Fact finding report on the Philippines

Fact finding report on the Philippines: a report of interviews, meetings, and other first-hand accounts of the situation in the Philippines. Report issued March 2007. [22 page pdf file]

Summary of the International Action Center’s Submission to the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal

In the IAC report to the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal are accounts and eyewitness reports from recent delegations of U.S. activists visiting the Philippines from 2002 through 2006. The delegates visited numerous places, including Cebu City, Mindanao and Manila, the most populated city in the Philippines. Collectively these delegations have a wealth of experience and are respected activists in their communities and nationally within the United States.

Although there are many compelling issues that face Filipinos today, one of the most pressing is the mounting numbers of politically-motivated killings and disappearances of individuals since 2001. The IAC delegations were able to verify this situation. Historically, the U.S. has conducted both covert and overt interventions in the Philippines since the end of its “official” colonial occupation in 1946.

After 60 years of supposed political independence, the Philippines remain tied down by unequal military and economic treaties and agreements with the United States. This continued intervention is in utter disregard for the fundamental interests and will of the Filipino people for national sovereignty. Clearly, the situation in the Philippines is grave. The IAC fact finding delegations have confirmed that an international campaign must be launched in order to 1) expose this situation to the world and 2) put an end to U.S.-backed terror in the Philippines.

Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Gutierrez
IAC National Co-Director