JPAK

28/08/2026

𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗞𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗞𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗬𝗢 𝗔𝗧 𝗞𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗡! 𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗧 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗞𝗢𝗧!
𝘗𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘨 𝘯𝘨 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘒𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘯𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘢 𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘺 𝘯𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘒𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘢𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘙𝘦𝘱. 𝘙𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘦 𝘊𝘰

Mariing kinokondena ng Justice and Peace Advocates of Kalinga (JPAK) ang malawakang redtagging at harassment kay KABATAAN PARTYLIST Representative Renee Co matapos na isagawa ng kanyang opisina ang isang konsultasyon sa Kalinga State University (KSU) noong Agosto 14, 2026.

Si Rep. Co, na isang lehitimong halal na kongresista, ay mayroong karapatan at tungkulin na magsagawa ng konsultasyon sa mga kabataan at estudyante bilang lehitimong programa ng kanyang opisina. Ang ginawang panghihimasok ng mga myembro ng AFP at PNP sa konsultasyon ay malinaw na pagpapakita nila ng intensyon na manakot, mang-intimida, at tapakan ang demokratikong espasyo sa paaralan na para sana sa mga kabataan at estudyante na kasalukuyang humaharap sa mga epekto ng krisis sa edukasyon lalo na sa mga pampublikong unibersidad tulad ng KSU.

ANG MGA PAARALAN BILANG PEACE ZONES
Naninindigan ang JPAK na dapat itaguyod at ipaglaban ang karakter ng mga paaralan at unibersidad bilang mga "peace zones". Maging ang mga internasyunal na institusyon at organisasyon, tulad ng United Nations (UN), ay mahigpit na iginigiit ang pagtatanging ito sa mga paaralan.

Naniniwala ang JPAK na ang naging presensya ng AFP at PNP sa KSU sa mismong araw ng konsultasyon ni Rep. Co sa mga estudyante ay lantarang paglabag sa prinsipyo ng pagiging "peace zone" ng mga paaralan. Nilabag ng AFP at PNP ang mga internasyunal na batas at kasunduan na pumoporotekta sa mga kabataan at estudyante laban sa anumang uri ng psychological harm, pananakot, at exposure sa mga instrumento ng digma. Dagdag pa, ang kanilang presensya ay nagdulot ng tensyon at takot sa mga estudyante at limitasyon sa kanilang malayang pagpapahayag at paglahok sa isang lehitimong aktibidad ng isang halal na opisyal ng bansa.

BANTA SA DEMOKRASYA ANG DISIMPORMASYON AT REDTAGGING
Mariin din na kinondena ng JPAK ang maling impormasyon na ipinakalat ng 5th Infantry Division sa kanilang social media. Ipinahayag nila ang umano’y “kolaborasyon” sa pagitan ng AFP at ni Rep. Co - na hindi nangyari. Ang totoo, humingi lamang sila ng litrato kasama ang kongresista. Matapos umalma ang mga kabataan sa social media, kabilang si Rep. Co, pinalitan ng 5th ID ang kanilang naratibo sa kanilang mga sumunod na pahayag, patunay na hindi totoo ang kanilang naunang pahayag.

Hindi na bago ang pagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon ng mga ahente ng estado tulad ng AFP. Walang ibang nakikitang layunin ang JPAK sa ginawang ito ng AFP kundi linlangin at baluktutin ang katotohanan na tinangka nilang pigilan ang isang lehitimo at makabuluhang programa ng isang opisyal ng gobyerno sa KSU.

Imbes na humingi ng paumanhin, dinagdagan pa ng AFP ang kanilang kasalanan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakalat ng redtagging at paninira sa Kabataan Partylist.

Patuloy na naninindigan ang JPAK na mapanganib ang redtagging sa buhay at kalayaan ng mamamayan. Mismong ang Korte Suprema at Komisyon sa Karapatang Pantao na ang nagsabi na ang redtagging ay mapanganib dahil nilalabag nito ang mga pundamental na karapatan ng mga indibidwal at ito ay nagbubunga ng mas malala pang paglabag tulad ng iligal na pag-aresto, pag-dukot, at pag-paslang.

IPAGLABAN ANG DEMOKRATIKONG ESPASYO SA KALINGA, ITIGIL ANG REDTAGGING!
Nananawagan ang JPAK sa mamamayan na ipaglaban ang demokratikong espasyo at labanan ang malaganap na disimpormasyon at redtagging sa probinsya ng Kalinga. Lubhang mapanganib kung pahihintulutan at palalampasin lamang ang ganitong mga aksyon ng AFP at PNP.

Nananawagan din ang JPAK sa mga lokal na pamahalaan ng Tabuk City at probinsya ng Kalinga na mag-pasa na ng batas para sa pagtataguyod at proteksyon ng karapatang pantao, kabilang dito ang pag-pasa ng Human Rights Defenders Ordinance na kumikilala sa redtagging at political vilification bilang paglabag sa demokrasya at karapatang pantao. Dapat din na suportahan at ipasa ang lahat ng probisyon ng Kalinga Human Rights Action Center (KHRAC) upang maging epektibong instrumento ng mamamayan ng Kalinga sa pagtatanggol sa karapatang pantao at pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga biktima ng paglabag sa kanilang karapatan.
Nananawagan din ang JPAK kay Congresswoman Carol Agyao na kondenahin ang redtagging, pagbabanta, intimidasyon, at harassment na ginawa kay Rep. Renee Co. bilang bahagi ng Kongreso at representante ng probinsya ng Kalinga.

Ang pananahimik sa harap ng ganitong pang-aabuso ay pagsang-ayon sa kultura ng karahasan, panunupul, at impunidad. Hindi ito dapat na hayaang lumaganap at dapat kagyat na tutulan at labanan.

Sa panghuli, naninindigan ang JPAK na mahalagang ipaglaban ang mga demokratikong espasyo sa Kalinga. Ang disimpormasyon, redtagging, pananakot, at pagpigil sa malayang pagpapahayag ay magbubunga laman ng ibayo pang pangabin sa probinsya. Ang bulag na pagsunod at pananahimik ay magbibigay-daan laman sa malayang pagpasok ng mga proyektong wawasak sa probinsya, pagpapatuloy ng pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan, at pagkakait sa ating mga karapatan. Ang unang hakbang upang tutulan ang mga ito ay ang pagtataguyod at pag-protekta sa mga batayang karapatan nating mamamayan.

06/08/2026

STOP TRIBAL WAR, PROTECT WOMEN AND CHILDREN!

INNABUYOG is urgently calling for a cessation to the ongoing tribal war between the Betwagan and Butbut tribes. Yesterday, August 5, shots fired by the Betwagan directed at the Butbut community left one woman seriously injured while she was on her way to feed the pigs. We urgently appeal to both parties to undergo the 'warang' or 'sipat' through their respective mediators.

In the warang, the tribe that seeks to make peace with its enemy sends a token – a spear, bolo, axe or any weapon made of iron, and in doing so, declares a unilateral ceasefire.

Women, elderly and children are the most vulnerable in times of tribal war. The Binodngan People’s Organization (BPO) in its primer Tribal War and Peacepacts (2004) reported that 20 Mangali, including several women and children, were killed in the Lubo-Mangali war which lasted from 1978 to 1983. BPO also reported that in late 1999, Dallic evacuated over 600 women and children to Guinaang during the former’s tribal war with the Pidlisan tribe.

Life is too precious to be consumed in vengeance meted out so indiscriminately. Let us hold true to our Indigenous values upholding life and honoring our women. Stop tribal war, and instead build inter-tribal unity against the aggressors of our self-determination as Indigenous Peoples. Tribal war will not result to any positive gain for either party, only loss of lives.

Tribal war, isardeng. Masakbayan ti sangoen!

INNABUYOG-GABRIELA
August 6, 2026

05/08/2026

Abra Needs Peace, Not Militarization: Resume the Peace Talks, Protect the People and the Land!
The Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) expresses grave concern over the series of armed encounters in Abra, particularly in the municipalities of Tineg and Licuan-Baay. These recurring clashes continue to endanger civilians, disrupt livelihoods, displace communities, and create an atmosphere of fear among the people of Abra.
The situation in Abra once again proves that there is no military solution to the decades-long armed struggle. While we all aspire for a just and lasting peace, it cannot be achieved through intensified military operations or localized peace initiatives that fail to address the root causes of the armed conflict.

CHRA reiterates its call for the immediate resumption of the formal peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Genuine national peace talks remain the most principled path toward addressing the political, economic, and social conditions that have sustained decades of armed conflict.

We firmly oppose the government's reliance on localized peace talks as a substitute for formal negotiations. Equally alarming are reports of fabricated "rebel returnees" and surrender narratives used to justify military operations and create a false impression of success. These practices undermine public trust and weaken genuine prospects for peace.
CHRA calls for the immediate suspension of military operations in Abra to prevent further civilian suffering and to allow humanitarian action, and create conditions conducive to the resumption of formal peace negotiations.

We likewise urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines to immediately allow the retrieval and turnover of the remains of those killed in the recent armed encounters. Every hour of delay leaves the bodies exposed to the elements, hastens decomposition, and inflicts further pain on grieving families. Respect for the dignity of the dead and the rights of their families is a clear obligation under International Humanitarian Law.
We call on the Provincial Government of Abra and all government units to stand firmly with their constituents by protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, ensuring the immediate retrieval of the dead, and safeguarding communities from fear and armed conflict, facilitate humanitarian assistance, support the immediate retrieval of the dead, and safeguard communities from fear and displacement.

CHRA likewise calls on the Provincial Government to defend Abra's ancestral lands and natural resources against large-scale mining and other destructive projects that threaten Indigenous communities, livelihoods, and the environment. Militarization cannot be separated from long-standing conflicts over land and resources. Protecting the people also means protecting their ancestral domain and ensuring that development respects Indigenous Peoples' rights, self-determination, and the collective welfare of Abra's communities.

Finally, CHRA calls on all parties to strictly observe International Humanitarian Law and ensure the protection of civilians at all times. We urge churches, civil society organizations, and all peace-loving individuals to stand with the people of Abra in demanding an end to hostilities and the resumption of formal peace negotiations.

The people of Abra deserve peace founded on justice, respect for human rights, and protection of their ancestral lands—not militarization. # # #

𝐀𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐑𝐏-𝐍𝐃𝐅𝐏 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝!

The Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) expresses grave concern over the series of armed encounters in Abra, particularly in the municipalities of Tineg and Licuan-Baay. These recurring clashes continue to endanger civilians, disrupt livelihoods, displace communities, and create an atmosphere of fear among the people of Abra.

The situation in Abra once again proves that there is no military solution to the decades-long armed struggle. While we all aspire for a just and lasting peace, it cannot be achieved through intensified military operations or localized peace initiatives that fail to address the root causes of the armed conflict.

CHRA reiterates its call for the immediate resumption of the formal peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Genuine national peace talks remain the most principled path toward addressing the political, economic, and social conditions that have sustained decades of armed conflict.

We firmly oppose the government's reliance on localized peace talks as a substitute for formal negotiations. Equally alarming are reports of fabricated "rebel returnees" and surrender narratives used to justify military operations and create a false impression of success. These practices undermine public trust and weaken genuine prospects for peace.

CHRA calls for the immediate suspension of military operations in Abra to prevent further civilian suffering and to allow humanitarian action, and create conditions conducive to the resumption of formal peace negotiations.

We likewise urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines to immediately allow the retrieval and turnover of the remains of those killed in the recent armed encounters. Every hour of delay leaves the bodies exposed to the elements, hastens decomposition, and inflicts further pain on grieving families. Respect for the dignity of the dead and the rights of their families is a clear obligation under International Humanitarian Law.

We call on the Provincial Government of Abra and all government units to stand firmly with their constituents by protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, ensuring the immediate retrieval of the dead, and safeguarding communities from fear and armed conflict.

CHRA likewise calls on the Provincial Government to defend Abra's ancestral lands and natural resources against large-scale mining and other destructive projects that threaten Indigenous communities, livelihoods, and the environment. Militarization cannot be separated from long-standing conflicts over land and resources. Protecting the people also means protecting their ancestral domain and ensuring that development respects Indigenous Peoples' rights, self-determination, and the collective welfare of Abra's communities.

Finally, CHRA calls on all parties to strictly observe International Humanitarian Law and ensure the protection of civilians at all times. We urge churches, civil society organizations, and all peace-loving individuals to stand with the people of Abra in demanding an end to hostilities and the resumption of formal peace negotiations.

The people of Abra deserve peace founded on justice, respect for human rights, and protection of their ancestral lands—not militarization. # # #

26/06/2026

NUPL Secretary General Atty. Josalee Deinla speaks on the cost that comes with people’s lawyering during her acceptance speech for the 2026 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award received on behalf of the NUPL last June 4, 2026.

04/06/2026

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Baguio-Benguet Chapter deeply mourns the passing of Atty. Reynaldo Cortes, a distinguished member of the legal profession and a recipient of the IBP Golden Pillar of Law Award and the Chapter’s Human Rights Champion Award.

Atty. Cortes devoted his life to the pursuit of justice and the defense of human dignity. Through his steadfast advocacy and unwavering commitment to human rights, he exemplified the noblest ideals of the legal profession. His courage, integrity, and compassion inspired fellow lawyers and served as a beacon of hope to those whose voices needed to be heard.

His passing is a profound loss not only to the legal community but also to all whose lives he touched through his service. While we grieve his departure, we honor a life lived with purpose and conviction. His legacy will continue to inspire lawyers to stand firm in the defense of rights, justice, and the rule of law.

The IBP Baguio-Benguet Chapter extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing that Atty. Cortes leaves behind a legacy that will endure far beyond his years.

Though he has left this world, the values he championed and the lives he touched will remain a lasting testament to a life well lived.

May he rest in eternal paradise.

16/03/2026

In solidarity with women across the nation! Happy women’s month!

We must transform the goal of equality into a lived reality for every woman and girl. Our advocacy is rooted in building a society where their safety is unequivocally protected and their dignity upheld. Let us work together to institutionalize these changes so that women and girls can live entirely free from fear.

12/03/2026

UPDATE: JESS GAMAY AND COMPANION STILL MISSING; NDFP CONSULTANT KENNEDY BANGIBANG, AND 9 OTHER INDIVIDUALS FACING FABRICATED CHARGES

March 12, 2026 | 10:30PM

On March 11, the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) received urgent reports from the families of individuals arrested and alleged by the 5th Infantry Division to be members of the “Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee.” They were taken into custody through separate operations conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Tarlac City and Quezon City (See earlier CHRA Urgent Alert).

In an earlier statement, the 5th ID claimed to have arrested eleven (11) individuals but clarified today that only ten (10) were arrested, with two (2) having no pending criminal charges. CHRA has confirmed that the AFP and PNP arrested twelve (12) individuals in separate operations, with the two (2) others arrested in the previous days.

The arrests include Kennedy Bangibang, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant for the Cordillera. As a member of the peace panel, Bangibang is covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the NDFP. Authorities are bound to respect this document, and Bangibang should be accorded the rights and privileges of persons covered by JASIG. He has since been brought to and detained in Tabuk City, Kalinga.

Meanwhile, Jess Gamay and another companion remain missing as of posting, after being "released" by Fairview Police Station 5, almost 36 hours since their arrest. Agencies and offices of several State forces have refused to sign an Inquiry into a Reported Disappeared Person’s Whereabouts form. Families and paralegals continue their search at this moment. Both have no pending charges, as also stated by the 5th ID, and must be surfaced and released to their families immediately without delay. We are deeply concerned about possible coercive actions and the fabrication of trumped-up charges against them.

In Tarlac City, seven (7) individuals, including Bangibang, were arrested and subjected to physical and verbal abuse from the arresting officers, including being struck at the back of their heads, beaten in the face and stomach, and forced to lie on the ground. Two (2) of them were taken without warrants and have now been detained for almost 36 hours. They are now facing trumped-up complaints of illegal possession of fi****ms and explosives, while other detainees are likewise being held on fabricated cases.

All of those arrested are unarmed and non-combatants.

CHRA reiterates that human rights protection for all twelve (12) individuals must be observed, due process respected, International Humanitarian Law upheld, and the rights of all detainees to access their families and legal counsel of their choice guaranteed.

12/03/2026

SURFACE AND IMMEDIATELY RELEASE JESS GAMAY AND HIS COMPANION TO THEIR FAMILIES!

The Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) raises alarm over the situation of Jess Gamay and another companion who have reportedly been missing for about 24 hours now.

The two were among the 3 individuals arrested yesterday, March 11, during a joint PNP-AFP operation in Quezon City. They are being alleged by the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army to be members of a so-called “Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee.” However, there are no pending charges against either of them. (Read earlier statement here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KH8mgcdGL/?mibextid=wwXIfr)

Based on initial reports from the families and legal team of the two, authorities from Camp Karingal in Quezon City assert that Jess and his companion had already been “released” yesterday, March 11. They deny holding them in their custody. However, according to their families, neither of the two has returned home or contacted them since yesterday.

CHRA urgently calls on authorities to surface Jess Gamay and his companion and immediately turn them over safely to their families.

Their safety must be ensured without delay. It must be guaranteed that they are in good condition and free from any form of violence, coercion, or intimidation. Both Jess and his companion have no charges, and there is no reason for either the PNP or AFP to hold them in custody. Any attempt to conceal their whereabouts or situation endangers their lives and security and constitutes a grave violation of their fundamental rights.

We call on the friends and colleagues Jess, as well as the public, to help put pressure on authorities, assist in locating them, and ensure their safe return to their families.

Surface Jess and his companion NOW!
Safely release Jess and his companion to their families!

—

BERSYON SA FILIPINO:

ILITAW SINA JESS GAMAY AT ANG KANYANG KASAMA AT AGARANG ITURN-OVER SA KANILANG MGA PAMILYA!

Nananawagan ng agarang aksyon ang Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) kaugnay sa kalagayan nina Jess Gamay at isa pang kasama nya na iniulat na nawawala 24 oras na ang nakalilipas.

Ang dalawa ay kabilang sa 3 kataong inaresto kahapon, Marso 11, sa isang operasyon ng PNP at AFP sa Quezon City. Ipinaparatang ng 5th Infantry Division ng Philippine Army na sila ay mga miyembro ng tinatawag na “Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee.” Subalit, walang anumang pending na kaso laban kina Jess.

Batay sa mga paunang ulat mula sa kanilang mga pamilya at legal team, iginiit ng mga awtoridad mula sa Camp Karingal sa Quezon City na sina Jess ay “released” na kahapon, Marso 11. Itinatanggi ng mga ito na nasa kanilang kustodiya ang dalawa. Ngunit ayon sa mga pamilya nila Jess at ng kasama nya hanggang ngayon ay hindi pang nakakauwi o anumang komunikasyon sina Jess mula kahapon.

Mahigpit na nananawagan ang CHRA sa mga awtoridad na ilitaw sina Jess Gamay at ang kasama nya at agad silang maibalik nang ligtas sa kanilang mga pamilya.

Nararapat na tiyakin ang kanilang kaligtasan. Kailangang matiyak na sila ay nasa maayos na kalagayan at malaya sa anumang anyo ng karahasan, pamimilit, o pananakot. Parehong walang kaso sina Jess, at walang dahilan para isakustodiya sila ng PNP o AFP. Anumang pagtatangkang itago ang kanilang kalagayan ay naglalagay sa kanilang buhay at seguridad sa panganib na isang malubhang paglabag sa kanilang mga pangunahing karapatan.

Nanawagan kami sa mga kaibigan at kasamahan nina Jess, pati sa publiko, na tumulong na iudyok ang mga awtoridad, tumulong sa paghahanap sa kanila, at tiyakin ang kanilang ligtas na pagbabalik sa kanilang mga pamilya.

Ilitaw sina Jess at kanyang kasama!
Agaran silang pauwiin sa kanilang pamilya!

12/03/2026

URGENT ALERT!

Yesterday, March 11, the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) has received urgent reports from the families of eleven (11) arrested individuals, alleged by the 5th Infantry Division as members of the “Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee.” They were taken into custody through a separate operations conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Tarlac and Quezon City.

Their families and legal teams have immediately responded to the situation but are worrying for their safety and welfare.

We strongly urge the PNP and AFP to uphold due process, immediately release those who do not have pending cases, and ensure that all individuals are treated in accordance with the highest standards of International Humanitarian Law.

We call on State forces to respect their fundamental rights, including their right to access family members and legal counsel. We worry over the lack of transparency and the possibility of rights violations during detention.

CHRA reiterates that human rights protections must be observed at all times, especially in situations where allegations of membership in armed groups are used to justify arrests. We remind authorities that accusations do not strip individuals of their rights under the Constitution and international law.

10/03/2026