Protests mark Human Rights Day in Philippines

Several groups marked the International Human Rights Day in the Philippines with with protest activities on Friday.

In its Facebook post, rights group Karapatan protested against the controversial Anti-Terror Law and called for upsetting the “Marcos-Duterte” tandem in the 2022 election and holding them accountable.

 It posted photos of effigies portraying a "demonic" President Rodrigo Duterte with daughter vice presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos.

Youth group Kabataan Party-list said different sectors have joined the call to junk the Anti-Terror Law, and to upset the “Marcos-Duterte” tandem.

At around 10 a.m., Kabataan said a protest march would be held on the UP Diliman University Avenue.

A banner with text reading "Junk Terror Law" was hung across a footbridge along Commonwealth Avenue near the Commission on Human Rights Office.

“To echo our calls to strike down the draconian policy and forward basic human rights and freedoms of the Filipino people,” the group said.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) seized the day to launch its Human Rights Institute, which aims to boost human rights education and research.

The CHR is also set to conduct an online and onsite concert called “Alab ng Puso” ‘Alab ng Puso’ from 4 – 6 p.m., also at the Liwasang Diokno.

It was set to award Gawad Karapatang Pantao to honor individuals or organizations who exhibited exemplary dedication in upholding human rights work in their respective fields. —LBG, GMA News