October 4, 2006
Ambassador Domingo L. Siazon
Philippine Embassy
Dear Ambassador Siazon,
We are grieving and in state of shock upon learning that Bishop Alberto Ramento, the Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Bishop of the Philippine Independent Church, was stabbed to death yesterday morning with initial report that
it is a case of robbery with homicide. It is knowledge that Bishop Ramento had been receiving death threats due to his advocacy that is critical to the Arroyo government’s policies.
To mention some is in his June 12, 2006 Interfaith Rally against Charter Change, Bishop Ramento again took to the stage in Liwasang Bonifacio to denounce the administration’s moves to revise the constitution. During his speech, he proudly announced that during its deliberations, the leadership of the Philippine Independent Church was unanimous in its opposition to charter change. This announcement drew applause from the audience and leaders of other churches and faiths present at the rally.
The Aglipayan Bishop was active in human rights and civil liberties issues, being a founding convenor of the Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties (MCCCL). He spoke out against the spate of extrajudicial killings under the Arroyo administration that like him the progressive church leaders and workers have been among the targets of political assassination in the provinces.
While the Philippine National Police quickly suggest robbery as the motive of the killing, we cannot be content knowing that he is an outspoken critic of extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations under the Arroyo
government.
Bishop Ramento has dedicated his entire life solely for the poor and the oppressed just like when he stood by striking workers of Hacienda Luisita. He has been a staunch peace advocate and human rights defender that dated back from the martial law years of former President Marcos.
As we join all peace-loving people of the Philippines in praying for Bp. Ramento and other victims of human rights violations in the Philippines, let it be known that we are calling on the government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to make a quick and thorough investigation of the murder so that justice may be served.
Therefore, we are asking your office to convey our demand in the strongest term to the Philippine government to give an impartial investigation to the death of Bishop Ramento.
Respectfully yours,
Rev. John Yuji Kanzaki Rev. ToshiYamamoto
Chair, Philippines Committee, General Secretary,
National Christian Council in Japan National Christian
Council in Japan