The Human Rights Actions Network
www.derechos.org/human- rights/actions/
ACTION REQUEST
Case PHL 080997 The International Secretariat of OMCT requests your URGENT intervention in the following situation in the Philippines. Brief description of the situation: Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP), a member of the network, has expressed its grave concern over the shooting at farmer's hut by police authorities, resulting in the wounding four civilians including 3 minors on midnight of 15 August 1997, in Barangay San Roque, Sagbayan Bohol. The alleged wounded are Felix Parmat and his three children; Maricris, Joseph and Felix Jr (see also appeal PHL 080997 Child Concern). During the incident, Christituto Cagabcab, believed by the police to be a member of the dissident New People's Army, was killed. According to the Information received, Felix Parmat and three other farmers were rolling up "amakan" or woven bamboo slats for market when five armed men came to talk to them. One of the armed men, later identified as Christituto Cagabcab, stood near the house of Felix Parmat, while the other four men joined the other farmers who were working next to the house. Felix Parmat stated that that after a while, they heard a shot coming from behind the house. Christituto Cagabcab was hit and died on the spot. The shot was followed by rapid gunfire hitting Felix Parmat and his three children, Maricris, Joseph and Felix Jr who were asleep on the second floor of the house, while the other farmers and the companions of Christituto Cagabcab ran away. Felix Parmat was hit on his behind, the ten years old Maricris was hit on the chest and knees and had to undergo surgery and Joseph and Felix Jr sustained minor injuries and were discharged from the hospital after a few days. According to the information received, Bohol Provincial Police Director Laurence Cadungog apparently made conflicting remarks in an interview when he said that the police force were responding to reports of an armed group in the area when they chanced upon Cagabcab and his companions at Felix Parmat's house. Later he stated that they engaged in an exchange of arms fire after Cagabcab's group opened fire at them after asking them to surrender. He further claimed to have warned the children but Felix Parmat denies this. The action has apparently been confirmed by eye witnesses but who have not felt able to come forward for fear of reprisal. Action requested : Please write to the Philippine authorities urging them to : i guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of Felix Parmat and his three children, Maricris, Joseph and Felix Jr and ensure that the injured persons receive the medical care and assistance which their condition requires ii. take all necessary measures to guarantee appropriate assistance to the victims family, including the right to redress. iii. carry out a thorough and impartial inquiry into the facts referred to in order to identify those responsible, bring them to trial and impose upon them the penal, civil and/ or administrative sanctions prescribed by the law; iv guarantee the full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country in accordance with national laws and international standards Addresses : H.E. Fidel V. Ramos, President, Malacanang Palace, Manila, Philippines. Fax : (+ 63 2) 731 13 25 (via Press Secretary to the President) General Arturo Enrile, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Head of Military Intelligence Group, Camp Aguinaldo, Quenzon City, Philippines. Fax : + 63 2 832 3793 - Telex : 22471 DND PH / 42002 DCSLOG PM Andres R. Narvas, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines, Padre Faure, Manila, Philippines. Fax : + 63 2 522 3211 -Telegrams : Chief Justice Narvasa, Manila, Philippines Teofisto T. Guingona, Secretary of Justice, Department of Justice, Padre Faure Street, Ermita, Metro Manila, Philippines. Fax : + 63 2 521 1614 - Telegram : Secretary of Justice Guingona, Manil, Philippines Geneva, 8 September 1997
