Media Quote
Following the arrest and detention of Human Rights Defender, Salome Ujano, on 14 November by members of PNP Central Luzon Police Regional Office, Amnesty International Philippines Section Director, Butch Olano said:
“The arrest of Sally Ujano is further proof that harassment towards human rights defenders shows no sign of relenting even in the final months of the Duterte administration. Women human rights defenders have repeatedly faced state-sanctioned intimidation and reprisals. Sally’s case is sadly emblematic of the shrinking civic space which activists continue to struggle with everyday,
Women human rights defenders have repeatedly faced state-sanctioned intimidation and reprisals. Sally’s case is sadly emblematic of the shrinking civic space which activists continue to struggle with everyday . Under President Duterte, activists and human rights defenders are met with increased attack merely for doing their human rights work.
“Under President Duterte, activists and human rights defenders are met with increased attack merely for doing their human rights work. Arresting human rights defenders under dubious warrants, a tactic often used by the Philippine National Police, is a way of discouraging others from doing human rights and activism work. Individuals aligned with human rights and peoples organizations have especially been the target of this modus,
“Sally’s arrest also exemplifies the flawed justice system in the Philippines and the lack of domestic accountability for the intimidation and harassment perpetrated against human rights defenders in general. This situation should have prompted the UN Human Rights Council the overdue investigation aimed at effectively addressing impunity in the country and holding the Philippine government to account,
“Amnesty International Philippines calls on the government for the prompt and immediate release of Sally Ujano, drop the charges against her, and cease all attacks against human rights defenders and activists.”
Background
On 14 November, members of PNP Central Luzon Police Regional Office arrested Ma. Salome “Sally” Crisostomo-Ujano for the alleged charge of rebellion. Sally is the current National Coordinator of the Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT). She has worked on women and children’s rights with various human rights organizations and networks. The warrant of arrest, recommended without bail, by Judge Virgilio Alfajora of Regional Trial Court Branch 59 in Lucena City is a standing warrant issued in 2006.