An ecumenical youth group in Manila has called for accountability for ongoing human rights violations under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte, as the country marks International Human Rights Day.
During a protest rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Tuesday, the Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP) condemned the administration’s record, citing 757 political prisoners across the country, 147 of whom were arrested under Marcos Jr.’s term.
The SCMP accused both leaders of perpetuating a legacy of repression, particularly through the Anti-Terrorism Act, passed during Duterte’s presidency.
“It is apparent that Marcos and Duterte have no significant difference in terms of human rights violations. Marcos Jr. has been benefitting from the draconian Anti-Terror law lobbied by the previous Duterte administration,” said Kej Andres, SCMP National Chairperson.
The youth group highlighted various forms of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and the harassment of political dissenters, journalists, and human rights defenders.
Andres emphasized that even young leaders have been victims, citing the case of Marielle Domequil, a lay worker from the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP).
“Marielle Domequil, a lay worker from the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) who dedicated her youth to serving the most vulnerable communities in Region VIII despite massive militarization and poverty in the region, is still imprisoned to this very day,” Andres said.
The group also raised concerns about Indigenous communities, accusing the government of exploiting militarization and land dispossession to silence dissenters and exploit natural resources.
Andres said these actions undermine the future of the youth and the nation’s marginalized communities.
“We cannot remain silent in the face of injustice. Marcos Jr. and Duterte have blood on their hands. We believe that the youth together with the Church and the broad masses will continuously pray and demand for accountability and justice. Until no one is held accountable, we will persist,” Andres added.
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