WE THIRST FOR PEACE (IN BULACAN)*published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 18, 2006Peace is our prayer, hope and commitment. Peace is when the government no longer allots an indecent percentage of the national budget to military spending but to education and other services to the people. Peace is when communities are no longer harassed by military troops, taking their chickens and rice harvests. There can be no genuine peace when basic human rights are trampled upon and when the people live in a climate of constant fear and intimidation.Statistics show an upsurge in the cases of human rights violation in the province of Bulacan since the deployment of the 24th Infantry Batallion to augment the forces of the 56th Infantry Battalion, and the assignment of Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan as the Commanding Officer of the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Central Luzon last September 2005.Since President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo took office in 2001 and up to 2005, documented human rights violations in the province alone numbered at 36, of which 7 are cases of extrajudicial killings and 2 are enforced disappearances, not to mention the cases of physical harassment and mental torture affecting more that 1,300 workers, peasants, fisherfolks, urban poor and youths.From January to March 2006 alone, 13 civilians were killed, excluding many civilian and barangay officials who are victims of enforced disappearance, physical and mental torture and house burnings perpetrated by armed bonnet wearing men that residents suspect as having links with the military and in some cases, victims identify the perpetrators as elements of the 56th IB and 24th IB of the Philippine Army.The victims are deprived of their basic right to live guaranteed no less than by our faith and by existing laws, both national and international. Without any formal charges, they were arbitrarily arrested or forcibly taken and even killed in the allegation that they are NPA sympathizers or supporters. This is contrary to the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence. The perpetrators acted as the accusers, the judges and the executioners.It is saddening however that the present administration is somewhat indifferent to these alarming cases of human rights violations in the whole country, including Bulacan where victims are civilians, suspected of being CPP-NPA sympathizers and activists identified with the progressive leftist groups. In a democracy like ours, rights of every citizen should be respected, regardless of religion, political beliefs etc.In this context, we appeal to President Arroyo to immediately conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation of such human rights violations which have no place in a Christian nation such ours. These investigations should lead to the prosecution and punishment of the perpetrators so that authorities may thwart the "climate of impunity" and could send a clear message to all members of the police, military and other security forces that involvement in, or acquiescence to such human rights violations will never be tolerated.We also appeal to immediately pull out these military troops stationed in the province of Bulacan, for it is ironical that the rampant human rights violations occurred during the deployment of additional troops, particularly the 24th IB PA under Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan. How come that in the Tamayo Farms Massacre in San Ildefonso, where 5 civilians were killed and 2 were forcibly taken by 15 armed bonnet-wearing men, the farm is located just 100 meters away from a military checkpoint and 200 meters away from a military detachment?As people of faith, we are called to be human rights advocates and peace builders. The peace that we should seek is the peace based on justice where human dignity is upheld and no one is denied fullness of life."Ang Manlilikha ay ipinagkatiwala ang buhay ng tao sa kanyang mapanagutang pangangalaga, hindi upang gamitin ito ng walang pakundangan kundi upang alagaan ito ng may katarungan at tapat na pag-ibig." (pastoral letter of Bishop Oliveros)Condensed from the statement "We Thirst for Peace (in Bulacan)" signed by concerned leaders and citizens of Bulacan. The signature drive to support this statement is still on-going.Signatories : Most Rev. Jose F. Oliveros, D.D. -Bishop, Diocese of Malolos, Rev. Dr. Solito K. Toquero-Bishop, United Methodist Church-Manila Episcopal Area, Rt. Rev. Raymundo Rivera, Bishop- Iglesia Filipina Independiente-Diocese of Bulacan-Bataan, Bishop Elmer Bolocon-OIC Bishop, United Church of Christ in the Phils. North Luzon, Most Rev. Joseph V. Galaroza, CSC D.D.- Bishop, Igreja Catolica Apostolica Brasileira, Diocese of Malolos: Mons Andres Valera-Vicar General, Mons. Filemon Capiral, Mons. Epitacio Castro, Mons. Enrico Santos-Episcopal Vicars, Mons. Moises Andrade, Jr.-Chancellor, Fr. Pablo Legaspi-Vice Chancellor, Mons. Bart Santos, Jr-Rector, Commission Heads-Fr. Dennis Espejo-Service, Fr. Reynaldo San Juan-Liturgy, Fr. AlbertSuatengco-Clergy,Fr. Mar DJ Arenas-Temporal Goods, Fr. Angelito Santiago-Youth, Vicar Foranes: Fr. Javer M. Joaquin, Fr. Ady Vergara, Fr. Leo de Jesus, Fr. Lon Balagtas, Fr. Rey Mutuc, Fr. Jovi Sebastian, Fr. Rolando de Leon, Fr. Bert Lunod, Mons. Jaime Garcia, Mons. Manuel Villaroman, Mons. Enrique Mag-isa, Mons. Jose Antonio Galvez,Diocesan Priests-Fr. Isidro Rodriguez, Fr. Johann Sebastian,Fr. Mario Mendiola, Fr. Len Coronel, Fr. Ety Ignacio, Fr. Francis Cortez, Fr. Dars Cabral, Fr. Sonny Dazo, Fr. Bobby Mariano, Fr. Arnel Camacho,Fr. Conrad Santos, Fr . Mariano Lucas, Fr. LazaroBenedictos, Fr. Jimmy Palaganas, Fr. Pros Tenorio, Fr. Jigo Garcia, Fr. Romy Sasi, Fr. Nicanor Lalog, Fr. Regino Asuncion, Fr. Ricardo Moraga, Fr. Nap Baltazar, Fr. Ronnie Tuazon, Fr. Anthony Chan, Fr. Ramil Juat, Fr. Romy Dionisio, Fr. Avel Sampana, Fr. Virgilio Ramos, Fr. Narciso Sampana, Fr. Rodel Ponce, Fr. Alejandro Enriquez, Fr. Ventura Galman, Fr. Vince Reyes, Fr. Romulo Perez, Fr. Expedito Caleon, Fr. Quirico Cruz, Fr. Von Tentangco, Fr. Fernando Placibe, Fr. Candido Ersando, Fr. Roman Caleon, Fr. Ramon Garcia, Fr. Marcelo Sanchez, Fr. Rufino Sulit, Fr. Teodorico Trinidad, Fr.Lamberto Tomas, Fr. Rodel Cristobal, Fr. Manuel Anastacio, Fr. Irineo Cabasal, Fr. Jay Lina, Fr. Coco Tibayan, Fr. Hilario San Juan-Sr. Niceta Vargas OSA-President, University of Regina Carmeli, Sr. Virginia Villaluz, OP-Superior General, United Methodist Church: District Superintendents-Rev. Ciriaco Francisco-North District, Rev. Ismael Sarangaya, Sr.-South District, Rev. Elias delos Santos-East District, Rev. Generoso Ocampo-Church and Society,Pastors,Deaconesses,Lay-Rev. Jaime Martin, Evalyn Fullido, Ruby Gunio, Nette Benedictos, Mirasol Ramos, Cleo Javier, Sheba dela Cruz, Francisco Sta. Ana, Roland Martinez, Marinel Laderas, John Santillan, Ruther Pilien, Raquel Palacio, Amy Manforte, Amie Ronda, Blesie Angeles, Lilia delos Santos, Aurea Mariano, Mec Estrella Villanueva, Rev. Arnel Villareal, Rewel Javier, May Cosicol, Elenor Sarangaya, Malou Mercado, Miriam Palacon, Ogie Mercado Iglesia Filipina Independiente: Fr. Santie Azaula-Vicar General, Fr. Nhel del Madrid, Jr.-Peacemakers Diocesan Priests-Fr. Jojit Sayas, Fr . Roderick Yeco, Fr. Raymart Sacalamitao, Fr. Mario Quince, Fr. Nick Ventura, Fr. Paul Sacalamitao, Fr. Eric Miranda, Fr. Elmerick Azucena, Atty. Luisita Agbayani-Natl VP, WOPIC United Church of Christ in the Phils: Rev. Romeo Tomas, Rev. Alfredo Faurillo, Rev. Samuel Salen, Deac Herminia Salen, Ptr. Jerome Salen,ICAB: Fr. Roger Martinez, Jr.Local Government UnitsRepresentatives: Wilhelmino Sy Alvarado-First District, Pedro Pancho-Second District, Lorna Silverio-Third District, Reylina Nicolas-Fourth District, Eduardo Roquero, M.D.-SJDM Board Members: Raul Mendoza, Pat Laderas, Ernesto Sulit, Pacifico Aniag, Rod Santos, Glenn Santos, Jon-Jon Mendoza, Ike delos Santos, Daniel Fernando Municipal Mayors: Ambrosio Cruz, Jr.- President, League of Municipalities-Bulacan, Leonardo de Leon-Angat, Ma. Elizabeth Villegas-Bulacan, Felix Ople-Hagonoy, James de Jesus-Calumpit, Zoilito Santiago-Obando, Anastacia Vistan-Plaridel, Eduardo Alarilla-Meycauayan, Elpidio Castillo-Pulilan Municipal Vice Mayors: Juan Magbitang-President,Vice-Mayors League, Gilberto Santos-Angat, Rizaldy Samonte-Bulacan, Reynaldo San Pedro-SJDM, Vicente Esguerra-Pulilan, Conchita Beltran-Paombong, Nonilo Vergara-Balagtas, Juanito Santiago-Marilao, Jose Jose-Guiginto, Kennedy Valdez-Bocaue, Leo Yap-Plaridel, Municipal Councilors: Pulilan-Bernardino Santos, Marcelo Enriquez, Marcel Espinosa, Deejay Santos, Billy Ilaga, Manuelito Reyes, Guiginto-Ariel Arceo, Calumpit-Michael Fermin, San Ildefonso-Isagani Illescas, Leomar Garcia, Henry Castro, Plaridel-Lori B. Surio, Bocaue-Dennis Carpio Heads of Provl Govt Offices: Sienna Maureen Hilario-Chief of Staff,Office of the Governor, Alicia Javier-OSSC, Atty. Eugenio Resurreccion-Legal, Cynthia Abiol-HRMO, Rowena Tiongson-PSWD, Jesus Perez-Women's Center, Irineo Mendoza-Gen. Services, Marina Flores-Budget, Marites Friginal-Accounting, Ricardo Medina Jr.- PENRO, Jovito Saguinsin-PCEDO Provincial Govt. Staff : Medy Santiago, Lucila Dionido, Myla Reyes, Leonida Quintas, Mary Joy Tanguiran, Razchel Javier, Eugene Geronimo Jr., Diane Deinla, Carmencita Diaz, Gina Candelaria, Lucio Mariano, Hansel Evangelista, Alfredo Orbita, Marcelo Santiago, Larry Sebastian, Rizza Sanchez, Marites Barcibe, Jing de Guia, Josefina Buenaventura, Rosanna de Castro, Dindo Dionisio, Ernie Clemente, Renato Francisco, Arlene de Leon, Yolanda de Leon, Mary Rose Roque, Irene Crisostomo, Jefferson Lopez, Mel dela Cruz, Perlyn Mendiola, Ma. Rowena Maclid, Athenie Bautista, Ponciano Sillano Jr., Rosario Racquel Bunag, Jay Rodriguez, May Mendoza, Eric Tanjuan, Loreta Baltao, Ma. Ferlina Garcia, Norilyn Mendieta, Rochelle Mangulabnan, Marichiel Manimbu, Amalia Agcaoili, Ma. Gloria Carrillo, Norberto Arevalo, Rosario Benedictos, Cornelia de Jesus, Jesusa Mateo,Mariano BaltazarMunicipal Staff: Engr. Arcadio Sulit, Kitchie Jose, Romeo Garcia, Danny SantosLawyers: Judge Manny Siayngco-President,LAKAN HUKOM, Atty. Purificacion Bernabe-Secretary, IBP-Bulacan, Atty. Sherry Jane Quinonez, Atty. Manny Arcilla-Directors, IBP, Atty. Liberato Reyes-Former Provl. Prosecutor, Atty. Emilio Bermas, Atty. Glen Palubon, Atty. Reneiro Payumo, Atty. John Vargas, Atty. Fermin Arceo Concerned Individuals : Magdalena Reyes, M.D.-Commissioner, PKKB, Ramon Posadas-Former Board Member, Jun Aniag-Former Representative, Elmer Maniego and Jake Maglalas-Commission on Human Rights- Region III, and many others.