Political Prisoners in the Philippines

Almost all political detainees and prisoners under the custody of the Philippine state are individuals accused of common crimes. They are most often nobly driven persons and have pursued their social and political convictions to serve others. It has been a state procedure to deny their recognition as legitimate dissenters struggling for change. Instead, the ideological nature of their actions have been brushed aside in favor of criminal charges.

Political Prisoners

By the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP)

Political detention as a Philippine phenomenon is a malady that refuses to die. Although democracy was restored in the country in 1986 and everybody thought there will be no more political prisoners (PPs) in the country, this particular human rights violation persists. Despite the fact that former President Corazon C. Aquino ordered the release of 458 political prisoners—which included well-known underground communist leaders, civil libertarians, and Marcos activist— early in her regime, the anti-people proclivity of the state continued.

During the Ramos presidency, land conversion was particularly coercive against tenant farmers who were forcibly ejected from their source of livelihood to give way to industrial parks and growth corridors. Demolition was rampant in the countryside, while protest rallies staged by the affected peasants in Manila were oftentimes dispersed. Meanwhile, the total war policy in Mindanao which ousted President Joseph Estrada once more drew attention to the extent of what a war can do to human rights, especially that of women and children.

As of the end of December 2006, as many as 232 political prisoners are incarcerated in 60 jails across the country. Most are suspected members or sympathizers of underground rebel groups, but some were arrested because they were undertaking legal struggles, such as mass protests against government projects or policies, or against abuses of rich families or private corporations.

Since the Arroyo administration took office in 2001, human rights groups have persistently raised calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners. However, the administration has shown little concern over these prisoners, preferring instead to use them as leverage in negotiations with the armed opposition.

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