"This is a step backward for justice for victimes of human rights violations."
This was the statement made by the Student Christian Movement of the Philippines after the Court of Appeals dismissed the petition for the writ of amparo and habeas corpus of so-called "landmark cases" of victims of human rights violations.
Among the recently dismissed cases were the petition for the writ of habeas corpus for Jonas Burgos, and the petition for the writ of amparo for NDF member Elizabeth Principe and daughters of slain peasant leader Eddie Gumanoy.
Newspapers also reported this morning the dismissal of the writ of amparo petition for Francisco Saez, witness of the Gumanoy and Eden Marcellana killing in 2003.
According to SCMP chairperson Biyaya Quizon, they least expected this at a time when the families and victims only have the courts of justice to rely on.
"These are landmark cases which we hoped will show that the judiciary does have an active stand on the dire situation of human rights in the country," Quizon said.
The group also expressed fears that the same may happen to the petition for the writ of amparo of missing University of the Philippines students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan.
"It is true that the writ of amparo and writ of habeas corpus does not promise to render absolute justice for the victims, and yet by the recent developments, we ask: where then shall they ask for justice?" Quizon said.
The group then addressed their appeal to the judiciary, "We appeal to the courts not to stop at a point where justice remains elusive for all the victims," she added.
The Court of Appeals has cited the lack of evidence linking the military as behind the abductions and disappearances. ###
Reference: Ma. Cristina Guevarra, secretary general and public information officer 09186106275
Biyaya Quizon, chairperson 09289526973
This was the statement made by the Student Christian Movement of the Philippines after the Court of Appeals dismissed the petition for the writ of amparo and habeas corpus of so-called "landmark cases" of victims of human rights violations.
Among the recently dismissed cases were the petition for the writ of habeas corpus for Jonas Burgos, and the petition for the writ of amparo for NDF member Elizabeth Principe and daughters of slain peasant leader Eddie Gumanoy.
Newspapers also reported this morning the dismissal of the writ of amparo petition for Francisco Saez, witness of the Gumanoy and Eden Marcellana killing in 2003.
According to SCMP chairperson Biyaya Quizon, they least expected this at a time when the families and victims only have the courts of justice to rely on.
"These are landmark cases which we hoped will show that the judiciary does have an active stand on the dire situation of human rights in the country," Quizon said.
The group also expressed fears that the same may happen to the petition for the writ of amparo of missing University of the Philippines students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan.
"It is true that the writ of amparo and writ of habeas corpus does not promise to render absolute justice for the victims, and yet by the recent developments, we ask: where then shall they ask for justice?" Quizon said.
The group then addressed their appeal to the judiciary, "We appeal to the courts not to stop at a point where justice remains elusive for all the victims," she added.
The Court of Appeals has cited the lack of evidence linking the military as behind the abductions and disappearances. ###
Reference: Ma. Cristina Guevarra, secretary general and public information officer 09186106275
Biyaya Quizon, chairperson 09289526973
