Human Rights Watch recently reported
that the government of the Philippines allows its military to
violate human rights and kill innocent civilians. Despite claims by
Philippine authorities that they are educating the military about
human rights, new instances of torture continue to be reported.
In July, Philippine soldiers abducted
Abdul Khan Ajid from his home at gunpoint. His home was ransacked and
his wife and children witnessed the horrifying ordeal. He was accused
of being a member of the separatist group Abu Sayyaff. When he denied
this, the soldiers beat him and set him on fire.. He was eventually
freed by the orders of a member of the local court.
The Philippines is one of the top
recipients of U.S. military aid. In addition, the United States has
trained the Philippine military, and the Philippine government serves
the interests of U.S. imperialism in the region.
