the group’s statement reads.

The group, however, also expressed strong opposition to the current administration regarding the continuation of the war on drugs instead of addressing the root causes, such as low wages and inaccessible education and healthcare.

“This inhumane distribution, deprivation, and corruption of budgets have only added to the difficulties faced by ordinary Filipinos resulting in deeper poverty that drives them to engage in illegal activities,” the group said.

They added that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “must take immediate action to investigate extrajudicial killings, including dismantling the corrupt networks that have led to these violations”.

Along with this, AMA Sugbo-KMU reiterates its support in the continuation of the investigation by the International Criminal Court as a step to ensure that those responsible for extrajudicial killings, particularly the Dutertes will be held accountable for their alleged actions they said. — (FREEMAN)