27 NOVEMBER 2014 ALL STUDENT COUNCILS PEOPLES STRUGGLES DESK HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
Dear fellow student leaders,
The Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang Mag-aaral sa UP (KASAMA sa UP), in line with its campaign of an established Peoples Struggles Desk across the UP System, enjoins the entire UP community in commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners this December 3 and the International Human Rights Day this coming December 10. Aside from our various local mobilizations projected in these dates, it is essential for us to conduct build-up activities that aim to 1) coordinate a system-wide series of activities situating UP at the forefront of the struggle for genuine societal freedom, 2) raise the political awareness of the Iskolar ng Bayan with regard to these issues, 3) mobilize our membership and the community towards active involvement, and 4) contribute to the national and global struggle of the people in attaining genuine justice and lasting peace. Listed below is the proposed general framework of our human rights campaign for the peoples struggles desk: 10,000 LETTERS OF LIBERTY As we commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners this coming December 3, we enjoin your student council in mobilizing the UP community in crafting Letters of Liberty. This campaign aims to raise the awareness of the Iskolar ng Bayan with regard to the condition of political prisoners across the globe and the injustices they are experiencing because of their political beliefs. The University of the Philippines is not a stranger to this phenomenon as there are political prisoners who come from the ranks of UP students: Maricon Montajes of UP Diliman, with Romiel Canete and Ronilo Baes (Taysan 3), Gerald Salonga and Guiller Cadano of UP Pampanga among others. By the 3rd of December we expect that all our letters will be forwarded to Pres. Noynoy Aquino, DOJ secretary Leila de Lima, Human Rights Commissioner Loretta Rosales, and the Pope. Also, in the case of Maricon Montajes and the Taysan 3, we are forwarding letters to the warden of Batangas Provincial Jail, Ret. Col. David Quimio, and to the presiding judge of their case, Hon. Rose Marie J. Manalang-Austria, to ensure their safety and security while inside the prison and for concrete progress in their cases leading to their immediate release. Your student council may put up drop boxes for these letters at a location where people frequently pass by so that they may be able to learn about the campaign and give their support. Attached to this memorandum are copies of sample letters from the UPLB University Student Council and Task Force Freedom which may serve as your guide in crafting yours.
HUMAN RIGHTS WEEK COMMEMORATION
December 10 marks the International Human Rights Day and KASAMA sa UP would like to request your student council to conduct activities to commemorate this day. These activities may be held beginning December 1, 2014 and may run even until after December 10. UP students are also defenders of human rights. As a progressive institution, we have witnessed many deliberate violations to our rights as human beings. For so long, we have been victims of various forms of state-perpetrated violence and until this day we continue to fight against all these; demanding for a society that is truly free from any threat to its peoples democratic rights. As part of Task Force Freedom, KASAMA sa UP will be spearheading a jail visit at the Batangas Provincial Jail this coming December 7, Sunday. We shall spend this day in solidarity with Maricon Montajes, the Taysan 3, and immerse ourselves with the activities they have lined up for the HR Week (i.e. focused group discussions, mural painting, exhibit). Transportation will be arranged on the said date and nearby campuses are requested to send delegates to the visit. Please also take note that monetary payment may be required for the transportation. This activity is open to ALL students who are interested to partake in this endeavor. MEDICAL MISSION KASAMA sa UP is also currently working on a medical mission project targeted for December 21, 2014, at the Batangas Provincial Jail. We are currently looking for interested organizations, formations, fraternities, and sororities who may be willing to take part in this endeavor. We wish to carry out this cause as the Taysan 3 have long been requesting medical support due to the callous living conditions inside the prison. Despite the limited schedule in our academic calendar, KASAMA sa UP hopes that you could still contribute to the success of this activity. Aside from taking part in this roster of activities, your student council may also release statements, infographics, and other materials which you deem related to this campaign. Exhibits, forums, discussion groups, and the like are also highly encouraged. Should you have further queries and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach us through the undersigned. The Alliance is looking forward to your support. Thank you. For a united student movement, EDUARDO D. GABRAL National Chairperson 09273841392 | edgabral@up.edu.ph