The Philippines is not a testing ground for foreign weapons. It will not be a launchpad for war.
DEFEND AND PROTECT
THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE!
THE LATEST
NUPL TO SECRETARY TEODORO: IF WE ARE “AT PEACE,” WHY DOES THE ARMED CONFLICT PERSIST
Regardless of whether peace talks resume, the GRP remains legally obligated under both domestic and international law to observe and respect international humanitarian law and human rights — and such obligations are legally demandable and enforceable. NUPL thus reiterates its call for full accountability for the Toboso killings.
We Will Not Fall for the Lies: On the Toboso Killings and the Military’s Pattern of IHL Violations
We call for a truly independent investigation into the April 19 killings in Toboso with full and unimpeded access for humanitarian workers, independent human rights experts, and the families of the dead. We call for accountability — not just for those who pulled the trigger, but for those who ordered, tolerated, and concealed the killings. We call on the international community to monitor this case closely, as it is not an isolated incident but part of a continuing pattern of IHL violations across the Philippine countryside.
NUPL Condemns Quezon City “Safe City” Crackdown as Anti-Poor, Legally Dubious, and Abusive
A city does not become safer by humiliating poor residents in mass operations over minor ordinance violations. Public order cannot be enforced by stretching local ordinances beyond their terms, bypassing constitutional limits, or treating poverty itself as suspicious.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The NUPL is hosting two major international events this year. Mark your calendars!
22 - 28 April 2024
Strategies to Enhance Advocacy Relating to the Independence of the Legal Profession and the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Philippines
The NUPL is partnering with the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute in organizing a series of activities to support human rights defenders, including lawyers at risk, strategize, coordinate and undertake advocacy at national and international levels in relation to the independence of the legal profession and for the promotion and protection of human rights.
14 June 2024
International Fair Trial Day Conference and the Ebru Timtik Award Ceremony
The Philippines — where fair trial rights are being systemically violated– was chosen as the focus country for this year’s International Fair Trial Day (IFTD) Conference. A series of advocacy initiatives will be held to draw attention to the human rights situation in the country. The decision to establish an IFTD in 2021 by more than 100 legal associations all over the world was accompanied by the establishment of the Ebru Timtik Award. Ebru Timtik was a lawyer from Turkey who lost her life as a result of a 238-day hunger strike she undertook to protest against the systemic violations of fair trial rights which people in Turkey are facing. Every year, on the occasion of the IFTD, the Ebru Timtik Award is made by an independent jury to an individual or individuals and/or an organisation who have or which has made a significant contribution to the defense and promotion of the right to a fair trial in the focus country.
THE PHILIPPINES IS A
DANGEROUS
PLACE FOR LAWYERS.
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) has been documenting and monitoring prima facie profession or work-related attacks and threats against lawyers and judges since its establishment in September of 2007.
The attacks and threats against lawyers continued in the first two years of the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The NUPL recorded a total of three (3) incidents of killings and 39 other forms of attacks beginning July 1, 2022 until December 31, 2023. The highest number of documented incidents involves the vilification and red-tagging of human rights lawyers by current and former state officials.
Atty. Ma. Saniata Liwliwa Alzate
Killed in September 2023
Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao
Vice-Chairperson
Atty. Juan Macababbad
killed in September 2021
NUPL-Negros Secretary General
Atty. Benjamin Ramos
killed in November 2018