The spate of political killings of journalists and activists in the Philippines continues to worsen. The international community must exert pressure on the Philippine government by condemning these humans rights violations. Amnesty International has documented 51 killings in the first six months of 2006 and 114 killings since 2001, the year that current President, Gloria Arroyo, took power. The killings, mostly carried out by unidentified men wearing facemasks, have rarely resulted in arrest. In fact, of the 114 killings, police have only arrested three suspects, none of which have been convicted.
Human Rights Watch has also investigated the climate of fear in the regions where activist have been killed. Witnesses and families of victims have reported to HRW that they are afraid to cooperate with police investigations because of fear of reprisal. Additionally, HRW has learned that in cases where military involvement is suspected, the military authorities have refused to cooperate with police investigators.
